The Taskmaster is one of the most underrated super-villains in Marvel. He has the unique ability of photographic reflexes. This means Taskmaster can imitate any fighting style or skill perceived. He has mastered many forms of hand to hand combat including the styles of Captain America, Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Hawkeye. He is a master swordsman, marksman, archer, and an Olympic level athlete. This character is the human Leatherman of super-villain skill sets. He has even battled Captain America himself to a standstill. He was part of the Civil War saga, and the Avengers: The Initiative. Each and every time, he manages to escape and reinvent himself all over again. He is as tenacious as Wolverine without the smell. This simulacrum of the Avengers is popular but are his books profitable?
The Taskmaster's tenacity spans the last four decades, since his first appearance in 1980. The Taskmaster was created by David Michelinie, Kurt Busiek (script), George Perez, Sal Buscema, and Dick Giordano (art). The Avengers #196 is the first full appearance of Taskmaster. The Taskmaster has appeared throughout Marvel and fought most of his foes to a standstill. Usually, if he does a job, he prepares by watching recordings of his opponents which gives him an edge. Can we gain a similar edge by investing in this key first appearance comic? The fair market value of Avengers #196 is $775 for mint condition (9.8). In the mid-grades say (8.0) the FMV is $80, cheaper and still a copy in very fine condition. Considering this book is almost forty years old this price is still dirt cheap.
Taskmaster Returns
The returns of this comic are solid green across the board minus two outlier mid-grades. This book is not a huge key like the first appearance of Thanos, or of Wolverine; however, it has exceptionally consistent returns. The following ROI are consistent and a strong indicator of a good investment and possible speculation: grade (9.8) returned +8.9%, the grade (9.6) had +17.5%, grade (9.4) was up +20.8% the mid-grades of (8.0) are positive +38.1%, and grade of (7.5) returned +38.7%. Green (positive returns) across the grades is a go signal to any self-respecting speculator. If you are more of a raw copy collector then, by all means, collect a raw copy on eBay for about $50 in mid-grade. This comic will be worth more over time even in a raw format as long as the condition is fine or above.
The first cameo of this character was on the last page of Avengers #195. Though not as popular as the full first appearance the cameo is still a rewarding investment. The grade of (9.8) has sold for around $200 on 7/11/18 (GoCollect). This issue is still reasonably priced within the lower grades, a fine plus (6.5) sold recently for $18. The returns are as strong as Taskmaster's shield arm with a (9.8) returning positive +30.4%, the grade (9.0) up +30.8%, and a very fine plus at (8.5) up +74.1% (GoCollect). Genuinely popular, this background character Taskmaster is a substantial investment and or speculation.
I haven't seen any media hype about his first appearance in the MCU. But if they do it right, he could be one of the most cinematic villains to ever appear on the big screen, yes, and that includes Thanos. Imagine the scene of the Avengers appearing against this villain, and he can counter every move they have. If Cap throws his shield Taskmaster could snatch it out of the air, he could outshoot Hawkeye and destroy Hawkeye's arrows with his own. In hand to hand combat, he would dominate the Black Panther and Black Widow at the same time. Sure the more powerful Avengers like Iron Man could give him trouble, but what if Taskmaster has his villain team? Then the sparks would fly!
This tenacious villain has seen his comic book first appearance Avengers #196 rise across almost all grades. In addition, these are real and consistent returns. What if Taskmaster does get a cameo or first appearance in the next Marvel movie? Then watch out, this character will become even more popular. The Avengers issue #196 is a vintage key to one very cool customer, Taskmaster. Once he appears and the movie catalyst impacts price; then the cost is going to soar into the air like Tasky's exploding arrows. In the meantime, this is a solid investment and the returns are above average. Purchase the Taskmaster's first appearance for an edge as it is collectible and profitable. When this character appears in the MCU exploding arrows will be the least of your worries as this speculation will shoot out of sight.
