Mad Magazine is coming to an end, after 67 years of publishing. Mad created a comic and magazine that was a satirical romp through the last half of the 20th, and part of the 21st Century. This sardonic magazine skewered everyone in equal portions: politicians and pundits, sports superstars and Hollywood elite, even pop culture itself. Nothing was off limits, everything and everyone was a potential target. None were safe with Mad around they would make fun of anything that was relevant on the pop landscape. Where does this ending leave Mad #1 as an investment vehicle from the Golden Age of comics?
The first issue in the Mad titled series was published by EC Comics in 1952. Mad #1 was created by Harvey Kurtzman, and William Gaines (script). The pencil team was Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Davis, Wally Wood, Bill Elder, and John Severin. Many of these artists would be huge in comics in later years but two stand out. Jack Davis helped create the revamped look of the Crypt-Keeper in horror comics. Wally Wood is an icon and would give Daredevil his distinctive red suit. These two comic art greats contributed heavily to the early run of Mad.
The Sad, Mad News
“Mad Magazine” will cease publishing new material after its fall issue is released. Launched by William Gaines in 1952 as a comic book, it soon became a satirical magazine never fearing to take on the establishment -- whether it was politicians, pop culture, advertising or daily life. With its mascot Alfred E. Newman leading the way, "Mad" hit its peak in the 1970s with more than two million subscribers and even more in newsstand sales. But like many other magazines, “Mad's” subscribers dwindled in the 21st Century." Jeff Glor reports. July 6, 2019 -CBS News
Mad #1Can Mad put "Mad Money" in your pocket even today? In fact, Mad #1 has been one of the most popular Golden Age comics to invest in. However, not necessarily the most profitable.
Short-Term Returns (18-Months)
- Grade 9.8 $34,000 FMV returns negative -35.1% (Long-Term only)
- Grade 8.0 $4900 FMV returns positive +84.6%
- Grade 6.5 $2050 FMV returns positive +6.8%
- Grade 4.0 $1350 FMV returns negative -7.2%
- Grade 2,0 $600 FMV returns positive +26.4%
These numbers suggest a weakening position for this cherished Golden Age book. Has Mad #1 gone upside down as a vehicle for speculation and investment? It sure looks that way, take a gander at the following short-term returns at 6 months and 90-day increments.
Short-Term Returns (6-Months)
- Grade 7.5 $3000 FMV returns positive +11.4%
- Grade 6.5 $2050 FMV returns positive +17.6%
- Grade 5.0 $1450FMV returns negative -34.4%
- Grade 3.0 $750 FMV returns negative -11.3%
- Grade 2.5 $600 FMV returns negative -35.7%
One of my speculative rules is to "follow the lower grades." Put simply, these grades 2.0 to 6.5; can provide a more accurate view of the speculative landscape for a particular book. In the case of Mad #1, the results are not encouraging. From grade 2.5 to 5.0 there have been nothing but declines the previous six months. Let's just hope it is not an ugly end for this marvelous magazine. For instance, when western comics started to lose their popularity; they took a nosedive off the speculation cliff and have never truly recovered.
Short-Term Returns (90-Days)
- Grade 5.0 $1450 FMV returns negative -34.4%
- Grade 3.0 $750 FMV returns negative -11.3%
Mad #1 is a book from the Golden Age. It has value, but unfortunately of late has begun a steep decline in returns. This despite it being the number one Golden Age book several times over the last two years. In the final analysis, hold off and wait for the lower grades to stabilize before making a purchase. Recommendation: Sell
Short-Term (18-Months)
- Grade 7.0 $650 FMV returns negative -33.5%
- Grade 6.5 $600 FMV returns negative -4%
- Grade 5.5 $375 FMV returns positive +58%
- Grade 3.0 $290 FMV returns positive sold at FMV $290 on 1/17/2018
You can see from the cover it was a different time. Covers like this, showing murder and torture did not fly for long. Inevitably it helped give rise to the Comics Code Authority that would censor extreme violence in comics. This low distribution Mad #5 has a fatalistic cover. Death surrounds hapless Detective Keen, and he is seemingly unaware of his dire circumstance while swooning in Red's arms. Don't follow Detective Keen into romantic bliss; the returns on this book are in decline and a dire circumstance in its own right. Recommendation: Sell
