Andrew Lincoln has been the leader and primary star of The Walking Dead. Lincoln plays (Rick Grimes) a Gary Cooper-like, regular good guy, and sheriff of a small town in the Deep South. This character rode into our hearts from the first episode. Now, the worst news has hit; Andrew Lincoln is leaving TWD! Our boy, Rick, is walking the plank. This will have a negative impact on every single Walking Dead comic book issue. Sure, the first comics #1-10 will "batten down the hatches" during the inevitable price tsunami, after the leading man leaves. What will happen to the prices on later comics in the series like The Walking Dead #53? This is the first appearance of Abraham Ford, Rosita Espinoza, and Eugene (the worm) Porter. These later heavily published TWD issues are in danger of price decline. The time is now, short The Walking Dead. Let's review some of the issues that will impact TWD comics when the price tsunami hits.
Rick Grimes leaving creates a reverse negative catalyst for TWD as a speculation. Rick was the leader, many fans follow Rick and will leave with his departure from the show. With a decline in viewership and already played out series the impact on TWD comics is palpable.
The Walking Dead #53 is the first appearance of awesome Abraham, rip-roaring Rosita, and that worm Eugene. TWD #53 was created by Robert Kirkman (writer) with Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn (art). Rick eventually allows these three heroes to become a part of his team. Rick's ability to influence and guide others, saves our TWD team constantly. Abraham's military experience comes in handy and Rosita's pure guts, help Rick hack through many seasons of the undead. All with Rick, as their fearless leader. That is until the fateful night that they run into Negan and his batting average. More on Negan below as we should discuss his first appearance as well.
Follow Rick's Example
The Rick effect is already in full swing; his leaving is a catastrophe for owners of TWD comics. The following numbers show a slight collapse in pricing on these issues. The Walking Dead #53 in mint condition (9.8) has an FMV of $140. This comic with a value of $140 seems ok, that is until you look at the last real price paid. Then you find to your horror; it was nowhere close at a $91 real sale in June. The total return on this grade (9.8) is even worse with -20% ROI for mint condition. The near mint (9.2) has a fair market value of $80, but the actual last price was $47, out the door (eBay) recently. This a total loss on grade (9.2) of -10% ROI. The zombie trail doesn't stop there. The carcass is still moving into the basement. This zombie investment with a very fine plus (8.5) shows a marked decline of -57.3%. Kill this speculative ghoul while you still can, get out while the getting is good. To paraphrase one of the memorable quotes from Abraham in TWD, "My boy Rick knows more than you." Please follow Rick's example and exit stage left.
Earlier we mentioned Negan; he is the greatest villain in the Walking Dead saga. His first appearance is also the last appearance of my favorite pizza guy, Glenn. It is still too traumatic to watch the scene where he kills Glenn. Is this comic book investment, a matching traumatic event with Rick leaving? The profits are a little better than TWD #53 above, with mint (9.8) returning positive +14.7% ROI and (9.6) taking a small dip of -5.9%. This is the one book that may hold some of its value, simply because of Negan's insane popularity. But why wait to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and hope for the best. Speculators will short it, sell it now and be done. Once the prices start dropping you can rebuy at a discount. Don't buy into the "I am Negan," mantra; sell The Walking Dead #100 while you can and speculate on something else.
