In 1992 a group of the top talented Marvel Comic book artists left and created Image Comics. This partnership allowed the creators to own their creations and maintain editorial control. This event created a sustainable independent company and a true threat to Marvel. In fact, the stock even dropped when news hit of the exodus of talent. This big change shattered forever the comic book companies of DC Comics and Marvel Comics as the only dominant players. Image Comics had top talent and carved a nitch that has not been duplicated since Image was created. Because of this development, 1992 became the beginning of the Modern Age. Image Comics is credited with the start of the Modern Age of comics by its creation. What are the top ten Modern Age comics for last month?
| Title | Grade | Last Sale | CGC Census | % Catalyst | Return |
| Spawn #1 | 9.8 | $199 | 14,327 | 50% | +7.9% |
| Amazing Spider-Man #300 | 9.8 | $2,100 | 22,096 | 100% | +1.2% |
| X-O Manowar #1 | 9.8 | $190 | 1,462 | 25% | +30% |
| Amazing Spider-Man #361 | 9.8 | $379 | 15,042 | 100% | +2.2% |
| New Mutants #98 | 9.8 | $705 | 18,586 | 75% | +1.8% |
| Venom: Lethal Protector #1 | 9.8 | $120 | 7,869 | 100% | +26.2% |
| Batman Adventures #12 | 9.4 | $475 | 5,811 | 75% | +11.6% |
| X-Men Annual #14 | 9.8 | $149 | 1,919 | 100% | +21% |
| The Uncanny X-Men #266 | 9.8 | $404 | 13,874 | 100% | +3.3% |
| New Mutants #87 | 9.8 | $325 | 9,410 | 100% | +6.9% |
There you have it! The top Modern Age comics last month with Spawn #1 in the first position. Interestingly positive +7% is a solid return for a book with over 14,000 in CGC Census! There has been scuttlebutt of a movie for quite some time, and I have no doubt it will eventually happen, but when, no idea. In the number two spot, we have a favorite of everyone's Amazing Spider-Man #300 at $2,100 this thing is pricey, with only a meager positive +1.2% return it has my respect, but not my money.
Folks, we have a newcomer to the top ranks, welcome: X-O Manowar #1. Created by a new independent comic book company Valiant in 1992 this comic book has art from Bob Layton and Barry Windsor-Smith of Conan fame. It has a solid return to be sure, at positive +30% this is a pure speculation play. However, I am curious about such a low CGC Census where it could go. Perhaps there weren't many published, more research is required, but it is a buy at this level. This book could double or even triple with a positive catalyst.
Further down the list Batman Adventures #12 managed to creep up to the seventh spot. Harley Quinn is an interesting character, that needs one more redeeming movie. I believe James Gunn should give us that movie in Suicide Squad 2 due in 2021 or beyond. This particular book has solid green returns up and down the grades. There was a slight decline in return for 9.8, but I felt that was an anomaly. Instead, I used (9.4) grade returns and the numbers were solid at +11% for this book last four months.
I want to close this group with a comment or two on X-Men Annual #14 according to another website this book is the "real" first appearance of Gambit. It is called a cameo but there is disagreement on the actual first appearance now, as so much of the character appears in this book. Be that as it may, this kitten is purring to be picked up, at $149 and a positive+21% it should be on your list.
Conclusion
The independents like Image Comics and Valiant seem to be pitoning their way to the summit of the Modern Age. They have surrounded Venom and one is in the lead, which is impressive for these books. I have been waiting on Spawn #1 to rise in value for years; so I am a happy little Spawnista. Hopefully, Todd McFarlane gets this movie made. This month's picks make clear one thing, the comic book resale community online is alive and strong. With Image Comics at the helm, perhaps, the independents will keep the lead until next month. Considering Image started the Modern Age it is not beyond belief they might end up ruling it.
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