Covert Operations
Comic book collecting is unique. Many people in other hobbies want participating people to succeed. The goal is to keep people involved and invested. Comic book collecting is different. Many dealers try to take advantage of participants. They see short term gains rather than the long term impacts. Sites fail to educate readers. People are taught to fish but very few comic book sites teach. Instead most comic book sites try to catch the fish for you rather than tell you their methodology so viewers can succeed on their own.
Class In Session
It has always been a goal of mine to mimic those that taught me comic book lessons I use today to avoid pitfalls and find scores. These friends and fellow hobbyists taught me valuable lessons that went beyond mere specific purchases. In that vein I am going to hit you with books I believe are very desirable and yet undervalued right now. Rather than getting in-depth I will keep it brief - well, for me - so that the readers get a full range of books to seek but first...
What Makes a Book Undervalued
Many websites report books that the reviewer believes are undervalued. The question most never answer is why these books are undervalued. There can be multiple different reasons a book is undervalued. The important point is for the buyer to realize these reasons and to then review the current FMV to determine if there is room to grow. Many times this increase in value will take time. In other situations an event could cause these books to rise and gain their true value. The key then is to determine the difference between a rise from FOMO vs. an increase to the true value of a book. Here are a dozen Marvel comic books that are truly undervalued. They are grouped according to reasons why these books are undervalued.
Important but not appreciated by fans
Fear (Adventure into) #19. The first appearance of Howard the Duck.
This character was created by noted comic book writer Steve Gerber. His popularity was so great he graduated to his own comic book title with art by Frank Brunner and Gene Nolan. He has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe many times. Many non-comic book fans know Howard as the main character of one of the worst films of all time and a true box office flop. The film has since gained a loyal cult following. How can you not like this book. A 9.6 has an FMV right now around $775.
Amazing Spider-Man #33. Classic Ditko cover and super strength.
In the grand scheme of ASM, this is the book that is vastly overlooked. The issue has one of those covers fans instantly recognize. Forget other hot variants or trendy covers, this is a cover to seek out. Furthermore, this issue goes into more of Spider-Man's powers that have lasted to this day. A 8.5 has a FMV of $675. Try to find other early key ASM for that price. This book is valued by Spidey collectors as well as casual investors who realize this book's significance is being ignored by far too many.
Mystical Tales. Early Marvel Horror.
Horror comics sell. Early Marvel Comics sell. Then explain why these early Marvel Horror stories do not have higher FMV. The reason is quite simple. They rarely come to market because people do not think they are "hot". That will not be the case when others realize what hidden gems these books are in the comic book world. These books do exist if they are sought out. See them? Buy them!
Amazing Spider-Man #36. Black 9/11 Cover
This comic is iconic for all the wrong reasons. It marks a tragedy in this country's history. Artists capture emotions with their illustrations. This cover captured it all with but a mere color. J. Michael Starczynski has written many memorable stories but this one was probably the most memorable for fans. There are numerous issues out there but a 9.8 having only an FMV of $150 is shocking to say the least.
Underused by writers and directors but with great potential
Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel #1. First appearance of the Blue Marvel.
Years ago this book was everyone's favorite book. Now it rarely gets mentioned. The fascinating thing is that for all the MCU has done with being politically correct it ignores such a great story telling character like the Blue Marvel. This issue had a very low print run with each subsequent issue going even lower. A 9.8 will only cost you $675. If you find one for that price buy it.
Fantastic Four #20. The first appearance of Molecule Man.
Early Fantastic Four are hard to find. Keys are always in demand. The first appearance of such a powerful villain in the Marvel Universe makes buying this book a no-brainer. When it comes to potential big brass in comics or movies how can one forget such a powerful character. An 8.0 has an FMV of only $750. This is very affordable. Lower grades may be where the bargains can be found. Surprisingly, not a lot of these books exist in the CGC census.
Eyes elsewhere makes these targets very undervalued
Daredevil #131. The first appearance of Bullseye.
Fans are seeking out all the Daredevil MCU tie-ins. Lay it up. Sometimes fans overthink things too much. Go with the book that has a time tested villain vastly undervalued. I seen more fans going for Echo keys last year and yet this was the book to get because of the villain's legacy. A 9.6 has an FMV of $850 and is dropping!
Incredible Hulk #182. Cameo of Wolverine.
Years ago when his first full appearance was getting beyond the reach of most collectors and investors, a small but savvy group started to "settle" for Incredible Hulk #180. People argued that issue should be the more valuable book because of his true first appearance, but cover appearances matter so #181 is king. Everyone's attention is still on those two issues, but this issue languishes well beyond those keys. A 9.6 has an FMV of only $850 while a 9.0 will set you back roughly $260. Years from now that will seem like a bargain.
Uncanny X-Men #266. First Gambit (*), but on cover.
Probably second in popularity to Wolverine, this book has always been on people's radar. Fans always think it is overpriced and yet it still is a desirable book. While many were looking at Dazzler keys the smart collector and investor was scoring this book. There may be an argument as to his true first appearance, but the cover shot is what makes this book so undervalued and desired. The movie buzz is fading but a 9.6 with less than $300 FMV? What gives?
Iron Man #118. The first appearance of James Rhodes.
MCU -check. Longevity -check. Hero- check. FMV for a 9.8 currently at $425 with less than a total of 1200 in CGC census- check. Iron Man keys have a tendency to be undervalued because the title is not a "hot" one. Very few storylines or artists made this title a memorable hit. That is why the choice of Iron Man to be the first MCU film was so risky. That risk paid off but Rhodes first appearance still lags behind other keys. This book will rise in value because of future projects, but that does not mean this book is not important. It is a time tested bargain.
Pricey but still too low!
X-Men #101. First Appearance of Phoenix.
This character has been featured in not one but two film storylines. Phoenix has also been the focus of numerous comic book storylines. The problem is that people get into this book very hard when any film or television project drops a hint of the character appearing, then the book cools off. The current dip is not much, still this book is significant with future comics and media projects and should not be ignored. A 9.4 has an FMV of $950. What were people paying for Dazzler books in comparison merely based upon a rumor? The Phoenix force is an entity and those type of characters are very important in both comics and films.
Iron Man #1. First issue.
This is one of the big key books in the Silver Age. It is the first issue of the long running Iron Man series. A key like this should command top dollar. Why then is a 7.5 listing an FMV of $975? Many look to Daredevil #1 as truly being undervalued but when compared with the significance of Iron Man this is the book that is the add. It may not be a first appearance but the iconic image of the cover alone is worth more than it is currently fetching. Buy it and you too can say..."I am Iron Man!"
