Could investing in original comic book art become an emerging trend in comic book collecting in 2025?
During a time when comic book values have been stuck in a long-running bear market, we continue to see strength in original artwork for comics. Just two months ago, I wrote a blog about how the original artwork for the first Deadpool story page from New Mutants #98 sold for an impressive $960,000.
Remember, there are very few comic book-related collectibles that have exceeded $1M. The most expensive comic ever sold was a CGC 8.5 Pedigree copy of Action Comics #1 that sold for $6M on Heritage on April 4, 2024. Exactly two years ago, the original artwork from Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 (the first time we see Spider-Man in the black alien costume), penciled by Mike Zeck, sold for a whopping $3.36M on Heritage.
As another example, about 18 months ago, the original cover art for Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 penciled by Frank Miller, sold for $2.4M. It just makes sense that original comic book art would produce a solid ROI. They're more rare and exclusive. They're one-of-ones. Not everyone who wants a particular piece of artwork will be able to get it.
And we have more evidence that the market for original comic book artwork will continue to outperform the more traditional comic book market. On January 10th, the original cover art for The Amazing Spider-Man #194, penciled by Al Milgrom, just barely joined the $1M club selling for $1.02M on Heritage Auctions.
Interestingly, the artwork could've sold much higher if it had been in better condition; Heritage described the item as being in "Very Good" condition.
Amazing Spider-Man #194 is, of course, most famous for introducing Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat and she is prominently featured on this cover next to our favorite Webhead. Since her debut in 1979, the Black Cat has become a key figure in the Spider-Man mythos as she has been a friend, adversary and romantic interest for Spider-Man, and a member of his famous rogues' gallery. While the Black Cat hasn't yet appeared on the silver screen, IMDB reported last August that Sydney Sweeney has been offered the role for the upcoming Spider-Man 4 film currently scheduled for release next year.
Cover artist Al Milgrom, who is most famous for his long run as a writer, penciler, and inker for The Spectacular Spider-Man series, and as being the co-creator of the DC character Firestorm, has stated that he has "signed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of autographs on this comic for legions of fans." Interestingly, Milgrom has said that Keith Pollard, the interior penciler of Amazing Spider-Man #194, also submitted a cover that was rejected by the editors.
I have to wonder how much that cover would sell for if it ever surfaced for public auction?
As a footnote, the consignor who sold the original cover artwork for Amazing Spider-Man #194 on Heritage, provided a portion of the sales revenue to Milgrom. Class act.
