So much of comic book collecting and investing nowadays is dominated by modern books.  With the endless variants, store exclusives, and first appearances of ultimately insignificant characters, many investors, especially those who prefer older books, often feel ignored and left out of the conversation.  Fortunately, we here at GoCollect are here to help!!  Every week, I am going to provide speculation recommendations for silver, bronze, and copper age books for a chosen topic.  This week, we are going to talk about The Sentinel of Liberty, Captain America!

Silver Age: Captain America #117

There are few Silver Age CA books with greater long-term potential than issue #117, the first appearance of Sam Wilson.  Per Complete Marvel Reading Orders, nearly a third of Sam's comic appearances have been published in the last 8 years since he first took on the Captain America mantle.  That is a trend too tantalizing to ignore, especially as his star continues to rise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Graded Analysis: This book has doubled its value in nearly every single grade over the last 10 years, so there is definitely money to be made here.  Those looking to buy at grade 9.4 or higher may want to wait for prices to come down a bit.  Issue #117 recently hit record highs in each of those grades.

Fun Fact: The Falcon is the first black superhero not to have "black" in his name.

Bronze Age: Captain America #290

This book features the first appearance of Sinthea Schmidt, a.k.a Sin, the daughter of the Red Skull.  Sin is an incredibly complex character whose deep struggles with the legacy of her father/predecessor make her an incredible foil to every version of Captain America.  Many flocked to this book when the fourth Captain America film was announced, but there this character has too much going on to be a strictly MCU play.  Those who read Ed Brubaker's generational run on Captain America will know exactly what I mean.

Graded Analysis: CGC 9.8-graded copies of the book have almost quintupled in value over the last 7 years.  FMVs in other grades, however, are much less consistent.  So definitely be sure to check the price guide before deciding on a purchase.

Fun Fact: Sin made her first film appearance in the 1990 Captain America film.

Copper Age: Captain America #354

The first appearance of John Walker as the U.S. Agent.  I will be honest here that the main appeal of this book is the MCU.  John Walker is a fairly interesting character, but never really caught on with fans like other dark versions of heroes have.  In any case, the character has been showing up more in the comics and is set to star in Thunderbolts.  There is definitely money to be made here.

Graded Analysis: Save for CGC 9.8-graded copies, the FMV of this book is down in nearly every single grade.  All that means, however, is that now is a great time to buy low before the inevitable rebound in MCU interest.

Fun Fact: Mark Gruenwald created the character because he wanted to show that there are downsides to patriotism.

Conclusion

That's all for this week folks!  I hope you enjoyed this article about the Star-Spangled Man With a Plan!  Let me know what you thought and if you have any suggestions for this article or future topics.  Next week, we tackle The Prince of Asgard, the one and only Mighty Thor!!

OTHER BOOKS I CONSIDERED WRITING ABOUT THAT ARE WORTH LOOKING AT: Avengers Vol. 1 #4, Tales of Suspense #58, Tales of Suspense #59, Falcon Vol. 1 #1, Captain America #100, Captain America And The Falcon #134, Uncanny X-Men #268, Captain America #180, and Captain America #109.