Investing in comics is easy...if you have unlimited resources. If not one has to be careful or instead of pouring dollars into the hobby you will end up just poor. Right now one of the books that should be on your sights if you can find it is Incredible Hulk #181. That may be beyond the means of some novices and even veteran collectors. That does not mean you are out of luck. Here are a few books that are undervalued and yet have great potential. All of these 9.8 graded books have an FMV of $500 or less. A few came in at even less than $50! Do not let the small price fool you because good things can come in small packages.
1. Pokemon the First Movie: MewTwo Strikes Back #1 (CGC 9.8 FMV $150)
Pokémon sells. It is that easy. Is there a reason the FMV is so low? The fact there are only 101 TOTAL graded copies is probably the reason for the low FMV. There is interest in the book but if you cannot find it then the prices will remain stagnant. Find a few copies in the raw and you may find yourself with a windfall of funds. People who were buying these books were probably not concerned with keeping them in the greatest condition so find that high grade book and buy it.
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends #1 (CGC 9.8 FMV $325)
This book has the first appearance of Firestar. That may not be a large selling point but it is also a Spider-Man series first issue. Spider-Man first issues are always in demand, but more so with Green Goblin covers. There are roughly 1750 total copies graded that, again, impacts demand. The fact that this book is so inexpensive and still a key issue makes it worth the pick up.
This book is not on the list because it has the first appearance of Griffin. The real reason is that it has the first appearance of the Beast in his blue fur. Amazing Adventures #11 shows his first appearance in his mutated form. That issue has an FMV of $4500 in the same grade. That price point difference makes this book a nice value pick up.
The New Teen Titans #1 (CGC 9.8 FMV $250)
A key book that has Cyborg, Raven and Starfire join the team. It also has a George Perez cover. This book can be found quite readily in the market and that is why the price is not as high for a key of this significance. It still has a lot of potential. DC Comics have long been ignored, but with the MCU failing to deliver, fans will look to other options. Get in on the ground floor before others get in on this book. The once thought of junior JLA is a strong way to go.
Transformers #80 (CGC 9.8 FMV $500)
No first appearances. Not a key comic. Why is this book on the list? This is the last issue in the Marvel Comics run. The print run on this issue is very very low. Finding this book is not easy because it had a low print run. Even more significant is that only less than 700 exist in the CGC census. Next, realize how truly under appreciated this book is among investors. Collectors on the other hand seek this book out because it is a treasure to completionists. It is the highest FMV book in this article. That is not bad for an insignificant book in comic book history.
The Ultimates #2 (CGC 8.8 FMV $20)
This issue is the first appearance of the Samuel L. Jackson inspired Nick Fury. His image is the one mainstream people associate with Fury. Less than 200 in the census indicates a lack of interest for this book. It does not even appear as a key in GoCollect. That is a travesty. Look at the FMV and realize that the price to grade that book is almost the total value of the book. That makes this book undervalued.
Detective Comics #583 (CGC 9.8 FMV $400)
Batman keys are highly treasured by collectors and investors. Most of the top tier Bat villain keys are out of the reach of the common fans. That does not mean all keys are targeted. This book has the 1st Ventriloquist and Scarface appearance. The Ventriloquist and Scarface have appeared on television already in cartoon form. Imagine how a live action appearance could elevate the character's status. Even if he doesn't appear in live action, his first appearance should be on the list of "must buys" for fans. That FMV is still reasonable, but for how long.
Marvel Divas #1 (CGC 9.8 FMV $46)
J scott campbell is an in-demand artist. His covers are always a safe bet. That makes books you can purchase for not much more than the price of the grading fee a good deal. This issue flies under the radar for most, but truly savvy investors find this in dollar bins. If you can, purchase it graded at this FMV and eliminate the chance for the book coming in at a lower grade. The price to grade is almost that full amount when shipping and other ancillary costs are factored into the equation.
The first appearance of Luke Cage in a 9.8 grade has an FMV of only $54000. This issue is attractive for that value, but there is more. Couple it with the first appearance of night nurse Claire Temple and the hidden value of the book is revealed. A Night Nurse #1 has a FMV of $29000 and that issue came out a few months after this book. In addition, there are less than 70 graded issues separating the two in the census. This issue is ripe for a price adjustment when people realize the book's potential.
10. Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1 ( CGC 9.8 FMV $240)
There are so many comics that were made for all the wrong reasons. Most of them do not have any historical importance in comic book history. THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM. So many characters, important events, and memorable covers were introduced in this series. This issue features the first appearance of the entity known as Beyonder. He is a heavyweight among powerhouses in the Marvel Universe. The mini-series is also one of the first to cross over in multiple regular titles. Now, this type of grandiose storytelling is commonplace. This issue should be on EVERYONE'S shelf and with almost 10K total graded copies it practically is. If you do not own a 9.8 add one because this issue is still primed for a price increase.
