GoCollect Universe's Input
Reader comments are always appreciated. In our last undervalued installment a reader said that comics are truly not undervalued because their FMV was established over a long period of time. An FMV reflects what buyers are willing to pay, but one has to also look at a type of appraised value. This is what a person attributes the value of the book to actually be based upon the item's attributes. This value may differ from what people are paying for the book at any given time. That is where one can find hidden gems.
Marvel Comics are Worthless
An example of something being undervalued by the masses was Marvel Comics. In 1996 Marvel Comics filed for bankruptcy. The company was not producing the earnings numerous investors believed the company should be generating when the comic bubble burst. Marvel only wanted to be a comic book company. That shortsightedness caused many investors to ignore this stock. Savvy business people like Avi Arad realized that the company had more potential value in movies and on television than was being mined by the company. Iron Man was made and Disney realized that even at $4 billion the library of characters and ancillary rights was a true bargain. They bought the company and it has earned them many times their initial investment. The same can apply to undervalued comics.
Magnifying Glass Search
Comics have fair market value but it takes a keen eye, like those of Arad, to understand the true value in something before others do. Here are a dozen DC Comics that fall under the radar of many collectors. Their current FMV is a lot less than their perspective "appraised" value because of certain characteristics ignored by many collectors and investors. Two bonus comics were added to the list because GoCollect always strives to give the readers more.
Operating Instructions
People should use these books and the reason behind their inclusion to find other books that are also undervalued. Remember, investors, the key is to buy them cheap because they are holding their FMV but selling them when they rise in value to their true potential. Collectors should also target these books to avoid buying them when they may spike in value. There is nothing worst than a collector who is forced to pay more because they are swept up in a FOMO frenzy on books that were once ignored and undervalued. An important caveat is this is not speculating but rather being a selective buyer looking for value. Now on to the lists...
I. Important but not appreciated by fans
Green Lantern #85. Speedy Anti-Drug Issue
All the fan's attention of Neal Adams's run is shined on Green Lantern #76. That should not be the case for bargain hunters. Many times a comic book controversy drives up an issue's value to high heights. The story of Speedy's drug addiction problem was controversial at the time but Neal Adams felt it was important enough to tell. A 9.6 has an FMV of $575. A risqué Adams cover with a noteworthy storyline should make this book even more valuable than its current FMV. People should not sleep on the syringe Green Lantern #86 cover either. A 9.8 for that issue has an FMV of only $650.
Action Comics #161. First Real Green Kryptonite
Superman comics never get any real attention or shout outs unless it is his first appearance selling for millions. How can a hero who wears his underwear as part of his costume be cool. He does have a long and proven track record. Readers may not be able to afford the first appearance of Superman, but obtaining an 8.5 copy of the first appearance of kryptonite for around $775 is not a bad alternative. Kryptonite is a great storytelling element. The most powerful being on the planet could be brought down by one of the weakest creatures by the mere brandishing of this rock. Many times this book sits in bins because even the most knowledgeable comic fan forgets this is where real kryptonite started. This makes this book very undervalued.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #8. Death of Barry Allen
Barry Allen started the Silver Age and for many his death began the modern age of comics. A classic tale by Marv Wolfman then took out one of the stalwarts of the DC Comics universe and fixed many editors problems. The tragedy was that his death did not save the universe but made his sacrifice even more noble. The imagery of this issue and Supergirl's dead body on another cover was awe inspiring. The only real reason this book is not bringing more is because so many issues exist. Large census numbers does not harm the FMV for keys of Wolverine, Batman or others. A 9.8 should have more value than an FMV of $95. Remember how much grading truly costs and it is hard to deny this book is undervalued. Large numbers mean one should target higher grade books.
