Wins & Losses

Ya win some ya lose some

“Wins & Losses”

Bio: Jay Katz, a comic book collector since 1983 and is the owner/creator of InvestComics LLC since 2005. InvestComics LLC was originally a magazine in 2005 before the website launched in 2005.

As many of you know from reading my blogs each week, I am the creator of the InvestComics website. Throughout the years, the site has made some bold predictions. Some came to fruition, some fell flat. It’s the way of the speculation world. My background consists of many, many, years on Wall Street in New York. The commodity market was extremely volatile. The comic market is not as harsh, but if one is not careful, you could be sitting on a bunch of comics you cannot sell. Over the years on InvestComics, in the very early stages, we have grown from a site that pressed a speculator to buy a specific comic to a site that simply recommends good comics to check out. To read, to collect, to have fun. We finally came to the realization that comics are not commodities and collectors needed to take a step back. This does not mean we haven’t made many of our fans a lot of money though. We have. There are many emails and social media notes throughout the years that have proved that we have done our job in that facet of the speculation business. Clunkers? Yes, lots of those too, but it’s the First Gwenpool appearance, the first Spider-Gwen appearance, the Obama issue, the Planet Hulk, first Thanos appearance, first Black Panther appearance, etc. that have outweighed the clunkers.

The inside of the comic is really where the magic happens. It’s always been that way.

It’s a speculation market and money will be made and lost, but the trick is to have your gains far exceed the losses to afford the wrongful picks. Reinvest those gains into Bronze Age is what InvestComics has preached since 2005. Stay away from the pointless expensive variants – pretty covers, put that money somewhere else. If you’re in the market to make an “investment”, always think, what would it look like encased in a CBCS or CGC holder? One may ask why. The one thing I have taught over the years regarding the graded comics, if the top righthand corner is blank or states “variant cover by…” and nothing else, you should be careful. The guts, the inside of your comic holds zero value. A pretty cover is a pretty cover. You do not have anything but a comic that maybe 250 or 3000 others own.

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The inside of the comic is really where the magic happens. It’s always been that way. Somewhere along the line, other “young” speculative websites have made it a point to actually make newer collectors in the hobby believe that a pretty cover should and will hold value. This component does not and never will fit my model. Not now anyway. Maybe it used to, but growing up is part of the process. That all said, variant covers are quite awesome. Not hating on them, just making a point to the new speculators in the hobby. Put that $25 or $100 back in your pocket and buy a nice graded Bronze Age first appearance instead. In 10 years, you’ll be happy you did.

It’s always fun to be nostalgic and look back at yesteryear. Back in 2013, InvestComics ran an article about superheroes that may be getting overlooked. Calling for the return of Rom, right before it happened. Talking about Black Panther, Cloak and Dagger, Planet Hulk and so much more.

Here are some excerpts from that article.

Within the speculators market there days is a driving force. Well actually three. One; movies, two; television, and three; rumors…..and more rumors.

Throughout the years on InvestComics collectors would find some obscure character first appearances, their origin appearances, or maybe even their untimely departure issue. What about those whacked out characters? Got me thinking, with Hollywood and the television networks all vying for/searching for that “next” best thing within the comic book realm, why not put together a list of characters that could one day see the light of day? Well honestly, most of these dudes and dude- ette’s will probably NEVER see the light of day, but hey did anyone ever think 20 years ago that we’d see a gun touting manic raccoon on screen? There are also some very obvious suggestions here too. Just trying to sure up your collection.

Before proceeding, I need to point out that some of these comics hold absolutely no redeeming value other than my own meandering speculation views, personal favorite’s and just flat out fun of mere mentioning them. Take this with a grain of salt and please have fun along with me.

The series started in 1979. Rom ran for 7 years and boy was it a fun ride. The character most certainly has a very large appeal, but will the cult favorite ever make it out of doldrums of hiatus hell status from Hasbro? Here’s the thing folks, If Disney ever decided Rom equals potential financial gain, they will get Rom. So can Disney wrestle away Rom from Hasbro? Disney will get their way if they want Rom…..they always do. There are exactly 4 very key issues within the 75 issue run. Rom #1, Rom #’s 17 & 18 (both X-Men appearance with Frank Miller covers), and Rom #75 (The final low print issue of the series). These are the 4 comics to grab within this series. Very affordable, very appealing, and it’s the awesome-ness of Rom.

In 2007, an unthinkable, unimaginable, the unfathomable happened. Captain America died! It made national news and it was a shockingly sad time within the comic book fandom. During his untimely death the rumors ran rampant as to who would take over the reins and don the shield. Remember fans bringing up Frank Castles’ name? Although a time for mourning, there were some funny suggestions as to who should take the mantle. One name in particular made the most sense, but Marvel didn’t give into to it. At the time of Rogers’ departure, American Eagle was appearing in the pages of a few comics. American Eagle is a native American and it would have made so much sense to have him don the shield for a while. Well it didn’t happen. Maybe one of the Captain America movies will have American Eagle become the next big Native American hero since……Tonto?? There is an influx of African American/female/foreign characters leading the way. Why not focus on an American Indian? Why not have a character that represents the foundations of America a mainstay within the Marvel Universe? Well if you’re a believer that Disney (who’s no stranger to the native American culture) will someday put American Eagle front and center then look for Marvel Two-In-One Annual #6 (1981) for his first appearance.

