Secret Wars #1 Blank Variant with Stan Lee Original Sketch
One of the best aspects about Marvel's "blank" variants is that they provide a blank slate for original sketch art. Some artists provide detailed sketches, including Rob Retiano's elaborate sketch of Stan Lee on the cover of this CGC Signature Series 9.8 copy of Secret Wars #1. Most sketches look more like doodles, but Retiano's sketch of Stan Lee is fully rendered and even includes Stan's iconic catchphrase: "Excelsior!"
The CGC Census lists 194 9.8 Signature Series copies of this issue. Depending upon the quality of the sketches, the value of this book ranges from $100 to $250. If you're interested in this particular book with the Stan Lee sketch, this exact same book sold for a mere $77 during an eBay auction back in September 2019. As of March 15th, the current bid is only $12. Considering this book contains original artwork, and is unique, I personally think it's undervalued.
Amazing Spider-Man #36 (vol. 2) Black 9/11 Cover with Sketches by Steve Hanna and John Romita Jr.
Auction item 10512, a CGC 9.6 Signature Series copy of Amazing Spider-Man #36, has two great sketches of Spider-Man by Steve Hanna and John Romita, Jr. on its cover. This isn't a blank variant, but the all-black cover created in tribute to the September 11, 2001 attacks. Investors submitted this book to a CGC Signature Series event and Hanna and Romita included two sketches of Spider-Man in addition to their signatures. A nice bonus!
The CGC Census lists 497 9.6 Signature Series copies of this issue. The sales price for these books depend on who signed the book, the quality of the sketches, etc. For example, a copy with Stan Lee's signature recently sold for $826 back in February 2023. A copy very similar to the item 10512 sold for $249 back in July. As of March 15th, the current bid is only $37.
Street Fighter Unlimited #1 with Sketch by Alex Kotkin
Auction item 10517, a CGC 9.8 Signature Series copy of Street Fighter Unlimited #1, has beautiful sketches of Cammy and Chun-Li on its cover. Drawn by Alex Kotkin, Kotkin has also done covers and interior artwork for DC and IDW comics.
The CGC Census lists only 27 9.8 Signature Series copies of this issue. Due to lack of sales data, it's hard to determine the FMV of this book, but a similar copy with a sketch of Ryu on its cover sold for less than $95 on eBay back in early February. As of March 15th, the current bid for this item is only $11.
Did any items in PWCC's weekly auction catch your attention? If so, please let us know in the comments section below!
