Silver Age Marvel comics are in high demand. However, if you’re looking to invest for the long term, these 6 categories of Silver Age Marvel comics have historically and consistently outperformed the rest of the market and are the most sought after by comic book buyers.
1. First editions / number 1 — Collectors like to buy the first issues of a new series. This includes Spidey, Xmen, and the Fantastic Four. In most cases, the numbers n. 1 are still the most valuable comic in a set. If that first issue is also the first appearance or origin of a character or team, it’s always searched for.
2. Crossroads/key issues – When characters appear in another character’s book (Daredevil crosses over with Amazing SpiderMan), these crossovers are always popular with collectors. Crossover character battle issues (Hulk vs. Thing) are in high demand, especially in older comics. Themes that affect major plots and/or deal with the death of a main character (Gwen Stacey’s death) are always highly sought after.
3. Character Reintroduction – The revival of old characters from an earlier era (Capt. America – Avengers #4) or a restructuring of current ones (when Marvel Comics reintroduced Ghost Rider) is in constant demand by collectors. Consequently, the first series of Ghost Rider and subsequent appearances drastically increased in price.
4.Age – Generally speaking, comics from the Golden Age (l938-l945) are still more valuable than those from the Silver Age (l956-l969). But Silver Age books are more valuable than post-Silver Age (1970-present) books and everything else. Currently, Silver Age comics are in extremely high demand due to the introduction of Marvel Comics characters in this era and the high cost of purchasing Golden Age material. In general, new comics purchased today will never they will be just as valuable as comics from earlier Silver Age eras due to rarity.
5. Popular artists and writers – Popular artists and writers (Jim Steranko) can create extremely high demand for even second-tier Marvel comics (like Agent of Shield). Many collectors will follow these artists and writers from title to title and look forward to their next move. or project. Demand often increases dramatically when the job is done for a main character. For example, Jack Kirby’s work on just about anything is still in high demand.
6. Film Promotion – Movies featuring SpiderMan, Xmen, Silver Surfer, Fantastic Four, Hulk and Iron Man have created a buying frenzy for their Silver Age comics. More and more collectors are jumping on the bandwagon and buying multiple copies so as not to miss out on a potentially valuable investment. This in turn drives the price up even higher and the buying frenzy increases again. This type of demand will cause the price of books to rise very quickly. Please note, however, that price guides are based on retail or dealer sales, not personal sales, therefore the true value of a comic will only emerge when collectors attempt to resell it.
