The rumor mill is humming about the next big Spidey opponents, the villain team Sinister Six. Who the heck are the Six? They consist of Spidey's top supervillains, Doc Ock, Electro, Kraven, Mysterio, Sandman and the Vulture. Fun times! According to the industry rumors, they will appear in the third Spider-Man movie. Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 is the first comic book appearance of the original Sinister Six and was created by Steve Ditko and Stan (the man) Lee in 1964. The fair market value on this issue in (9.8) grade is $76,000. The mint grades are apparently too expensive for the average investor, unless he or she, got lucky at the track, or the Mega-lotto. Most of us can't afford the price of Silver Age keys in mint condition; so we will look for lower grades to buy instead. There are many versions of the Sinister Six over the years. Which iteration has the most sinister ROI?
The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 is a fun ride to watch the villains flex their egos, insisting each should get a chance to kill Spidey on their own. For fun, let's do a quick match up here, six villains: one with mechanical arms, another with bird wings, the shocking powers of Electro, Kraven some strength but mostly just a hunter, Mysterio the illusionist stuntman, and finally sad Sandman. These guys are going to take on a Spider-Man? The Web-Head has superhuman reflexes, and strength, did I mention, he can never be surprised? The outcome, anti-climactic as it is, was never in doubt Spidey wins, and the villains lose.
The first appearance of the Sinister Six was in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1. The issue is currently selling in mid-grade range for around $300 on eBay. But which grades should we buy? I suggest purchasing anything in the fine to a very-fine range, preferably grades (6.0) thru (8.0). These have returned from 8% to 31.1% ROI, not bad for this vintage issue (GoCollect). Yeah, we have not even seen the second Spider-Man movie; but, this is the speculation world we live in. The further out you project speculation, the more money in your pocket, even if we are merely divining rumors from media sources (CBM). Long term this Spider-Man Annual #1 is the best investment, but later versions cost less and will probably garner more interest as the movie approaches.
The "Return of the Sinister Six" was a whole series of comics from Amazing Spider-Man #334 thru ASM #339. The part one of Sinister Six begins in Amazing Spider-Man #334. Up until this point, there has been little help from the guide on this return appearance. They merely have it down as "ASM #334-339 Return of the Sinister Six." That is as far as the Overstreet Guide 47th Edition goes in delineating, the first full appearance of the returning six. Amazing Spider-Man #334 has a mint value of $42 (hardly spectacular), and you can still pick up a copy for $3 to $18 given grade on eBay. The returns are minimal at best with only mint copies returning close to 30% (GoCollect). Not exactly enough to send your Spidey-sense ringing but there is a small profit.
(Revenge of the Sinister Six) Spider-Man #18
The Sinister Six has appeared many times throughout the Marvel Universe, in different versions. One such version that stands out is "Revenge of the Sinister Six" in Spider-Man #18-23. The primary villains are Electro, Mysterio, Vulture, Hobgoblin, and Sandman as an unwitting accomplice. This time though they try to defeat Doc Ock in revenge, not Spidey. Unfortunately for them, he has adamantine arms in this version and beats them all!
The issue Spider-Man #18 with an excellent cover and impressive ROI at +41% thrills. Oh boy, my Spidey-sense is positively tingling! This book actually has some good returns, and the trends are strong. Unfortunately, there is only one choice with this comic, only mint (9.8) has been recorded. The current highest price for mint (9.8) has been $49 on 3/8/18 (GoCollect). Try to buy one as cheap as possible don't overspend this far out from the catalyst. This comic makes a good raw copy for hunting down. Then try your luck at sending it into CGC, with fingers crossed. Considering the small amount of risk, I like this book better than the "Return of Sinister Six" in ASM #334 above.
Spider Trifecta
The movie is a long way off. But if the rumors are right; as we get closer to a movie release, these books should balloon in value. My opinion; but high-grade in Spider-Man #18, buy near mint for all copies ASM #334 thru #339 and look for a really low-grade key of the original full first appearance Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1. Remember, spiders are very patient creatures just spin your speculative web and see what gets caught.
