Greetings, fellow collectors! The topic of AI has been making quite the rounds lately, and I'm sure you've come across it too. It got me thinking: How can AI be harnessed to enhance the collecting experience?

While nothing can replace the expertise of a seasoned collector, there are moments when access to additional information becomes invaluable. After all, Facebook groups and Reddit can only provide so much. So, I decided to put ChatGPT to the test, asking it a series of questions to explore its potential. Here's what I discovered.

Question: What are the top 10 most popular comic books?

Answer: (Important to note that this info is as of Sept 2021)

"Determining the "top 10 most popular" comic books can be challenging, as popularity can vary by time, region, and personal preferences. However, as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I can provide you with a list of some of the most historically significant and beloved comic books that have had a lasting impact on the industry. Please note that this list is not ranked in any particular order:

  • Action Comics #1 (1938) - The first appearance of Superman, considered the birth of the superhero genre.
  • X-Men #1 (1963) - The first appearance of the X-Men.
  • Watchmen (1986-1987) - A critically acclaimed graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
  • The Killing Joke (1988) - A famous Batman graphic novel by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland.
  • Spawn #1 (1992) - The debut issue of Todd McFarlane's Spawn, a key comic from the early days of Image Comics.

Please keep in mind that the popularity of comic books can change over time, and new titles and characters continue to capture the imaginations of readers. Additionally, the comic book industry is vast and diverse, with numerous genres and publishers producing a wide range of content. Therefore, what is considered "popular" may vary greatly among different segments of the comic book community."

Question: What comics should I invest in?

Answer:

"Investing in comics can be a rewarding and enjoyable endeavor, but it's essential to approach it with a long-term perspective and a love for the medium. While there are no guarantees in any investment, here are some general guidelines for choosing comics to potentially invest in:

  • Key First Appearances: Comics that feature the first appearance of iconic characters tend to hold or increase in value over time. For example, comics like "Amazing Fantasy #15" (Spider-Man's first appearance) or "X-Men #1" (the first X-Men team) have historically been solid investments.
  • Major Events and Storylines: Comics that are part of significant story arcs or crossover events can be valuable. Examples include "Infinity Gauntlet" or "Crisis on Infinite Earths."
  • Limited Print Runs and Variants: Comics with limited print runs or variant covers can become highly sought after by collectors. Keep an eye on retailer variants, convention exclusives, and rare variants.
  • Golden and Silver Age Classics: While these comics can be expensive to acquire, they have a history of appreciating in value. Titles like "Action Comics #1" (Superman's first appearance) or "Detective Comics #27" (Batman's first appearance) are highly coveted by collectors.
  • Creator Signatures: Comics signed by famous creators can increase in value, especially if the creator has passed away. Look for opportunities to have your comics signed at conventions or through reputable authentication services.
  • CGC or CBCS Graded Comics: Comics that have been professionally graded by organizations like CGC or CBCS tend to have more stable values. Higher grades generally command higher prices.
  • Invest in What You Love: Collecting comics should also be about your passion and enjoyment. Invest in comics that you genuinely love and enjoy reading. Even if a comic doesn't appreciate significantly in value, you'll still have the joy of owning and reading it.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with industry news, market trends, and the popularity of characters and series. Online communities, comic book forums, and price guides can help you stay informed.
  • Diversify Your Collection: Don't put all your investment funds into a single comic or series. Diversify your collection with a range of comics to spread the risk.
  • Long-Term Perspective: Investing in comics should be viewed as a long-term endeavor. Prices can fluctuate, so be prepared to hold onto your comics for several years or even decades.

Remember that the comic book market can be unpredictable, and not every comic will appreciate in value. It's crucial to do your research, buy from reputable sources, and consult with experts or collectors in the field before making significant investments. Additionally, consider working with a financial advisor to ensure your comic book investments align with your overall financial goals and portfolio diversification strategy."

Most of my findings are “doy” advice pieces that most hard-core collectors already know. I would guess that even newbies to collecting would get these. But what about an industry that you aren’t as familiar with… Concert Posters? MtG? Let's see what it says. 

Question: What Concert Posters should I invest in?

Answer:

I’ll save you the read… it’s a non-answer of the obvious listing things like iconic artists and performers without actually naming anyone. So I tried pushing for names and examples. 

Question: What are the top 5 most popular concert Posters?

