Have you ever had the chance to hold a Golden Age book? To feel its pages in your hands? Even the smell from a Golden Age book is different than modern ones. Recently, many of these books have seen a tremendous rise. For those who do not want to lose out on these precious gems, I have included the Top 5 Golden Age books that are rapidly rising.
5. Tales From the Crypt #28 - Up 995 Spots
Published by EC (an Entertaining Comic), this book features our beloved Crypt Keeper. Within this issue are 4 stories with "Ants in Her Trance" being my favorite one. That story is about a hypnotist who places his wife in a trance and commands her to stop her heart. Using the words "Snap out of it" he brings him out of the trance and her heart restarts. However, he now falls for someone else and together they murder his wife using the same trance. When visiting the gravesite with his new love a year later, she is overcome with grief and says "Snap out of it." This causes her corpse to reanimate and come after them. Using the same tactic she kills both her ex-husband and his lover.
Currently, this book has an FMV of $140 for just a 1.0! A 9.8 is valued at a nice $29,000 with only 2 in the CGC census. In total CGC has 84 copies listed as graded. One can only imagine how few still exist raw and in the wild. You just don't see classic stories and artwork like you do in here.
4. Archie Comics #50 - Up 995 Spots
Ranked by many collectors as one of the top Archie Covers, this book is still highly sought after. Published by Archie Comic Publications, this issue features many short stories with a classic Betty cover. Fun fact, this book also has a PSA advising people to not check for gas leaks with a match. Funny that people had to actually be told that. This book still commands a high FMV with a 1.0 being valued at $400 and a 9.8 holding an estimated value of $62,000. However, according to the CGC census, the highest grade recorded so far is a 9.0 which still pulls in a value of $20,000. Do remember, higher grades might be found in the raw or graded by other companies.
3. Batman #38 - Up 578 Spots
This is an awesome grab for any Batman fan. This is the first Batman art by Jim Mooney. In addition, the scene in the movie Batman Returns, where the Penguin sends real penguins strapped with dynamite after Batman, is taken directly from this comic. Yes, not a huge key book but still one any fan is proud to own. Highest graded book in the CGC census is a 9.6 with a value of $12,000. Even a 0.5 commands a value of $250. However, if you plan on getting one I say get one with the cover intact. It truly makes the book worth it.
2. Batman #31 - Up 481 Spots
With a copy currently stored in the National Museum of American History, this proves my point of Golden Age books being historical. Due to the pandemic, the museum is currently closed, but either way, the book is currently not up for view. It also features a gorgeous infinity logo cover by Dick Sprang. Showcasing classic work by Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson (as Bob Kane), this is another must-have for your collection. We also see the first appearance of two very lesser-known Batman villains Punch and Judy. There are 153 copies in the CGC Census, with only one at a 9.6. The 9.6 is valued at $36,000 with a 0.5 holding at $280. I have to admit this does have a very nice cover, plus you can't beat having work done by the great Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the creators of Batman.
1. Batman #59 - Up 98 Spots
This is the origin and 1st appearance of Deadshot. One look at this book and you can see why this is a classic. The cover features the classic Bat-signal on the moon and the Bat-Ship! In this issue Deadshot has everyone convinced he is a good guy and wants to replace Batman. Obviously, the caped crusader foils his plans and was able to get the truth out, but he still gave him a run for his money. The most common grade in the census for this book is 5.0 with 20 copies and a value of $1,750. The highest grade is 9.4 with an FMV of $23,000. Imagine owning a copy of this book anywhere above a 9.0. Not just for the monetary value but for the simple beauty this book holds. It is not a wonder why this book has jumped so many spots.
Top 5 Golden Age Books Bottom Line
Although these books are out of reach for many people, myself included, they are worth owning. The Queen of Golden Age books Danielle, better known as NerdyGirl to her fans, said once, "Its Quality, not Quantity" and she is absolutely right. These gorgeous books maintain their value throughout time and will always be highly sought after. In my opinion, it is best to save up all those pennies and spend them on a Golden Age goody.
So Till Next Time, Happy Hunting!
