Silky Smooth: Amazing Spider-Man #4

New heroes are emerging onto the scene at Marvel. One such hero is Silk. Essentially she is Spidey in female form with a Korean-American background. This has been Marvel's ongoing push since its earliest beginnings to increase its fan base and therefore it's readership. Let's just hope this blows up the collectibles market well beyond its current shape.

In a visceral analysis it doesn't matter if you agree with these changes; what matters from a speculative perspective is that you can benefit from them. Who is Silk? What are her superpowers? Can she hold a candle to Peter Parker? More importantly, are her books a profitable endeavor?

Amazing Spider-Man #4

This is the first appearance of Silk (Cindy Moon) and a cameo of Morlun (Who?). Amazing Spider-Man #4 was created by Dan Slott (writer) and Humberto Ramos (art) in 2014. Cindy Moon was transformed into "the radioactive spider that gave Peter Parker his powers bit someone else, too! Who is Silk and where has she been?"

Silk's powers are superhuman strength, speed, agility, reflexes, precognitive Spidey-Sense, creation of spider webs from fingers, and clinging ability. Silk has teamed up with Protectors, Spider-Army, and Agents of Atlas. Her strength is not quite as great as Peter Parker's but she is faster, is an established hand-to-hand fighter, and has an eidetic memory.

YTD-Results:

Solid Returns

These results are good solid returns, maybe you won't make a bankroll, but it will be a profitable investment. However, if we delve a little deeper into some of these can we clear away the cobwebs of doubt? From the get-go grade (9.4) with a $100 sales price for a Modern Age book is positive. Why? Modern Age books especially recent Modern Age, like this one don't typically make $100 for a 9.4 grade. Often the near mint grades lag well behind the vaunted 9.8. In this case, it is up there at $100 in value. This is beginning to broaden out and I expect this book will do nothing but wall-crawl straight up the pinnacle of profit.

CGC Census

In addition, the recent CGC Census number indicates only 3985 books have been CGC'd to this point. That is a good number for a Modern Age book. By the time everyone dusts off their copy and CGC's it; then you should be on your way to the bank with your profit. At $300 I would try for 9.8 with raw copies only, enjoy it while it lasts, 'cause it never does.

Conclusion:

Silk is a natural fit for Modern Age books, and a growing Marvel fanbase the world over. Her books are increasing in value between positive +23% and +84% Y-T-D. The CGC Census is still relatively low in the number of slabs outstanding and Amazing Spider-Man #4 has dominated the Modern Age books this week and moved into the top spot. It is the number one most popular Modern Age book per GoCollect.com. Any one of these is a good enough reason to buy this book in raw format. However, be careful not to overpay for CGC slabbing. I know it is popular, however, you would be better off to buy raw in this comic book. Don't be a hero and buy the expensive graded book, instead look for the raw alternative and save your money.