Marvel Graphic Novel #1: The Death of Captain Marvel
Marvel began their graphic novel line in 1981 as a nod to the burgeoning direct comic market and the explosive growth of comic book shops. And they started with a bang with Marvel Graphic Novel #1: The Death of Captain Marvel by Jim Starlin.
It’s a deep story that features the death of a character with whom Starlin was long associated. What makes it more profound is that it is a death that has never truly been reversed, something that can’t be said for the vast majority of comic character deaths.
There are 290 graded copies of Marvel Graphic Novel #1, nearly 44% of which are in the 9.8 and 9.6 grades, and none below 5.0. A 9.8 sold on August 6 for a slashed $1,000, down roughly 25% from the peak price of $1,200 paid in July 2021. In the 9.6 grade, prices are much more affordable, with a 90-day average of just $121.
Marvel Graphic Novel #3: Dreadstar
In what is part of a long-running story that began with his Metamorphosis Odyssey that first saw the light of day in Epic Illustrated #1 and stretches through to the Dreadstar Returns graphic novel published just a couple years ago, Jim Starlin’s Marvel Graphic Novel #3: Dreadstar serves as an excellent piece of connective tissue between the Metamorphosis Odyssey and the Dreadstar comic series.
There are 92 graded copies of Marvel Graphic Novel #3. It’s of primary interest to collectors of Starlin’s Dreadstar-related work and it shows in both the dearth of graded copies and the value. The 90-day average for a 9.8 currently stands at $205 while the 30-day average for a 9.6 is only $53.
If you’re a fan of Starlin’s work, it’s definitely worth consideration for your collection, especially at these prices.
Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants
The Marvel Graphic Novel with which most collectors are likely familiar is Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants as it contains the first appearances of Psyche, Wolfsbane, Cannonball, and Sunspot and is the first we see of them with Mirage as an all-new team of mutants in the Marvel Universe.
Written by X-Men scribe Chris Claremont with artwork by Bob McLeod it is easily the most collected of all the Marvel Graphic Novels.
There are 1,724 graded copies of Marvel Graphic Novel #4 in the CGC census. The most recent sale of a 9.8 occurred in an eBay auction on July 16 in which it went for $553. That’s down roughly 53% from the peak price paid of a slashed $1,299 in July 2021. The 30-day average for a 9.6 is $152, down considerably from the one-year average of $249.
With prices down so much, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on this one for a timely purchase if the price continues to drop.
Marvel Graphic Novel #5: X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
Coming directly after the first appearance of the New Mutants we have Marvel Graphic Novel #5: X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills by Chris Claremont and Brent Anderson.
Published in late 1981, it’s definitely a reflection of the times, utilizing a televangelist as the primary villain. It’s also one of the Claremont pieces that most directly deals with bigotry toward mutants and has influenced countless comics, cartoons, and movies since its publication.
There are 388 graded copies of Marvel Graphic Novel #5 and the 30-day average stands at $298, up slightly from the one-year average of $282 but a far cry from the $750 paid way back in 2013.
It’s a great read but, because of that, it’s seen a ton of reprintings, which has likely diluted the value of the original to some extent.
Marvel Graphic Novel #18: The Sensational She-Hulk
Published in 1984 while she was still a member of the Fantastic Four, and long before her fourth-wall-breaking series, Marvel Graphic Novel #18: The Sensational She-Hulk is John Byrne’s first solo She-Hulk story. It’s a good little adventure tale that clearly shows Byrne’s affinity for the jade giantess.
There are 60 graded copies of Marvel Graphic Novel #18 in the CGC census. A 9.8 sold in a June 19 eBay auction for $225, down 36% from the peak price of $350 paid in November 2021. It’s worth adding to your collection if you’re a fan of Byrne’s work on She-Hulk.
Marvel Graphic Novel #22: The Amazing Spider-Man: Hooky
Lord only knows what possessed writer Susan K. Putney to place Spider-Man in an other-dimensional horror story, but the gorgeous artwork by Bernie Wrightson in Marvel Graphic Novel #22: The Amazing Spider-Man: Hooky is absolutely amazing to behold.
The story is fairly pedestrian, but you have to at least flip through the pages of this one to witness Wrightson at his finest.
There are 74 graded copies of Marvel Graphic Novel #22 with a 30-day average for a 9.8 at $264. If you’re a Wrightson fan, you absolutely have to have this. You should pick up a raw copy as well so you can revel in its beauty.
Marvel Graphic Novel #24: Daredevil: Love and War
Depending on where you stand, Marvel Graphic Novel #24: Daredevil: Love and War is either one of the greatest works by Frank Miller and Bill Sienkiewicz or an example of the two of them going completely off the rails as they fed off each other’s weirdness.
I tend toward the former, but to each his own. It’s an oft-forgotten bit of Miller Daredevil lore, though, that at least deserves a read.
There are 62 graded copies of Marvel Graphic Novel #24 in the CGC census. A 9.8 sold in the August 15 Heritage auction for $264, the same price paid in the August 8 auction. Both are roughly half the value paid back in a 2014 eBay auction when it went for $500.
Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom: Triumph and Torment
Officially, the numbering of the Marvel Graphic Novel series ended with Marvel Graphic Novel #37: Hercules: Full Circle. Unofficially, the 49th in the series is Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom: Triumph and Torment. Released first as a hardcover and then as a paperback, this is a terrific story of Doom’s attempt to save his mother’s hell-bound soul.
Written by Roger Stern with terrific artwork by Mike Mignola and Mark Badger, it’s one of the best stories Marvel ever published for both the leads.
Unfortunately, you’re not going to have much luck finding graded copies. There are only eight graded copies of the paperback and none of the hardcover. The last sale of the paperback in the 9.8 grade was for $195 in 2015, so it’s hard to say what today’s value would be. Trust me, though - it’s worth the hunt for this one.
A Few of My Personal Favorites
These won’t make anyone’s list of the most highly desired of the Marvel Graphic Novels from a collectible standpoint, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the following as worthy of seeking out to read. Marvel Graphic Novel #8: Super Boxers is a surprisingly good read and features the best artwork of Ron Wilson’s unheralded career.
Marvel Graphic Novel #15: The Raven Banner is artist Charles Vess’ first foray into comic art and the pages are more than delightful to view. And finally, Marvel Graphic Novel #9: The Futurians features excellent artwork by Dave Cockrum that’s right up there with his best work on X-Men and Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes.
Do you collect Marvel Graphic Novels? What are some of your favorites? Let us know below.