Staying on topic a bit here, there has been so much talk of a possible Black Panther movie but nothing concrete has solidified the rumors….yet. Although the talks of this movie happening has really sparked interest in an already collectable comic; Fantastic Four #52 (1966), Black Panthers first appearance, the collector still has some time to get this comic before the comic really takes off. The Jack Kirby comic is not only the first appearance, but it’s also the first African American super-hero ever.  Once the official announcement from Marvel Studios comes, Fantastic Four #52 will see an instant spike. Then the announcement of who will play him, another spike, then the first tease of the costume, another spike, well you get the idea. Buy this comic now if you can. You’ll be very happy you did.

How about some other very cool African American characters other than Luke Cage and Blade? One that was talk of a television show that never panned out? Brother Voodoo. He first appeared in Strange Tales #169 (1973). How about Dagger from the awesome Cloak & Dagger team? How amazing would a Marvel film be featuring Cloak & Dagger? A collector can scoop up their first appearance for mega cheap if you shop around. Peter Parker Spectacular Spider-Man #64 (1982) gives readers a first look at this team. Check out the limited series from 1984 as well.

Also on the movie front we have Doctor Strange rumored, but almost certain to be part of the next phase. Besides the Doc’s first appearance and Doctor Strange #169 (his REAL number one and first solo comic) which are obvious pick-ups, Doctor Strange main adversary is the one to go after! The villain will only command aftermarket bonuses up until a few months before the release of the movie, you’re looking at a long-term investment book you’ll need to dump at the right time. Otherwise the market will correct itself and you’ll either break even or lose on the deal. Strange Tales #126 (1964) could be one to pick up now. The comic gives us a first look at Dormammu. Will this be the villain Marvel goes with in the new Strange movie? Who knows? My bet is they go right here.

How about one more Strange Tales comic to check out? Strange Tales #89 (1961) features the first appearance of Fin Fang Foom. With the new Fantastic Four movie cast just released and Galactus probably getting his proper due on screen, this villain would be cool to have as an alternative go to if Fox decides NOT to go with the big purple guy.

When will Mephisto make his movie appearance? It has to happen eventually right? Well until it does, be sure to seek out and buy Silver Surfer #3 (1968).

How about touching on the Marvel Cosmo’s? Please note (regular visitors to InvestComics have heard this before!) that the entire Marvel Cosmic Universe speculation market hinges on the success or failure of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. If the movie does well at the box office, more Marvel cosmo to come, it fails, the end of the Marvel cosmo movement. It’s a rather simple equation. Captain Marvel #26 (1973) brings us Death’s first appearance. Thor #225 (1974) is Firelord’s first appearance. Giant-Sized Defenders #3 features the first look at Korvac. Marvel Man changes his name to Quasar, thus creating the first appearance of Quasar in The Incredible Hulk #234 (1979).

A group by the name U-Foes first appears in The Incredible Hulk #254 (1980). They are so unusual and so cool at the same time. Another team that commands some serious attention came onto the scene in 1979 by the name Alpha Flight. Uncanny X-Men #120; John Byrne, Terry Austin, Chris Claremont, and the first appearance of Alpha Flight. What more does one need here? Again, anyone who frequents InvestComics knows that Alpha Flight has been on the radar here for years and will continue to be. There is no reason to not speculate that this team will never see screen time or the light of day to some capacity somewhere. I for one believe they will. They can very easily be transcribed to film like the X-Men were. They are a team that would dominate as the X-Men have on film. It will happen folks, get this valuable comic now. And also get the mega overprinted Alpha Flight #1 (1983). Alpha Flight #1 will become the modern day New Mutants #98, so many copies available, so much money in the aftermarket.

Back to The Hulk. Planet Hulk…..first and foremost you’d want to get the very beginnings of the Planet Hulk saga. This can be found in The Incredible Hulk #88 (2006) and New Avengers: IIIuminati one shot (2006). Of course you’d go grab the Planet Hulk saga comics as a whole because it truly is a spectacular read from Greg Pak, but getting The Incredible Hulk #92 (2006) is a must. This issue introduces Hulks wife (deceased) Caiera. Caiera is an intricate part of the Planet Hulk storyline because the World War Hulk storyline introduces their son Skaar. Skaar would most definitely appear in a Planet Hulk/World War Hulk movie. Not only would he appear, but Skaar would be the prize comic for the speculator. What If? Planet Hulk #1 (2007) is the first appearance of Skaar and is without a doubt the next BIG comic when and if Marvel does a phase 3 with the Hulk being the centerpiece. Writer Greg Pak created the entire Planet Hulk universe, so he will be in much demand. I hope he gets a consult gig if Marvel Studios goes with this.

