What do the first black costume, first Punisher appearance, first black Spider-Man suit in regular series, the first appearance of Wolverine, and the first Ms. Marvel all have in common? Well, they are all Bronze Age comics which makes them valuable though still the runner-up to the Silver Age. We have the beginnings of Venom, the first Punisher, Willey Wolvie, and Ms. Marvel in a bikini (made ya look). These are the most popular Bronze Age comics in the month of August. These five comics are expensive but more then half have a long way to go before they top out, if ever. I like Ms. Marvel #1 the best out of all these books. I suspect hers had the smallest print run, and low print with a key book equals increased value over time. Yes, Incredible Hulk #181 will probably always be the high water mark for Bronze Age investment. But remember, "past is not necessarily prologue."
Fifth Place
Ms. Marvel is finally coming into her own. The popularity of her beautiful first appearance is going straight up from here. She first appeared in Ms. Marvel #1 created by Gerry Conway, Carla Conway (script) and John Romita with John Buscema (pencils). A notable mention is Marie Severin on colors. This book came out the same year as Star Wars 1977. "At last! A bold new super-heroine in the sense-stunning tradition of Spider-Man!" This book promised "All-Out Action!" From a speculative standpoint, I would say it delivered.
Currently, this blond bombshell is ranked fifth most popular Bronze Age comic in the month of August. All because Brie Larson is going to play her in the upcoming Avengers movie due out next year. Hey, I have read there are Skrulls also making their first appearance. The numbers on this book have really blasted off and she is in great shape, current (9.8) FMV is over $2000, and twice what the highest (9.8) Star Wars #1 is going for! Furthermore, I am sure the print run was nothing to write home about when this came out. This means the price should shoot up with a good movie opening. Yeah, the consistency here means green; not like the Hulks skin but like major moolah. Especially with positive +47.5% returns on this marvelous Ms. Mauler in mint (9.8).
Fourth Place
The Incredible Hulk #181 is on the rampage again, climbing to the top four in August. The first appearance of Wolverine is as hot as ever. The long-term trajectory for this investment blue chip comic book is better than Haley's Comet, out of the solar system. Currently, over the past 10,000 sales going back 18 years, even the (0.5) of a poor grade returns 22.6%. This comic even more than its hairy protagonist truly is "the very best at what it does." The mint condition comic (9.8) has returned positive +68.4% with 63 sales over the last 18 years.
The most recent sale on heritage Auctions was $21,500 on 5/10/18. The FMV of this issue is higher than the current market value at $30,000 FMV. This could be hinting at a slight price decline, probably due to a run-up for Logan; the movie that put the kibosh on Wolverine once and for all. At least, until they find a new actor to take over from Hugh Jackman who owned it. Still, with all its popularity and raging green meanies, this book is stuck at number four for now. If you can buy a low-grade copy, simply do it!
Third Place
The fact that Amazing Spider-Man #252 has edged out first Wolverine and first Ms. Marvel is a brain teaser, to say the least. This book is early then Secret Wars #8 but it gets treated like a second-class Punisher volume three comic. No joy! It has an FMV in mint (9.8) of $600 and a return for the last 18 years of positive +105.3%. Could this be the hidden gem of Amazing Spider-Man? My Spidey-sense is tingling!
Runner-Up
The Punisher has his sights set on the first Spider-Man symbiote black costume while waiting in the number two spot with Amazing Spider-Man #129. The near mint to mint has an FMV of $11,500 value. That is one heck of a return. The highest grade return for this first Punisher is positive +128.3% and the last comic sold on eBay for a grade (9.6) and the buyer paid $5184 just two months ago. Not a bad return for the avenging angel of the common man, the Punisher.
King of the Bronze Age in August
During the month of August Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 was the King of the Bronze Age! This book more than any other I suppose introduces the symbiote (black costume). Many worship at the shrine of Venomism, and I guess feel this is the real first appearance of Venom in Marvel. The first black spider suit in a regular series apparently does not cut it, current FMV is $240 per GoCollect. The interesting thing about this book is it is all over the map, a great return to grade (3.5) positive +40%, but then a (5.0) has a negative return of -25.7%; this symbiote sure is tricky. Currently, the best return same time period 18 years with max 10,000 analyzed provides (9.8) mint at 62.6% (GoCollect). Now those of you following closely will see (9.9)'s a shade higher. Given that they are only 15 sales and the rarity of obtaining one, stick with the proven (9.8)'s with over 1100 sales.
Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 and Hulk 181 take the cake
