Top Three Comics: Bronze Age

The Bronze Age started with the catalyst of Green Lantern #76 (1970) and Amazing Spider-Man #121 (1973) from Marvel. Everyone in the collector/speculator community pretty much chalks up the 70s and the first few years of the 80s as Bronze. The top three comics of the Bronze Age for the last month are Savage She-Hulk #1, Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 and the Eternals #1. All three books have been on the hot-to-trot radar for at least the last six months. Of these three, which is the top prospect dominating last month’s popularity in the Bronze Age? Furthermore, whose first appearances provide the best return short-term: the Big Green One, the Infernal Eternals, or Super-Secret Secret Wars?

Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 (Ranked Third)

Secret Wars #8 is the third most popular comic book from last month. It represents the first Spider-Man symbiote black costume. This book was created by Jim Shooter (script) and Michael Zeck (art) in 1984. It debuts the symbiote during the first Secret Wars. Now, there are earlier appearances of the black costume, symbiote, and Venom. That said, this book continues to be popular, but only has average short-term returns.

Short-Term (6-Months)

• Grade 9.8 Last sale $200 11/16/19 returns negative -13%
• Grade 9.2 Last sale $81 11/15/19 returns positive +3.3%
• Grade 8.5 Last sale $109 11/16/19 returns positive +8.5%

The interest in Secret Wars is not a secret at all. In fact, folks continue to pile into this heavily printed book especially with talk of Battleworld in the MCU at some point.

Eternals #1 (Ranked Second)

The first appearance of Jack Kirby’s Eternals was in Eternals #1 in 1976. This is Jack Kirby’s baby, he did the script, pencils, and even the editing; that is what you call fully committed to a comic book. The Eternals spawned from his creation of the New Gods at DC. The New Gods were a series that DC canceled on Jack Kirby, then he left for Marvel and the Eternals. The funny thing is the Eternals are very similar.

Short-Term (6-Months)

• Grade 9.8 Last sale $440 11/14/19 returns positive +3.2%
• Grade 9.2 Last sale $110 11/12/19 returns positive +0.5%
• Grade 8.5 Last sale $125 11/7/19 returns negative -22.6%

Savage She-Hulk #1 (Numero Uno)

The sexy green beast She-Hulk will probably dominate 2020 when it hits the TV streaming service on Disney+. I hope you have been stocking up on She-Hulk comics because she is just as powerful as the Hulk but far more palatable as a character to the American viewer. Why? She-Hulk has always retained her intelligence and that makes her more than just a “mindless beast that plays at being a (woman).” She has a loyal following and the American people have not yet seen her in anything other than comics. Just like Iron Man, once this character hits the big screen watch her popularity and her books skyrocket. That is the power of Marvel, hundreds of interesting superbeings and when unleashed these superheroes draw a multitude of fans.

Short-Term (6-Months)

• Grade 9.8 Last sale $440 11/14/19 returns negative -5.3%
• Grade 9.2 Last sale $109 11/12/19 returns negative -26.8%
• Grade 8.5 Last sale $75 11/12/19 returns positive +24.7%

This jolly green gargantuan is popular and that will grow and expand well beyond her current pricing point. The bottom line with the Savage She-Hulk #1 is that the series didn’t last long and that means smaller print runs; which equates to rarity and more “quatloos” (TOS Star Trek: Money). That tied to the low-cost of entry as speculation will probably bring a great deal of younger female collectors into our speculation world, which we very much need to keep expanding the market.

Conclusion:

All three are lagging on returns, so I am going to have to stick with my earlier Savage She-Hulk #1  pick. She certainly has Hulk-like staying power. I will site two items that make her first appearance preeminent: First, her publication had a relatively low print run and did not last long meaning the outstanding supply of books will dry up quick; thereby raising the price. Second, her type of character fits in with the early 21st Century, sexy, strong, professional female, and a superhero; what is not to like?

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