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 some of the mightiest menaces, dastardly devils, and vilest villains Marvel has ever published!

Silver Age

Silver Surfer #3

Silver Surfer #3 features the first appearance of Mephisto.  Mephisto is one of Marvel's oldest villains and has played a central role in dozens of acclaimed stories (as well as several loathed stories).  Personally, I absolutely hate this book for speculation purposes, at least when it comes to the movies.

I just do not buy that Marvel will adapt the literal Devil for the MCU.  The role comes with built-in controversy that can easily be avoided simply by using any of Marvel's numerous other demonic characters.  Regardless of how I feel, however, there is no question that this book has been an incredible performer for owners.

Graded Analysis: This book is up massively all time in damn near every single grade.  It is not a cheap book, as it is from the Silver Age and contains a key first, but even cheaper, lower-grade copies have consistently generated solid returns.  One thing investors should be wary of, however, is how much of that value is tied up in MCU speculation.  If the answer is a lot, any formal announcement of adaptation may not help drive the price up very much.

Copper Age

Daredevil #131

There are two characters that are frequently debated to be Daredevil's archenemy: The Kingpin and Bullseye, the latter of whom made his first appearance in this issue.  In many ways, Bullseye is the yin to Daredevil's yang.  Where Daredevil is a highly principled man of law and faith, Bullseye is an amoral killer with little regard for anything other than himself.

While Matt is deeply conflicted about his violent actions, this high-priced assassin loves nothing more than inflicting pain.  They are polar opposites with similar skill sets fighting on opposite sides of the same war.  As a result, their conflicts are elevated from simple fights to grand struggles of ideology and belief, leaving the reader with some of the most personal and memorable conflicts in all of comics.

In many ways, their dynamic is reminiscent of Batman and the Joker, which has served as the basis for several successful films and shows.  There is every reason to believe that this character could be part of the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again series (especially with its mammoth 18-episode order).

Graded Analysis: Intriguingly, the most exciting growth for this book has happened outside of the NM grades (9.0 and above).  Over the lifetime of GoCollect's data, 8.5s have experienced nearly 500% growth, while 9.4s are barely up 25%.  If you are looking to invest in Bullseye, your biggest moneymaking opportunity may be to buy several mid-range copies of Daredevil #131 as opposed to one or a few higher-grade copies.

Bronze Age

Uncanny X-Men #212

This book is one of the most significant artifacts in Wolverine's history, as it features his first battle with Sabretooth.  The conflict between Logan and Sabretooth is legendary and has driven several of the greatest stories for both characters.  When Wolverine is inevitably introduced into the MCU, Sabretooth would make for a very natural antagonist (possibly even a recurring one).  First meetings are definitely a much more niche market, but the immense popularity of Wolverine and the Claremont Uncanny X-Men run gives the book a higher value floor that significantly mitigates that risk.

Graded Analysis: This book had a big run in the sun during the heyday of FOX's X-Men franchise, followed by a long period of decline.  In recent years, that trend has changed somewhat and the book has recaptured a lot of its old value.  61% of graded copies came in at 9.4 or above.  That means that, if you buy below that grade, the majority of available copies will be higher.

This book has potential, but it all depends on how much faith you are willing to put into either the MCU's portrayal of the Wolverine-Sabretooth dynamic or the enduring value of their rivalry in the comics.  The fact that the book previously soared under a different movie franchise should be viewed as evidence that Uncanny X-Men #212 is a viable movie-related spec play.

What would you add? Let us know in the comments!

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