The drive for human blood is akin to the drive for comic book returns but without the detritus of gore left behind. Marvel has had some interesting vampires and very original takes from their version of Dracula in 1972. From the Living Vampire Morbius to the more traditional vamp, the dreaded Baron Blood. Vampires over the years have played a larger and larger roll in the Marvel Universe. Personally, the comic book that really interested me was X-Men taking on Dracula. I know it seems a little spoofy; kind of similar to The Wolfman meets Bob Hope, but hear me out. It was really fun watching the artists and writers come to grips with the power of the X-Men vs. the Lord of Darkness himself (Dracula). This happened in Uncanny X-Men #159 written by none other than Chris Claremont and penciled by Bill Sienkiewicz.

Amazing Spider-Man #101

Morbius the Living Vampire always fascinated me as well. The concept was really ahead of its time, a scientifically based vampire. One that could walk in the sun, and had powers but they weren't supernatural. The vampire in question is Morbius and he first appeared mano-y-mano up against Spider-Man in Amazing Spider-Man #101. This creature was created by Stan Lee and Roy Thomas, with pencils by Gil Kane. After chemical ingestion and some electrical shock treatments; Morbius developed superhuman strength, speed, and regeneration (though not as powerful as Wolverine). In addition, this sci-vamp also has limited hypnotic ability and night, vision, and flight of limited scope. All in, he makes a tough opponent for Spidey. But the most important power is still in question; does this bloodsucker produce profits?

Amazing Spider-Man #101.

Long-Term Trends 18 years sales:

  • Grade 9.8 is valued at $12,500 FMV  returns positive +119.5%
  • Grade 9.2 is valued at $1700 FMV returns positive +115.9%
  • Grade 8.0 is valued at $775 FMV returns positive +114.1%
  • Grade 6.0 is valued at $400 FMV returns positive +121.6%

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Trends for 6 months:

  • Grade 9.8 returns positive +49.7%
  • Grade 9.2 returns positive -10.3%
  • Grade 8.0 returns positive -2.7%
  • Grade 6.0 returns positive +6.8%
  • Grade 3.5 returns positive +12.4%

This book shows above average numbers, especially over the long haul. Take a bite of Morbius if you can afford one before the sun comes up. Remember, Jared Leto is playing the Morose Morbius in a Sony film coming up in 2020. That is another year of trailers, spoilers, media hype, and crazy Jared Leto antics. You may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome if you allow Morbius to hypnotize you into spending money on this Amazing Spider-Man classic villain's first appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #101.

The Invaders #7

The Invaders are the "Greatest Superheroes of World War Two!" One of there long-term enemies has always been Baron Blood. This vampire is actually related to Union Jack and ends up fighting him throughout the series. Baron Blood first appeared in The Invaders #7 in 1976 Roy Thomas did the script. Campy, fun, your typical mustache twirling villain Baron Blood is simply a vampire created by Dracula. Can this creepy aristocrat payoff in profit?

Long-Term Trends for 18 years:

  • Grade 9.8 last sale $750 returns +97.1%
  • Grade 9.6 last sale $169.49 returns +112.3%
  • Grade 9.2 last sale $51 returns +2%

These are positive long-term trends and proof the Bronze Age is really starting to increase in value after years of neglect. Five or six years ago, these were $1 bin comics, even CGC they probably didn't cost much. Now they are taking their place among the other keys. Buy Baron Blood's first appearance while it is still a bargain and you don't have to sell plasma to obtain it.