Speaking of an Avenger, how about Winter Soldier appearing in the new Cap movie? Sweet huh? Here’s a nugget you may have already heard or maybe not. The actor playing Winter Solider (Sebastian Stan) signed on with Marvel Studios for 9 films. Yes NINE films. Crazy right? Well why not stay on the crazy train (thanks Ozzy) here? How about Winter Solider takes the mantle from Captain America in Cap 3 as U.S. Agent? U.S. Agent first appeared as Super-Patriot in Captain America #323 (1986) and as the U.S. Agent in Captain America #354 (1989). What if Marvel Studios goes down the route of Nomad? Captain America first dons the Nomad costume in Captain America #180 (1974). Edward Ferbel was the second Nomad in Captain America #261 (1981). The third installment of Nomad (Jack Monroe) and probably the winning book for the Nomad speculator is Captain America #282 (1983). Jack Monroe went on to spawn a limited series (which is also one to get) and a regular series that lasted 25 issues. I won’t speak about the fourth Nomad, a female version character that failed miserably.

Hey wouldn’t it be great if Marvel Studios ever challenged DC/Warner Bros. In releasing their version of Superman? How about Sentry? He first appeared in the self titled Sentry #1 (2000). Wow this would be fantastic wouldn’t it?

The Marvel UK resurgence. In no way is the resurgence happening by mistake. Marvel/Disney are probably testing the market for the first major movie/animation starring a Marvel UK character, hence some of the recent UK character mentions and popping up. Captain Britain would be an obvious first choice, but it’s way too close to the Captain America lure. So where to go next? How about Union Jack? Check out the Invaders comics #’s 7 (1976), #8 (1976), and #20 (1977) for the key Union Jack comics. Also Captain America #254 (1981).

You know who would be great fun to see in a film. Maybe as a team member; Jack of Hearts. The colors in his costume are so vibrant that it would just pop on screen. The red heart on his left eye, the blue, yellow, and red costume….all good in my book. Check out his first appearance in Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #23 (1976). Also check out his four issue limited series from 1984.

Staying with the “colorful” characters, how about picking up Adventure Into Fear with Man-Thing # 19 (1973). This comic gives collectors the first look at Howard the Duck. Remember that bad movie from 1986? How awesome would it be to have Howard revisited by Marvel/Disney? Yes, this needs to get done.

You know what also needs to get done? A Machine Man film? Machine Man was created by Jack ‘King’ Kirby in 1976’s 2001: A Space Odyssey #8. Jack ‘King’ Kirby had his hands all over this creation. The only thing he is not credited on is the Inking and coloring. A fantastic book to have in your collection.

Black Widow may lead the charge as the first Big Budget female hero on screen. So how about we look at some female characters that should get some more play in your spec collection.

Amazing Spider-Man #209 features the first appearance of Calypso. Todd McFarlane brought back Calypso during his solo Spider-Man run, but she hasn’t really been a factor since. What better time than the present to change that?

Typhoid Mary really needs more playtime in the Marvel Universe. She’s too good of a character to be forgotten about or thrown into meaningless story lines. Marvel needs to revisit what made her work back in the late 80’s. Typhoid’s debut came in Daredevil #254 (1988). Typhoid will probably appear in the new Daredevil Netflix show too.

Hellcat has made many appearances over the years, but never seems to garner the attention she should get. Check out Avengers #144 (1976) for the first appearance of Hellcat.

Maya Lopez aka “Echo”

As previously mentioned, Daredevil will be getting his own Netflix series. I’m making a call right here that you will hear HERE first. Echo will be the female go to in the series. How do I know this? A hunch. I’ve been right before. I’ve also been wrong before too! The hunch points to Echo for me and Echo’s first is in Daredevil (vol. 2) #9 (1999).

Tabitha (Boom-Boom) like Hellcat has appeared in so many comics over the years, but you’d be hard pressed to even know what her first appearance book is. That book would be Secret Wars II #5 (1985).

 

All of those predictions and offbeat craziness was fun back in 2013. Some way off, some spot on. No matter really, having fun, entertaining, putting a smile on someone’s face is always the key to the madness. Instilling hope is always a factor too. Nothing like seeing one of your favorite heroes being mentioned that you’re too afraid to tell one of your friends about. I say you shout it out loud, who cares what people think? Be yourself.

 

-Jay Katz

Jay Katz, a comic book collector since 1983, is the owner/creator of InvestComics LLC since 2005. InvestComics LLC was originally a magazine before the website launched in 2005.

InvestComics LLC is the number one speculative/entertainment comic book source on the internet. Their motto is: Invest wisely. Read comics.

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