All American Men of War #127. First Issue in new direction
The issue run and the significance of a series is important in evaluating a comics potential. This issue is important because it is the first issue of another direction change of the series. It is not identifiable as a #1 issue but it is a key nonetheless. That reason makes this issue valuable. The problem is that a 4.0 FMV is only $495. This issue is old and a key comic for both generalists and war comic fans. One reason to explain the low FMV is very few sales. Another factor is less than 30 comics exist in the CGC census. If found this comic should be on ALL comic fans buy list, because there are many first appearances of Harley Quinn out there, but how many copies of this issue exist?
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1. First Issue of Frank Miller Classic
A classic story that has inspired numerous future comics and set up the Snyderverse. This issue also has an iconic cover that has been swiped by many artists. Batman is always hot in the back issue markets but this is a book that never quite gets its due. The reason is that it is a book driven by the art and story alone. The FMV for a 9.8 has dropped roughly $150 in one year. The FMV for a 9.6 is only $250. Those are deals. Frank Miller is appreciated, but not to the extent he should be given the importance of this storyline and his other works. Fans may have never read about what happened to Wolverine or Hulk when they aged or seen Logan but for this book. It revealed that even stories about old comic book heroes are important to the fans.
II. Underused by writers and directors but with great potential
Doorway to Nightmare #1. First appearance of Madame Xanadu
How significant would a character be that only could tell people's future with cards. Then some writers retconned her origin to make her a being who was in fact very powerful. The Spectre was not even powerful enough to kill her. A member of the dark league, she started to gain in popularity among fans. Later once those projects went dark so too did her popularity among investors. If she ever gets featured in a comic more regularly or appears on the screen this is a book to own. A 9.8 has an FMV of $700. There are just over 600 copies in the total census as well making this a key that is really rare. How many young boys do you think purchased a comic in 1978 about an unknown female character in a nondescript mini series? Rare and important make this book truly undervalued.
DC Comics Presents #27 (Newsstand Variant) First appearance of Mongul
The character was created by Wein and Stalin as a physical threat to Superman. Both of their track records to create usable characters in both comics and film is proven. His presence goes with Superman, Green Lantern and so many other characters' possible storylines. Mongul's daughter has already appeared in a DC Comics film. The regular edition of this issue is a nice purchase but look at the newsstand variant. Few sales with a low population of graded books. A 9.8 has an FMV of only $400. That is only $50 more than the direct edition. Remember, DC Comics is trying to separate itself from the past and in using a different intergaclatic threat from Darkseid they can achieve their goal. Even if he is not utilized in a film this is still a very undervalued DC Comics villain that is within the reach of most fans.
Detective Comics #400. First Appearance of Man-Bat & team-up of Robin & Batgirl
This issue is important for so many reasons and yet it often not heralded as the key comic that it is compared to other books. This issue has the first appearance of Man-Bat. Think Venom before there was Venom; a character who could serve as a tragic villain and hero depending on the story. Man-Bat has already appeared on television shows, video games and numerous comic stories and yet he does not get his due. Then there is the fact this issue is the first team up of eventual soul mates Robin and Bat-Girl. In addition the book has a classic Neal Adams cover. Finally it is a landmark issue for a long running series. Most fans would be drooling at this Amazing Spider-Man #300 clone and yet this issue is grossly undervalued. A 9.0 has only an FMV of $800. In comparison that ASM #300 has a price tag of $475. Remember though that there are close to 37,500 graded copies of that issue compared with only 1,700 copies of Detective #400. Wow!!!
III. Eyes elsewhere makes these targets very undervalued
Green Lantern Corps #201 (Canadian Price Variant). First Appearance of Kilowog
Kyle Chandler is set to appear as Hal Jordan. Jordan's first appearance is out of the price range of many reading this article. The first appearance of John Stewart was touted before by this author as being undervalued and now not so much because of both his invovlement in the project as well as fans being reminded of how much exposure the character has arleady received. A character that is much a part of the Green Lantern mythos that is still affordable is Kilowog. Many fans will target the direct edition and that is wise. A 9.6 direct edition of this issue has an FMV of $95 with roughly 1000 graded copies in existence. This is truly an undervalued book when reminded that this key is almost 40 years old. A newsstand copy in the same grade has an FMV of $120 with very few sales and even fewer graded copies. Then you find out that only only 16 sales have occurred. Now look at the Canadian price variant and it is hard to believe that a 9.6 has an FMV of $80 when there have only been 6 sales! Furthermore, there are less than 50 books in the census. This is the very definition of undervalued and underappreciated people. Oh Canada is the way to go among the three versions but all are undervalued.
