This book has risen from obscurity and now is worth three times its value of three years ago. Furthermore, back in the day, these books were underappreciated to the extreme. Sure, we all knew that a movie was eventually coming for Spawn. But, there were other things to buy. What can be learned from this stark, over-published example? How high is the price for a Spawn near mint to mint slab today? Finally, Is Todd MacFarlane ever going to produce his movie for this character? "These are the questions that try men's souls..."

Spawn #1

This is the first appearance of Spawn and the beginning of the most successful independent comic book publishing company possibly ever, Image Comics.  It is also the first appearance of Wanda Blake, Malebolgia, as well as Sam and Twitch. It was published by Image Comics in May of 1992.

Todd McFarlane gives an update on the new 'Spawn' movie | EW.comSpawn Questions?

Spawn has been with us for about 29 years. At that time, this book probably went up a little on the first Spawn movie but then collapsed into obscurity and low prices. Is there a lesson to be learned with this first movie? Further, is there going to be a new movie? And when?! Finally, what kind of return trend has followed this book over the years?

 

Title Grade Price YTD Return Trend Five Year Return Trend
Spawn #1 9.9 $3618 N/A +77.4%
9.8 $312 +18% +114%
9.6 $75 +12% +75%

Spawn #306 Review – But Why Tho? A Geek CommunityTrend Return Analysis

The trend return on this comic book is solid as an oak tree. Currently, grade 9.8 returns positive +18%, and grade 9.6 closely follows with +12%. We are almost halfway through the year, so that means a trend return somewhere in the +30% range, not bad. Longer-term is double the YTD trend. In some cases, triple.  I included 9.9 graded books here because in a way it creates a return trend ceiling for grade 9.8. Sorry, near mint to mint folks. You're not top dog this time. That said, grade 9.8 has solid returns and has tripled in value over the last three years. Spawn #1 has been a great bet short-term.

Exclusive: John Leguizamo On What Went Wrong With 1997's 'Spawn' MovieMovie News

Trend returns aren't everything, and this book was heavily published and incredibly popular when it came out. For so many years, I saw many of these in bargain bins.  Now is the opportunity you have been waiting for, the timing of a sale for Spawn #1. There is talk of a reboot in development and Jason Blum, in May 2020, said, "It was in active development." You have until the next movie and maybe a second movie after that. By then, Marvel will be dominating the market again and Spawn will be long forgotten.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, Spawn is not a character that you can easily build on. He doesn't appeal to most children, is kind of R-rated, and has way too much violence. The end result is we will see Spawn every now and then in a movie. But please trust me, do not think Spawn #1 as if you owned ASM #129 or even ASM #300. It is not that book. He is kind of the junk food of heroes, cheap, and fun to consume; but not good for you over the long term.

Seriously awesome tools for seriously awesome collectors! Upgrade to a Premium Account today!