The interesting thing about comic book speculation is that the moves get crazier the longer you observe the comic book market. As recently, as of March 3, 2022, some “speculator” purchased Venom: Lethal Protector #1 for around $24,999! Yep, a down payment on a house for a minor key and book that is barely 30 years old. Why? The purchase was for a perfect copy of Venom: Lethal Protector #1 with a grade of 10.0 mint. This was “lethal speculation” pure and simple.
The consequence for all lower grades of Venom like the measly 9.8; they are simply run of the mill and not as unique to own. By instituting this perfect grade, the seller has set the pinnacle for this book going forward for others to try to achieve.
Did the “speculator” who bought Venom: Lethal Protector #1 in 10 mint grade make a good purchase? What price did this acolyte of Venom pay for the perfect book?
Venom Lethal Protector #1 GCC 10 mint
Venom: Lethal Protector #1 CGC 10 MINT
Opportunity Lost
What a waste of money for this book at $18,000 down, rough estimate. Why not buy Amazing Spider-Man #1 grade 4.0 or better yet, a low-grade Amazing Fantasy #15. These big books will continue to make a big splash far into the future.
This speculator wasted a great deal of money on a marginal key. Money is not equal to everyone, the uber-wealthy among us can afford these kinds of excessive purchases, but for working-class speculators, this should illicit smears.
Verification – what is that?
On top of opportunity lost, you have to question; is it truly a 10.0? Assuming this book is legit is a mistake by folks purchasing on eBay. Though I am not a huge fan of auction houses, they do provide a vital role in eliminating as many fraudulent pieces from the marketplace.
I know in this age of eschewing institutions, why bother? But auction houses do one good thing very well. They provide another layer of verification that what you’re buying is real. Especially important with big money collectibles trading hands.
Venom Data
| Comic | Grade | Price Current | CGC Census |
| Venom Lethal Protector #1 | 10.00 | $24,999 (estimated best offer purchase) | 14091 issues total |
| 9.9 | $1,080 | ||
| 9.8 | $170 |
Conclusion
These are the kind of speculation shenanigans that make the news and are fun to write about. For my readers and fellow speculators, I strongly advise caution when buying on the internet. Auction houses like Heritage Auctions are expensive, but they provide a vital role of gatekeeper and verifier of collectibles.
Most truly huge purchases happen on these sights and for good reason. If you’re buying it face-to-face that is a different story, also, most of the LCS have solid integrity when it comes to their inventory. That said, inspect everything about a comic book. Don’ take the key comic book for granted that it even has all the pages intact. 
Speculation will never go out of style; humanity craves the action. If not speculating on tulips to the point of “Tulipmania” in Amsterdam in 1634; then it is speculation on comic books like a mint copy of Venom Lethal Protector #1 in the 21st Century.
Please make sure, my fellow speculators, that you avoid this kind of “lethal speculation.”
What would you have paid? Let us know in the comments!
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent investment advice on behalf of GoCollect.
4 comments
If you have an eBay store, you can use Terapeak to look up the sold price. Your guess was very close; it sold for $15k.
GPAnalysis shows that it sold for $15,000.
What would have been more illustrative is if you had compared other 10.0s that had sold and looked at what multiples of the 9.8 they sold at. At fast ebay search turned up – JLA/Avenger 3 – $1,200 vs $300 (x4), Killing Joke 1st print – $6,500 vs $300 (x22) – Killing Joke seems a far better comparison…Lethal Protector $25,000 vs $150 (x167). Now we can all share a good laugh.
With over 6,500 9.8’s and 2,400 9.6’s this REEKS of a scam to increase the price on those lower grades (9.8 a lower grade… LOL) and black printing error copies so some someone who is sitting on a pile of ’em can start selling them for much bigger profits. Not to mention the countless other books listed at exorbitant prices just looking for suckers to see the $25K sold listing to jump on the bandwagon. $40K for a signed 9.8 – Seriously???
I would love to see more articles like this pointing out very scam worthy purchases since ebay offers no way for the general public to block specific sellers