Batman #6. First Appearance of Court of Owls.
It has been mentioned many times that this author is not a major fan of newer comics. Even he appreciated the introduction of a body of individuals who have been the true force behind Gotham City's past and present working from behind the scenes. Joker may be one of Batman's greatest villains, but the Court of Owls is his most deadly. New members can be added. Past friends and allies could join this organization to oppose him. It is shocking that these characters have yet to receive a movie treatment when Gotham Knights made surprisingly great usage of the group. There currently exists a little over 1200 copies in the census and a 9.8 has an FMV of $180. Remember again the cost that goes into grading and that makes this book very affordable. One day this organization will truly reach their potential and dominate comics, film and television.
IV. Pricey but still too low
Our Army at War #83. First appearance of Sgt. Rock*
An iconic character who once was supposed to be played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now there are rumors that James Gunn is bringing this long standing hero to the screen. This is just the type of character that directors and writers love. He has a long history and yet still is unknown enough to allow for creative license without impacting long time fans negatively. Many argue what constitutes his true first appearance but this is the issue to focus on because it is the one which fans have put their money. There are only around 250 graded books in the census so the population is small. A 5.5 copy has an FMV of $3200. If the Sarge appears in a film that will seem like a bargain.
Adventure Comics #247. First Appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes
This issue was once on many people's hot lists decades ago. Then the characters fell out of favor because Marvel Comics' X-Men success. DC Comics' version of the United Nations of heroes still has fan appeal. The problem is again they have not lived up to their potential. They demonstrated only a glimmer of their potential on Smallville, the Arrowverse, and DC Comics animated film line, but their promise was never fully reached even in comic books. Again Logan and other comic properties demonstrate that using a setting in the future with characters fans can relate to is a good formula. Target any grade one can afford because this book has held its value after its mighty fall from grace, but there is always room for growth. The FMVs may appear high but many dealers will offer incentives to move this book because it just hangs on their walls. A good deal makes this book potentially an undervalued steal. Think a more sound version of Guardians of the Galaxy with a longer history.
V. Bonus Picks
Weird War Tales #1. First Issue
Horror comics sell. First issues sell. The problem is even with Joe Kubert art this first issue is not well known. It is the forgotten series in DC Comics horror line. The FMV for a 9.4 copy is only $900. That is pocket change for a book over 50 years old that has a great cover. More modern books reach that level in the same grade much more frequently. The fact that less than roughly 500 copies exist in the CGC census demonstrates the lack of demand and interest hobbyists put in this book. That does not mean there is no demand. Dedicated horror and war comic book fans salivate over this book. It is undervalued but the lack of major mainstream demand kept this book off the Top 12.
Witching Hour #28. Classic Skull/Santa Cover
Nick Cardy is a Bronze Age artist that never truly gets his due. That is sad because he is a very talented artist from the era. In addition to being a great artist he was also a decorated soldier. Many skull comics get mentioned as keys or noteworthy because of their ever classic imagery. How this melding of a skull and old St. Nick is not more well known is beyond comprehension. The image could traumatize young children and even adults. How many GoCollect readers even knew this cover existed before reading this article? That lack of knowledge provides an opportunity to those in the know. The problem is that less than 50 exist in the census. This undervalued book will probably have to be purchased raw in the wild. That is why it is off the Top 12 list. It is still a great cover of a truly undervalued book.
