Bronze Age Keys: Are We in a Buyer's Market?

You might hear a lot of comedian e-book buyers saying we’re in a “buyer’s market.” Personally, I believe most main Bronze Age keys nonetheless have additional to fall.

For instance, in most grades, points similar to Incredible Hulk #181, Amazing Spider-Man #129, and Marvel Spotlight #5 are nonetheless promoting for greater than twice as a lot as they did earlier than the comedian growth. I’ve heard some speculators say that a “new floor” has been established for comics like these, however I see no proof of a hockey stick impact and even a sideways drift. Instead, I principally observe falling knives in most grades.

On the opposite hand, I see some indicators that some third-tier Bronze Age key points might have overcorrected. These are definitely not crucial keys of the Bronze Age, however they’re common points nonetheless.

A CGC 9.2 Ms. Marvel #1 Sold for $91 on December seventh, 2022.

While Captain Marvel was not the preferred MCU film, Carol Danvers continues to be a main determine in the historical past of Marvel comics and able to sustaining her personal comedian e-book sequence. While most collectors view Marvel Super Heroes #13 as Carol’s first full look, it’s actually extra of a first look in cameo. She solely seems in a couple of panels, she isn’t named Captain Marvel, and she or he doesn’t seem on its cowl.

In addition, there may be vital proof that this e-book has over-corrected. Unlike most Marvel key points, Ms. Marvel #1 didn’t go to the moon throughout 2020 and 2021. Instead, a CGC 9.4 reached its all-time excessive of $557 again in 2018 when Captain Marvel debuted in the film theaters.

By 2021, it had fallen to round $215 earlier than reaching a practically ten-year low of $88 in 2022. Although it’s inconceivable to time the market, my educated guess is that that is the underside or near-bottom for this Bronze Age key problem and a good time to purchase.

A CGC 9.4 Nova #1 Sold for $169 on December sixth, 2022.

This was a nice purchase on Heritage Auctions on December sixth. In reality, as I look by current gross sales information, I’m seeing higher offers on Heritage than on eBay. While Nova #1 is a third-tier key problem from the Bronze Age, a overview of current gross sales information signifies this e-book is over-correcting. Just earlier than the comedian growth occurred, a CGC 9.4 copy of this e-book bought in the $250 to $300 greenback vary in mid-to-late 2019.

During the comedian growth, this similar e-book reached an all-time excessive of $434 in early 2022. Since then, this e-book’s worth has fallen under what it bought for in 2019. If you have a look at this e-book’s historic return over the long run (roughly 22% yearly), you’ll anticipate this e-book to be value in the low to mid-400s in 2023. In addition, we’ll nonetheless haven’t seen Nova in the MCU. Once we do, this e-book will possible expertise not less than a increase in gross sales quantity if not worth.

Considering the above, if you may get this e-book for beneath $200, I personally assume you’re getting a nice deal.