Silver Age KeysMany times we focus on what is hot.  Marvel Comics and the MCU dominate comic book blogs.  This focus leaves opportunities for those who see investing as a long-term affair.  Here are some Silver Age books that you may want to purchase before others see their desirability.

When in the Blue Sea, Think Red!

Justice League of America #64- Silver Age bookHistory

DC Comics, in my opinion, was the top dog in the Golden Age.  The company created many memorable characters that still exist in the comics today, either as written or in a different form.  Red Tornado was introduced in the Golden Age.  In the Silver Age, the character was completely re-imagined. This character was now an android with the ability to create tornado winds and possessed superhuman strength.  Justice League of America #64  was the first Silver Age appearance of this new version.

The Red Tornado has appeared in numerous storylines in comics since his Silver Age introduction.  In addition, he has evolved to fit the need of authors for a given event.

Reason to Purchase

The major reason to purchase this book is that it is relatively inexpensive when compared to other key Silver Age books with similar characters.  This character has appeared in cartoons for years and has recently made a few appearances in the Arrowverse.  The only reason this book languishes at such a low FMV is that his first appearance is in the JLA series.  He has potential for the future so if you want to pick up this book cheaply the right time to buy may be now.

A new House!

History

If you mention horror series to DC Comics fans, two thoughts run straight to their minds.  House of Mystery and House of Secrets were iconic series in the horror genre.  I was amazed though to find for a period House of Mystery changed the focus of the series. House of Mystery #143 was the first issue that started the J'onn J'onzz Manhunter run.  This was a quick change of direction that seemed to be a trend with DC Comics. Who can forget the Dinosaur/War stories given to readers in another title?  A run of solo Martian Manhunter stories started here in this very issue.

Reason to Purchase

This run should be considered the first solo title of the Martian Manhunter.  Long-time collectors see the importance of this run not only because it featured the Manhunter, but it demonstrated DC Comics' attempt to downsize the horror offerings in their line.  Martian Manhunter has appeared in numerous television shows and cartoons.  His powers can rival that of Superman's and yet his weakness is really common. He is a really important character with great potential.

This is a key issue in the character's history and yet this book languishes with such a low FMV that its top graded copy would not exceed $1,000 at the time of this article.  If this was a first issue the price would be much higher.  I  think eventually this book will see some interest that will drive up the FMV.  That is one of the reasons I have added this book to my collection.

This Issue will Cast a Spell on You

History

Iconic characters' first appearances in comics are quite desirable. If those characters have any television, movie, or other media credibility, then the desirability for that issue will increase.  Sabrina the Teenage witch is a character that checks all those boxes.  In addition, her potential has not diminished with age.  This is a character that has so much potential that one would believe that her first comic book appearance would be out of the reach of most collectors.  That is not the case!

Reasons to Purchase

Sabrina the Teenage witch's first appearance was in Archie's Madhouse #22.  I am amazed by the fact that the highest graded copy in the CGC census is a 9.2, and that book has an FMV of $7,250 at the time this article was written. If you look for this book, realize that only 188 exist in the census population. The question is if that number is low because this book is rare, or because it does not draw that much attention in the marketplace. Right now, I believe this book is severely ignored and very undervalued.

When I first started to track this book it was #999 in the Hot Silver Age list.  It has been on fire, jumping all the way up to #318! That last sentence should be read realizing I am being sarcastic.  This book is important, and yet it does not draw the attention it should. If you can find this book then you should buy it!

Summing it Up

Investors must realize that there is more out there than the MCU and Marvel Comics.   Yes, this is where easy money sometimes can be made. Investing should be viewed with a long-term component.  A while back, I used to see the first appearances of Cyborg, Poison Ivy, and other characters being sold for fractions of the prices they are going for today.  These books had potential back then, but few saw the opportunity in owning these books. Sometimes, following a different path can bring you potential opportunities that one day you might realize were the best bets you could have ever made.

Use every tool available to you. Unlock them with a premium membership from GoCollect!