Hello, and welcome to a new weekly column where we’ll take a look at a couple 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.

The Origin of Dr. Strange

Our first comic – Strange Tales #115 – definitely doesn’t fall in the overlooked category, as many collectors are familiar with this book.  Here’s what it has going for it:  the origin of Dr. Strange and the second appearance of Spider-Man foe, the Sandman.

Here’s what’s going against it:  as with most of the early Dr. Strange stories in Strange Tales, there’s no Dr. Strange on the cover.  Looking at the CGC census, we see that the highest grade for this book that has sold recently is in the 9.2 grade.  All sales in higher grades are either more than two years old or – in the case of the single 9.8 – have never sold.

The last sale of a 9.2 was in December 2020 for $4,560. This is down slightly from the prior sale of $4,657 in May 2017.  In the 6.0 grade, we see a book that has fallen from a peak sale of $723 in September 2021 to $525 in January 2022.  And, in the bargain basement, we find the 2.0 sales price of $200 in January 2022 a nickel less than the prior sale in September 2021.

This is an important issue.  It’s the origin of Dr. Strange and the second appearance of one of Spider-Man’s most well-known foes. Still, collectors seem to be approaching it with a collective shrug.  As a comparison, take a look at Strange Tales #111.  It has less going for it, arguably, than Strange Tales #115:  no Sandman or Spider-Man on the cover, just the Torch against the Asbestos Man (who?).  Yes, it is the second appearance of Dr. Strange and the first appearance of Baron Mordo.

I would argue that Dr. Strange’s origin is of more importance to comic book history than his second appearance.  However, the prices aren’t showing that.  In the 9.0 grade, we see a March 2022 sale on eBay for a slashed $5,695.  The 6.0 grade has an FMV of $825, over 30% higher than the FMV for Strange Tales #115.  In the 2.0 grade, we have an FMV of $450 – more than double the FMV for #115.

Sooner or later, the collecting public is going to start paying attention to this book and valuing it higher.  You owe it to yourself to at least consider adding this book to your collection before the values start reflecting its importance.

The Legion's First Appearance

If there’s one thing that the current hype for all things MCU has done to the hobby to make it more affordable, it’s allowed DC collectors to purchase key issues for comparatively decent prices that aren’t on a skyrocketing trajectory.  If you’re looking for a quick turnaround on your investment, DC Silver Age keys don't hold up as well as their Marvel brethren.  However, if you’re looking for blue chip books that will retain their value and have the potential to slowly but consistently rise in value, then look no further than a comic like Adventure Comics #247.

What’s it have going for it?  It’s the first appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes.  What’s it have going against it?  What’s the Legion of Super-Heroes?  It’s that latter question that places this book in both the undervalued and overlooked categories.  While there may not currently be a Legion of Super-Heroes series in publication, don’t kid yourself into thinking that DC isn’t paying attention to this intellectual property, as an HBO Max animated series is in development with Brian Michael Bendis at the helm.

Looking at the CGC census, we see that this is a very tough book to find in a high grade.  In fact, we have to go all the way down to the 8.0 grade to see a recent sale.  That sale was for $11,200 in March 2020, a 5% decrease from the prior December 2014 sale.  In the 6.0 grade, we do see quite a bit of growth in value; the book has more than doubled in value from a $4,050 sale in January 2020 to $8,400 in September 2021.

There’s growth in the 2.0 grade as well:  one sold in January 2021 for $981, and then nearly doubled in a little over a year in a March 2022 Comic Connect auction where it went for $1,736.50.  So, what do these rising mid and low-grade sales tell us?  It looks like the general collectors are starting to catch on to this book. However, serious investors aren’t yet paying attention.  That means some smart investor is going to scoop in and grab one of those high-grade copies before they begin to command top dollar - if they ever go on sale.

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 Strange Tales #115 and Adventure Comics #247 are undervalued, overlooked, or both?  Let us know below!

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