Although it’s too early to make any reliable predictions, there is analysis suggesting that the Warner Bros./Time Warner Inc. movie ‘Aquaman’ will probably be a success at the box office. I’ve already blogged about DC’s fish-man (here) but here I want to take a look at his Marvel counterpart. If DC can have a hit with an underwater character, I think Marvel will want a piece of that pie.
Or do you really think Marvel’s launching of a female Captain Marvel movie was completely unrelated to the success of Wonder Woman at the box office?
Sure, coincidences are possible, but in terms of typical Hollywood business practice it’s actually far more likely that movie studios try to make as much profit as they can. Usually, the key to doing that is by giving people what they want.
Do the people want an under-water adventure? If so, Marvel Studios has the perfect character waiting in the wings. Namor: the Sub-Mariner. Namor, created by Bill Everett, is Marvel’s first and oldest super-hero. He’s a much cooler version of Aquaman. Both are kings of Atlantis, but Namor is far more unpredictable, doesn’t talk to fish, is a mutant and is also, in point of fact, the original comic book king of Atlantis
Even if Namor never gets a stand-alone movie, I do believe – especially since technically Marvel either has or can obtain the rights to use the character - we’ll eventually see a live action appearance in an MCU film.
Chances of this occurring may also increase exponentially if Aquaman is successful.
At this point, you may agree with all that I’m saying but still be thinking….so what: ‘Namor’s key comics are way too expensive. I can’t afford his keys’. It is true that Namor’s Golden Age appearances, like Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1, Marvel Comics #1, or Marvel Mystery Comics #2, among others, are incredibly hard to find and extremely expensive even in low grades. And even the easier to find Silver Age reintroduction of the Sub-Mariner in (Fantastic Four #4) is, price-wise, practically beyond the reach of the average collector - even in the lowest of grades (unless you like spending hundreds of dollars on something that looks like it was chewed by a dog). Do not fear Namor fans, there are other options!
Fantastic Four #9 (December 1962) – Third Silver Age appearance of Namor
Here’s an early Silver Age appearance that’s still relatively affordable. Namor appeared in FF #4 and then again FF #6 which saw him team up with Doctor Doom. His third appearance is in FF #9. Whereas the first two mentioned comics will cost you a minimum of one hundred dollars for very worn out copies, this book can be found in a presentable 5.0 grade for around $300.00. You can, of course, get it for much cheaper if you buy it raw. Currently returns are positive almost across the board with best returns on 8.0 certified copies with a positive + 53.8% roi after 22 sales since 2005. Imperius Rex! Get your copy immediately!
Strange Tales #107 (April 1963) – Important Namor-Fantastic Four Crossover
Here’s another still affordable early Namor Silver Age key. Strange Tales #107 has the first Fantastic Four and Namor crossover outside of the FF titles. Still think all the early FF appearances are too expensive? Okay, take the $300.00 you’d spend on FF #9 in 5.0 and, for the same money, you can pick up a very nice and presentable ST #107 in 7.5 grade. Returns on this look similar to those on FF #9. A Namor MCU appearance, however, will improve these already strong returns.
Tales to Astonish #70 (August 1965) – Important Namor Solo Story
This story actually picks up from the conclusion of Daredevil #7, in that story Namor has an epic fight with a red-suited Daredevil. In this comic, Namor returns to Atlantis where he is taken prisoner by Krang who has usurped the throne. Currently you can find this book in 9.4 for around $250.00. Returns are mixed but best returns can be seen on 9.8 and especially 7.0 certified copies. The latter shows positive + 131.2% roi after 7 sales since 2008.
Sub-Mariner #1 (May 1968) – First Issue of Self-titled Series in the Silver Age
You know a book is popular when reprints of it sell for good money. Tales to Astonish v2 #1 sells for over $100.00 in 9.8 grade, and it’s a reprint of this comic: Sub-Mariner #1. That tells you all you need to know about the value of this Silver Age key. Right now, you can get a mid-grade copy in 7.0 for under $200.00 which is an affordable price, but you better hurry as this book is red hot with returns up in almost every grade.
