Comic Book Collecting and Investing Methodology Explained

Many sites have pundits who provide information on aspects of the comic book market. Rarely do those individuals state how they obtained that information. That could mean they heard from a friend of a friend whose neighbor heard that a guy said in a room that a recently released variant is hot. GoCollect writers use the sales data to make recommendations as a starting point. Then each author uses their own special extras to bring the content presented into further focus. Here are a few things this author does to complete his articles.

The Nike Factor

Statistics classes are ignored by many students when selecting their courses. People would rather learn the "what" instead of the "who" and "why". That can be a dangerous starting point. Years ago an instructor presented an assignment where a bunch of factors were analyzed to find any indicator that one might get cancer. Various types of data were included such as weight, smoker/non-smoker, age, education and other facts. When all was said and done the biggest indicator from the data in developing cancer was if the individual wore Nike shoes! A closer analysis revealed that most of the people who were questioned wore Nike shoes. The brand did not cause cancer but was just an incidental variable that had no impact on ones chances to get sick. Not looking deeper could lead to a faulty premise.

Talking the Talk

GoCollect has all this sales data of what is happening in the market. The information shows if books are selling and on what platforms. The sales data is what it is, or is it? There are other unaccounted for variables that are also important to predict the market. This author and his assistants in the last few years have gone to shows and some LCS to collect data that would bring the market into further focus.

The Priceless Data

In order to understand the market it is wise to ask who and what is that market. That means such information such as the age of buyers and sellers; target genres; economic status; and other variables should be known to understand why things are happening. That data is then used to try to predict what books should be moving and the reason some are not. One cannot rest on that data because the market is ever evolving. People who were buying and selling in 2020 may not be doing so in 2025, or they may have changed the market segment that they are targeting. That means constantly gathering that priceless data.

Maybe in Another Universe

America Chavez's first appearance was Vengeance #1. That issue had roughly 36,000 copies ordered by retailers. That should have been a book that was prime for a sustained price increase when she appeared in the MCU. A 9.8 that was selling for $550+ in November 2022 now has a FMV of $240. The reason was when talking to the buyers and sellers the age of the participants interested in this issue was the older generation. Disney went after the younger viewer but that generation did not target America Chavez's keys.

That failure and those related to Ms Marvel and Blue Beetle's keys was a bad sign for investors targeting the younger generation. Sales data showed an interest in these books but the age demographic was not young. Those that were buying the books wanted to be future sellers. That was not in the sales data but came out through interviews with people. These books ultimately were not that important a key book.

Diamond in the Rough

Information and data collection is very important. GoCollect readers also expect revelations. It is always nice to get that bit of wisdom that others who are not active on the site will never know. That is why you are here reading this article. One of the things that is exciting is to find out auction houses, comic book stores, or conventions that readers may want to visit. Reputations matter. In order to be mentioned vetting must be done. This sometimes means a great investment of resources, but quality demands that type of output.

Role Playing

Comic Cons are a great way to score some deals and immerse in pop culture. Not all cons are created equal. Evaluating a con is quite an ordeal for this author and his team. First a visit is commenced as patrons where the fan con experience is evaluated. This means a review of food, parking, security, vendors, and guest interactions. Next, the con is visited as a GoCollect writer to further evaluate those factors but more in depth. That review leads to some interesting revelations and gems that maybe would go unnoticed. That would be quite a travesty.

The Michael Rooker Experience

Astronomicon is a con in Michigan that has been highly recommended by hobbyists to this author. The staff goes above and beyond and this is reflected in the guest interactions. Michael Rooker is well known for his work in GotG ("Yondu"), The Walking Dead ("Merle Dixon"), and numerous television and film projects. He is a great guest at conventions but at Astronomicon he was amazing. Instead of a normal Q & A he went out in the audience and interacted with the audience, including giving them questions to ask him if they did not have one for him. He was putting on a show for his fans. This author has never seen him that excited to be at an event. Even his agents were shocked to see him that engaged. Guess what.... most of the celebs are that way at this show. This is one way the convention is different.

Insight into Future Targets

Astronomicon also has a distinction in that it has a wide crossover appeal. Going to shows like this has revealed where comic targets may be headed in the future. Comics at this show are like bullseye and the buyers who attend this show are very interested in particular books. Sometimes it pays to get out of one's comfort zone. Evaluating shows like this is one way readers can get the most out of their spending. This author has to go out and visit those shows to determine the pulse of the market. Oh and if you end up seeing Mr. Rooker at Astronomicon do not be surprised if he wants you to ask him in a Q&A a funny question and then throws his favorite snacks to the crowd.

So Many Tools

GoCollect has developed a Collector Price Index (CPI) for certain characters. It has brought analyzing what is happening to the market to new levels. A great amount of research goes into that calculation. If you are not using that table you are only hindering your ability to find deals as an investor. Collectors should also use it to save money that can be used for other books. Finding hidden gems means using everything from the GoCollect toolbox.

Hot List Avoidance

GoCollect has a perfect tool in the Hot Lists in the Market Overview section. There readers can see what books are shooting up on the target list. Refining the search to a certain age allows for a greater reveal to go beyond keys are are always on the list. Every once in awhile books such as Captain America #110 pop up that may be influenced through outside factors such as movie and television announcements. That tool should be used regularly, but a hidden trick is to take that information further.

Where No Man has Gone Before

Collectors and investors should study those lists from a macro level as well. Once a month this author bundles the books based upon commonalities. Is there a popular artist that is on that list? Is a character such as Deadpool or Ant-Man showing up in great frequency? is there a genre such as D & D all of a sudden popping up? This type of analysis can lead people off the beaten path to find some books that might increase in value in the future.

H.E.R.B.I.E?

A film trailer drops and fans are driven to related keys. Fantastic Four #209 is now in demand because of a H.E.R.B.I.E shot. Prices go up for books like this because fans believe the character is now important. Others are targeting Fantastic Four Annual #6 because of the book's two notable first appearances. Instead there are other great Fantastic Four keys that should be on target lists. Fantastic Four #62 has the first appearance of Blastaar. A early FF issue with a first appearance of a villain with Jack Kirby artwork? Instead people are going crazy over an ancillary character that many people will forget. Bet on Fantastic Four but there are better choices. Be smart.