Apparently, the Modern and Bronze Age dominated the rankings last month. The top three characters highlighted are a carnivorous alien, a symbiote black costume, and Bruce Banner's cousin. Fortunately for us, the cousin is none other than the Savage She-Hulk who can more than hold her own against Carnage and the symbiotic suit from the Secret Wars. The first appearance of each of these characters "are the most actively sold comic books in the marketplace graded by CGC or CBCS" (GoCollect). This makes up the majority of the slab market place and gives you a great idea of what other speculators are buying now. These books are the most active but are they profitable?

Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8

This book has had many ups and downs over the years. First, it was very popular during the initial rollout. Since then it has been a standard book in the back issue bins. When Venom was announced several years ago, it took off like a bat out of hell. Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 has the first Spider-Man symbiote black costume. This was a fun way to introduce a drastic change to the character. The change in suit was more controversial back in the day as the Spidey red and blue underoos had been around quite a while and swapping it was not exactly what some fans wanted. This comic book was created in 1984 by Jim Shooter (script) and Michael Zeck (pencils).

Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8

Short-Term Returns (90-days):

  • Grade 9.8 $260 FMV returns positive +9.6%
  • Grade 9.6 $150 FMV returns positive +15.6%
  • Grade 9.2 $110 FMV returns positive +22.2%
  • Grade 8.0 $90 FMV returns positive n/a
  • Grade 7.0 $60 FMV returns positive +40.9%

The short-term returns have been substantial especially for a Modern Age book. This is part of the Venom franchise and as long as Venom is king the Secret Wars #8 shall reign. Additionally, it is also good to see the lower grades up ticking on price. This issue is not as plentiful and cheap as it once was and with these positive returns we have seen the last of this book in the back issue bins, it is a wall book for sure. This hit issue has dominated the rankings last month and allowed Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 to wallcrawl to third place most active comic.

 

Amazing Spider-Man #361

This is the first appearance of the dreaded Carnage. Carnage is unique among these three books as he is the only one with a catalyst. That catalyst is Woody Harleson playing Carnage in a Venom 2 movie. There has been a ton of publicity on this sequel and Harleson even appeared in an end credit scene in Venom. They had him in some ridiculous costume lets hope that is just bad editing and not someone's idea of Carnage. Does this first appearance rip the competition to shreds?

 

 

 

 

Shot-Term Returns (90-days):

  • Grade 9.8 $375 FMV returns negative -3.1%
  • Grade 9.6 $160 FMV returns negative -2.2%
  • Grade 8.0 $90 FMV returns positive +0.8%
  • Grade 7.5 $85 FMV returns negative -3.5%

The red in these returns look like were clawed out by Carnage in a fit of berserker rage. This is not a good sign given the fact of a potential movie on the horizon. However, Amazing Spider-Man #361 book is practically ubiquitous and because of that and a huge fan base, you can always unload them. Currently, it is the number two most popular comic last month. I think after the next movie Venom 2 you want to short this thing and get out before your bank account becomes carnage to short sellers.

Savage She-Hulk #1

Jennifer Walters has an emergency blood transfusion from none other than Bruce Banner (her cuz). The outcome is epic, from this humble beginning comes the Savage She-Hulk. This character was created by Stan Lee (writer) and John Buscema and first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 in 1980. My personal favorite is Greg Horn's version of She-Hulk #7 (Volume 2). I think this character looks stunningly beautiful and at the same time Hulk strong. What better combo for the 21st Century? She's green, she's gorgeous, she is the Savage She-Hulk. It will bring men to watch this show and can be kid friendly too. This will draw all demographics and I predict She-Hulk will become more popular than the Hulk is today or at least on par with him. Do the numbers make betting on this green goliath a smart move?

 

 

 

Shot-Term Returns (5-months):

  • Grade 9.8 $425 FMV returns positive +8.3%
  • Grade 9.6 $200 FMV returns positive +53.7%
  • Grade 8.5 $95 FMV returns positive +18.4%
  • Grade 7.5 $80 FMV returns positive +38.5%

Obviously, with these kinds of numbers, it is hard to say "no" to this little green lady. Furthermore, the long-term results are even better with solid green gains across the board. Another great thing about Savage She-Hulk #1 is there are currently only 4784 in CGC Inventory; this leaves room to run up another 10,000 copies or so. This book could double in value over the next year. Can you Imagine there actually being a movie catalyst for Savage She-Hulk #1? Right now, just rumors and pure speculation but with a movie this book will pop, no doubt. Yep, it will make your fellow speculators green with envy. Nuff said!!!