Answer:

"Determining the "top 5 most popular" concert posters can be subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences and collector interests. However, I can provide you with a list of some iconic and highly sought-after concert posters that are widely recognized and cherished by collectors as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. These posters are known for their historical significance, artistic appeal, and the popularity of the bands or artists they feature:

  • "Psychedelic Fillmore Posters": These posters were designed for concerts at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco during the late 1960s. Artists like Wes Wilson and Stanley Mouse created many of these iconic and visually striking posters, featuring bands like Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix.
  • "The Beatles Concert Posters": Concert posters from The Beatles' tours in the 1960s are among the most sought-after in the world of music memorabilia. Their iconic imagery and association with the legendary band make them highly collectible.
  • "Bob Dylan Concert Posters": Bob Dylan's concert posters, particularly those from the 1960s when he went electric, are prized for their cultural significance and Dylan's impact on music.
  • "Led Zeppelin Concert Posters": Posters from Led Zeppelin's concerts in the 1970s are notable for their bold design and the band's status as rock legends.

Please note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other concert posters from various eras and genres that are highly regarded by collectors. The popularity and value of concert posters can also vary based on factors such as rarity, condition, and specific events or tours.

If you're interested in collecting concert posters, it's essential to research and explore the wide range of options available, focusing on bands and artists that resonate with your personal tastes and interests. Additionally, consider consulting with experts in music memorabilia or poster collecting to help guide your collecting journey."

Much better! At least it provided some actual poster groups. I will add, though, that many of the ones listed are extremely difficult to get your hands on, but it’s a good educational start for people new to the industry. Let’s try Magic: The Gathering next. I’m going to skip the non-answer question of what to invest in and skip straight to the examples. 

Question: What are the top 5 Magic: The Gathering cards?

Answer:

"Determining the "top 5 Magic: The Gathering cards" can be subjective and may vary depending on factors such as format, playability, and personal preferences. However, I can provide a list of five iconic and highly influential Magic: The Gathering cards as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. These cards are well-known for their impact on the game and their status among collectors and players:

  • Black Lotus: Black Lotus is often considered the most iconic and valuable Magic card ever printed. It allows a player to generate three mana of any one color instantly. Its rarity and power make it highly sought after by collectors and players alike.
  • Mox Sapphire, Mox Ruby, Mox Jet, Mox Pearl, and Mox Emerald: These are collectively known as the "Moxen." They are part of the Power Nine, a group of extremely powerful and rare cards. Each Mox provides one mana of a specific color without tapping, allowing for fast and efficient mana acceleration.
  • Ancestral Recall: Ancestral Recall is another card from the Power Nine. It lets a player draw three cards for just one blue mana, making it one of the most potent card draw spells in the game.
  • Tarmogoyf: Tarmogoyf is a creature card that has been a staple in various Magic formats. Its power and toughness depend on the number of card types in all graveyards, making it a versatile and potent creature.
  • Force of Will: Force of Will is a highly played and sought-after blue instant that allows a player to counter a spell without paying its mana cost. It's known for its versatility and ability to disrupt opponents' plans.

Please note that the popularity and value of Magic cards can change over time due to shifts in the metagame, card reprints, and other factors. Additionally, the most valuable cards are often from older sets and are often used in the Vintage format or as collectibles rather than for competitive play in more recent formats. For up-to-date information on card values and their relevance in various Magic formats, it's advisable to consult sources like online card marketplaces and Magic: The Gathering community websites.:

Now I don’t know much about MtG cards, but I have heard of the Black Lotus and know that it is very difficult to find THE iconic one. If you are a MtG person, let me know what you think in the comments!

Next... Considering how many non-answers it provides, what would happen if someone asked a dumb question?

Question: If I sold my mint Action Comics #1 for $100 would that be a good deal?

Answer: 

"Selling an Action Comics #1 comic book in mint condition for $100 would be an extremely undervalued sale. This comic is highly sought after and can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on its specific edition, grade, and market demand. Before selling, it's crucial to have the comic professionally authenticated and graded to determine its accurate value. Selling it for $100 would not reflect its true market worth."

All right, it's clear that AI has its strengths. However, based on my observations, it seems unlikely that AI will ever fully replace the value of hands-on experience and human expertise. While this might seem like a given, given the current buzz around AI, it's important to explore its limitations.

In my experience, AI can provide a solid foundation, but it still requires the human touch to interpret and contextualize the information it provides.

Over to YOU! How would you want to utilize AI in your collecting? In the meantime, happy hunting everyone! 

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