Marvel Comics matched interesting opponents in head to head combat during the 70s. One such battle royale is Werewolf vs. Dracula. Can Werewolf defeat the archfiend, Dracula? The story starts in Werewolf by Night #15. This comic book has a new origin story and wonderful cover art from Mike Ploog. The cover is full of anticipation for battle; even the gargoyle that Werewolf straddles is quaking from the forces in combat. Mike Ploog deserves kudos to be sure. Now, I like wolves, but taking on Dracula is insanity. He has fought Doctor Strange, the X-men, and even the Silver Surfer. It is not only crazy it is howling at the Moon madness for the Werewolf to challenge him! Whose financial fangs are longer in this matchup?

 

 

 

 

 

Werewolf by Night #15

This classic Marv Wolfman script is ably supported by one of Marvel's great horror masters Mike Ploog on pencils and cover. This comic was created in 1974 and sold for $.20 cents at the time, cheaper than a candy bar. Yes, I am that old. This story was created by Marv Wolfman (script) with Mike Ploog (art). As previously mentioned, it has the new origin of the Werewolf, the story continued in Tomb of Dracula #18 and finally Ploog cover art. He is kind of the forgotten master of horror for Marvel. Can this minor key hold major profits?

 

 

 

 

Long-Term

  • Grade 9.8 $750 last sale 9-28-18 returns positive +15.7%
  • Grade 9.6 $250 last sale 10-8-19 returns positive +52.9%
  • Grade 9.2 $66 last sale 6-25-16 returns positive +56.9%
  • Grade 9.0 $122 last sale 12-2-19 returns positive +130%

 

 

 

 

Tomb of Dracula #18

The story of Werewolf vs. Dracula finishes in Tomb of Dracula #18. Also, brought to life by the able script of Marv Wolfman with art from three of the greats at Marvel: Gil Kane, Jon Romita, and Gene Colan. Is this book a better value than Werewolf by Night #15? What does your speculative gut tell you at this point?

Long-Term

  • Grade 9.8 $382 last sale 1-7-19 returns positive +24%
  • Grade 9.6 $174 last sale 6-21-19 returns positive +1.1%
  • Grade 9.2 $120 last sale 10-23-18 returns positive +29%
  • Grade 9.0 $28 last sale 12-14-19 returns positive +9%

 

 

Conclusion:

The financial matchup has Werewolf by Night #15 "winning!" It clearly dominates Tomb of Dracula #18 in returns and value. Did your speculative gut guide you to the origin story? If so, Bravo Zulu! You are ready to join the Van Helsings and hunt Dracula to the ends of the Earth, at least as a speculative play. Werewolf by Night #15 has three areas where it edges out Tomb of Dracula #18. It has Mike Ploog art, an origin story and finally the returns are great enough to make you howl at the moon.

 

The WBN #15 has a +15% return in a grade 9.8 and is dominated by the TOD #18 return of +24%. However, that is the only success TOD #18 has in this fight. Werewolf by Night #15 dominates in all three lower grades recorded here with grade 9.6 fielding +52%, grade 9.2 returns +56%, and the fangs really sink in with +130% in grade 9.0! The Werewolf clearly wins in this matchup. Dracula might be the more powerful of the antagonists and win in the comics; however, the speculative play is clear you want to own the Werewolf by Night #15 for the financial win.

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