Sadly Bernie Wrightson’s death in 2017 has cost the world a talented horror artist. The horror comic book genre will never be the same without him. His top comic books are centered around the creation of Swamp Thing: House of Secrets #92 and Swamp Thing #1. The speculation for these issues have rocketed returns into the stratosphere for both books. Bernie's popularity is alive and well in the first half of the twenty-first century. His covers and art are very skillful work, and the speculation boom that has followed his death lends even more credibility to his genius as an artist. This rocket ship into the orbit of profit. Is not finished. His horrific covers have only begun their price accent to the stars.
Ever go to a horror movie and wish you could get your money back after watching the first 15 minutes? Even worse, when you start lamenting about getting that two hours of existence back from a bad horror flick. This feeling is very similar to the reticence of buying a truly stupid horror comic. The upset stomach, vertigo, and the desire to vandalize something probably signal regret. As a comic book speculator, you don’t need to worry about these eventualities if you buy anything created by Bernie Wrightson. Most especially his horror genre stuff, for which we should probably refer to him as Bernie Wrightson: Master of the Macabre.
Certainly, Bernie’s most famous creation is House of Secrets #92. This is the first appearance of the Swamp Thing. I have literally seen this book double in value since his death; I am not talking about an average either but real purchases and sales of this mainstay of the DC horror universe. The scarcity of House of Secrets #92 is downright spooky. The first appearance of the Swamp Thing has become like the sightings of Big Foot, everyone has heard of someone else who has seen it.
The House of Secrets #92 has vanished from the brick and mortar retail shop. Of course, you will find it on eBay but who knows what condition it will be in. Look for lots of spine damage, water damage, and possible missing pages. My Bernie budget at this point is shot. Who can afford $1200 for a CGC slabbed 6.5 grade? There have been two sales at grade (9.8) which has a fair market value of $56,000! All the lower grades are starting to catch up with (2.0) at positive +96% and (3.5) at positive +89.7%. These grades like (3.5) are selling at a current value of $625 FMV. This is a rocket ship ride to the planet profit.
The first issue of Swampy’s titled series was Swamp Thing #1. This was also created by Bernie Wrightson (art) and Lein Wein (script). Additionally, the inking was done by Bernie as well. This is the first self-titled series comic book; a good alternative choice if you can't stomach the altitude sickness from high prices points for HOS #92.
This issue is still at a reasonable range with mint condition (9.8) selling for around $3200 FMV. Here again, the lower grades are cooking up returns. The fine plus grade (6.5) will run you about $120 and returns a positive +41.6% ROI. While Swamp Thing #1 is still affordable you should buy the highest grade possible even if the return takes a slight hit. Because in the long run these horror comics, are an investment like land; “they aren’t making any more of it.”
