The Taskmaster has the potential to be the most interesting villain in the MCU. He first appeared in Avengers #195 in a cameo on the last page and had his full appearance next issue in Avengers #196. The script was written by David Michelinie and Kurt Busiek. The art was done by three of the greats: George Perez, Sal Buscema, and Dick Giordano. When the Black Widow movie was first announced there were hints of this character appearing as the villain. Of course, his first appearance in Avengers #196 rocketed up the rankings. The price for Avengers #196 shot up into the air like an explosive arrow from Taskmasters quiver. So where does this master of all skills stand as speculation?
The first appearance of Taskmaster in Avengers #196 shows the following dispersion of return over the 30-day, 60-day and 90-day time frame. By reviewing the short-term over 90/60/30 we can see possible progression or trend moving either positive or negative. This gives us a good read on this issue and allows us to answer the question; should buy what the Taskmaster is selling?
90-Day:
- Grade 9.8 $975 FMV returns negative -.08%
- Grade 9.6 $375 FMV returns positive +20.1%
- Grade 8.0 $130 FMV returns negative -9.3%
- Grade 7.0 $100 FMV returns positive +4.1%
60-Day:
- Grade 9.8 $975 FMV returns negative -6.9%
- Grade 9.6 $375 FMV returns positive +29.2%
- Grade 8.0 $130 FMV returns positive +49%
- Grade 7.0 $100 FMV returns positive +4.1%
30-Day:
- Grade 9.8 $975 FMV returns positive N/A
- Grade 9.6 $375 FMV returns positive +6.9%
- Grade 8.5 $160 FMV returns positive +14.3%
- Grade 7.0 $100 FMV returns positive +4%
During any fight Taskmaster gets tactically stronger the longer he fights an opponent. Once he studies their style he can predict their movements and defeat them by mimicking their own attacks. Much like Tasky, the average speculator should use GoCollect to study any comic book to suss out its strengths and weaknesses.
Ninety days ago Avengers #196 showed marginal gains and two full categories of negative returns. If we go to a 60-day review there is only one negative of the grades reviewed. Furthermore, in 60-days both grade 9.6 and 8.0 showed double-digit gains. A huge difference from one month to the next. Shrinking to just a 30-day review all grades are positive and the 9.8 is N/A because of the lack of several sales in this category. But essentially 9.6, 8.5, and 7.0 show firm gains, with 8.5 hitting +14.3%. Taskmaster is scaling a mountain of profit and we want to attach a carabiner to his utility belt and be carried along for the ride. Clearly, this book is continuing to increase in price and the short-term examples show it has actually picked up positive momentum in the last month. Can you imagine what one cool trailer with Taskmaster will do to Avengers #196? Recommendation: Buy
Another way to go is simply purchasing his cameo for about $45 raw. Avengers #195 is a great way for someone just starting out with comics or wanting a piece of the Black Widow movie action to speculate. Avengers #195 might be a viable alternative for the under $100 crowd. The 90-day returns for this comic book are strong, probably due to the smaller skew of sales for this comic.
Short-Term (90-days):
- Grade 9.8 $170 FMV returns positive +52%
- Grade 9.6 $80 FMV returns negative -20%
- Grad 9.4 $100 FMV returns positive +109.5%
- Grade 9.0 $48 FMV returns positive +160.7%
These numbers are great but I believe with only 1 or 2 sales, completely skewed and not reliable. However, it is a cheap alternative to invest in Tasky and why not take a stab at it. For eighty bucks you could own a 9.4 and potentially reach +109.5% return. Recommendation: Buy
This arsenal of skills and abilities will blast into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2020. Hopefully, Taskmaster will thrill audiences with all the cool fighting styles and stunts he can perform. He is larger than life and should be a team leader of a villain team. Time will tell if Taskmaster lights up the big screen with an awesome throwdown or ends up being just another dude in a skull mask.
