Hello, and welcome back to our weekly column where we take a look at a few undervalued or overlooked comics from one of each of four comic book eras – Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, and Copper Age – all in an attempt to find value for you, the comic book investor and collector.  Whether you’re a high roller or a bargain shopper, there will be something in here for everyone.  This week, it’s the Silver Age.  Let’s get started.

Second Appearance of the JLA

Overlooked Comics

To lead things off this week, we’re going to dive straight into The Brave and the Bold #29, the second appearance of the Justice League.  This time around we have an excellent comic for comparison purposes:  Avengers #2.  As with The Brave and the Bold #29, it’s the second appearance of the team but not the first appearance of any of the heroes.  Both feature throwaway villains in the Weapons Master and the Space Phantom.

Let’s take a look at the numbers for each, starting with the CGC census.  There are 2,147 copies of Avengers #2 in the CGC census, compared to only 514 for The Brave and the Bold #29.  A number of copies graded 9.0 and higher:  Avengers #2 – 141; The Brave and the Bold #29 – 7.  And, to top it all off, we actually have comparable grades for recent sales.  On June 5, a 5.0 graded copy of Avengers #2 sold in an eBay auction for $805.

On May 29, a 5.0 graded copy of The Brave and the Bold #29 sold in an eBay auction for $500.  Here’s the thing:  forget about which team is bigger on film; forget about FOMO; forget about all of the hype that has been bred into us as comic book collectors over the past decade or so, that you must invest in key MCU related books.

If you have an opportunity to purchase the second appearance of the JLA – a book that is older and rarer – and you can purchase it for $300 less than Avengers #2, you make that deal and walk away happy.

First Appearance of a Valiant Hero

Overlooked Comics

In 1991, Magnus Robot Fighter #1 was the first comic published by Valiant Comics.  However, the character originally appeared much earlier in comics, with Magnus, Robot Fighter #1 published by Gold Key in January 1963.  It’s books like these that could offer the greatest long-term potential investment return.

While others are focused on the Marvel flavor of the week, or trying to get DC keys at comparatively lower costs, known properties like Magnus Robot Fighter are being completely overlooked.  There are only 203 copies in the CGC census and not a single 9.8.  In 2002, across all grades, there have been only seven sales, with all of them being 5.0 to 7.0 graded copies.

The 7.0 graded copy sold for $504 in a Heritage auction on January 6.  That’s down 22% from its peak price of $650 set in April 2019.  Overlooked books like Magnus, Robot Fighter #1 offer low buy-in opportunities for those willing to make riskier investments.  It’s not a blue chip, but it does offer greater potential for a price spike that could make the investment a lucrative one.

First Appearance of the Badoon

Overlooked Comics

Silver Surfer’s first series has been a trendy one for quite a while.  Even before the MCU craze and the comic boom of 2020 and 2021, The Silver Surfer #1 has been a much sought-after book.  The same can be said for The Silver Surfer #3, the first appearance of Mephisto, and The Silver Surfer #4, the first meeting of the Silver Surfer and Thor – and with a classic John Buscema cover.

The one issue missing from this potential quartet is The Silver Surfer #2.  This is a book that looks out of place when compared to the other three.  The average number of copies in the CGC census for The Silver Surfer #1, #3, and #4:  3,279.  The number of copies in the CGC census for The Silver Surfer #2:  1,806.  The same is true for prices.  Average last sale price for a 9.6 graded copy of The Silver Surfer #1, #3, and #4:  $21,133.  For #2:  $1,495.  6.0 - $3,975 average for #1, #3, and #4; $179 for #2.  3.0 - $533 average for #1, #3, and #4; $119 for #2.

Overlooked Comics

In each of these comparisons, The Silver Surfer #2 is found wanting.  However, the book has a lot to offer.  It’s the second issue of the series.  It’s also the first appearance of the Badoon, a major alien race in Marvel Comics.  And yet, it’s valued in the high and mid grades at less than 10% of the three comics in the series that are considered the most valuable.  There is certainly some price inflation for The Silver Surfer #1, #3, and #4; that doesn’t mean that The Silver Surfer #2 should be worth so little comparatively.

This looks very much like an undervalued key with very good potential to rise in the future. Particularly for buyers who can’t afford the other three.

Want more Undervalued & Overlooked?

Next Week: Copper Age Undervalued & Overlooked

Well, that’s all we have time for this week.  Join us next week as we take a look at some undervalued and overlooked Copper Age comics.

Do you think The Brave and the Bold #29, Magnus, Robot Fighter #1, and Silver Surfer #2 are undervalued, overlooked, or both?  Let us know below.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.