One must assume we will have some major ups and downs over the next 25 years. One major factor is a connection between the physical comic book and the buyer. The real turning point will begin with the elimination of the printed comic book from the major publishers. First I see the comic book going into the graphic novel. Worldwide comic hero awareness will increase which is a good thing. Recently on other theads, Mad will stop with issue #10 with original content and possibly have new content on the annuals etc I see this going towards the graphic novel approach.. That is a mirror of things to come. Here is my take:
5 years from now: prices and demand are still very strong and increasing , the OA will survive the coming economic correction which will be deep but short time wise and quality pieces will be the least effected..The George Lucas LA museum will have worldwide impact on the OA market exposing a TON of new interest and collectors and get record attendance as well as continued box office gold for comic related movies and tv shows.
10 years from now: Grail pieces get record prices, which we will shake out head looking back to today. Low tier art will be in demand and keep its value or increase sightly. Mid-term type pieces just retain their value with no price growth. Marvel is still the #1 movie studio in the world.George Lucas and other museums are aggressive in getting significant pieces. Many price records have been broken
20 years from now: Comic Art is sold thru all the major auctions houses. A Frazetta painting breaks $10 million dollar barrier. Grail pieces are courted by the major auction houses. George Lucas, cash flush from so many admissions is the largest buyer and collector of comic art. Other Major art museums begin buying and activity seeking donations of all comic art to increase attendance, In year 12 Superhero movies hit a low point, but a major hit from an independent publisher gives the SH movies a second wind,
25 years from now: Grail pieces retain their value with no price growth looking forward, mid-type items lose 75% value but there still is a market to sell if for the right price. Small items lose 90% or value ..no demand give away.
I reject this gloom and doom, I remember when EC art was hot then went cold , then went hot..as it is now......Yes some items, like a Hulk cover for 600K are set up losers...no matter what the market is, BUT quality will maintain value and demand thru the next 25 years.