the authority

Longtime no see. Glad to see you back on the boards. Here is a picture of the cover to Incredible Hercules #133. Thanks for sharing. I had no idea that this book existed. 👍

Here’s a threesome. Ultimate Spider-man #1, Ultimate X-men #1, and The Ultimates # 1. These books couldn’t be more different but make for a good comparison. USM #1 was something unlike any book we’d seen in quite a while. It wasn’t necessarily a new story but it was a new way to tell an old story. When it hit the shelves, I bought it like crazy...and I wasn’t alone. It was hot. It was fun. It had a cover that felt more like a baseball card than a comic book and that cover got tics easier than any book I can recall. This was the year 2000 and if I recall correctly, the book was selling for as much or more than it is now in the first year or so. I loved this book though I can tell you, not everyone felt the same. The purists hated it and I can understand why. Still, it was the first big spec book of the 21st Century. As I was thinking of starting this thread, it came to that other than some old Bronze and Silver books I’d sold, this was a book I really wanted back in my collection. Peter Parker was fun and introduced to a whole new group of collectors. Ultimate X-men #1 was not the same. It was a pretty different take than the original Uncanny guys but it did bring a lot of favorites back together. It too was a hot seller at LCS and on eBay and again, most of us eBay sellers bought a ton. Still, it never had the excitement of the original series and suffered for it in my opinion. The Ultimates #1 was a Mark Miller written story. In fact, it involved a couple of creators from The Authority vol. 1. It never felt as good as The Authority to me but it did seem a step up from the X-men. All of these books were excellent secondary market sellers but USM #1 ruled the roost. I see Ultimate Spider-Man as historically significant. It was the 1st in a completely new line and universe. The Ultimates are important but for a completely different reason. This is where Marvel Comics met widescreen presentation. It also seems like a design concept for more than a few people and even attitudes of those characters that we now see in the Avengers movies. There may may never be demand for these series but nostalgia is a funny thing. I think 2 of them will grow more popular again while the 3rd has an outside chance. I have 0 USM #1 but will correct that problem this year. I have at least 5 UXM #1 in NM and more than 10 Ultimates in NM to NM+. Ratings USM #1 raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 7 out of 10 UXM #1 raw NM = 3 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 5 out of 10 Ultimates #1 raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 6 out of 10

Here comes a good one. Bloodstone #1. The 1st appearance of Elsa Bloodstone. I keep hearing about her potentially showing up in movies etc.. I don’t know if that’ll happen or not but I do recognize that character has been popular for a while amongst collectors. It’s a cool cover cover to boot. I own 2 NM and 2 CGC 9.8 copies. I’ve had a couple that didn’t hit 9.8 on prescreen and sold them. Then decided to jump back in 😝 rating raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 7 out of 10

A short break allows me to add another one. This isn’t a big dollar book. It’s probably cheaper now than it was shortly after it came out. Amazing Spider-Man #30/471. It has the 1st appearances of Ezekiel and Morlun. Morlun could be a major player but no guarantee. It is also the first time I remember J Scott Campbell doing Spidey. Based on all of the popular Spider-Man covers he’s done. That’s kind of a big deal. This book can be had for maybe $7-10 in nice condition. It’s one of those longshots I spoke of in the beginning of the thread. It’s a cool cover at the very least. I own 4 NM copies rating raw NM = 4 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 4 out of 10

Guys, working late tonight. Going to try some stuff later. Thanks for the positive and corrective feedback. I’ll update any errors on each post. 👍

I’m taking an educated guess at the most likely books to increase in value. I see UF #4 the same way many people view Batman Adventures #12 or New Mutants #98. I was strongly suggesting it as a good buy at $10 and $20 and I’m suggesting it’s still a good buy. Far from its peak and already proven. The ratings are a mix of risk, reward, and my gut. If a book is super cheap like say Totally Awesome Hulk, I’ll give it a little better rating than a book that may be more expensive and even more of a sure bet because of the low buy in. If you feel it warrants a different rating, add your 2 cents. These are strictly my opinions. 👍 I also sit on books a long while unless it’s somet new that I bought a ton of or something super hot that I perceive as a short term winner.

I’ll fix it. Thanks 👍

Used your quote in the post. Thanks 👍

A little more DC ? Okay, here is Batman #567. The 1st appearance of Cassandra Cain Batgirl. This book was a high flyer for a good long while and then kind of settled down. Very good character and likely to be back in the spotlight. I own 1 NM copy ratings raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 6 out of 10

Next, Totally Awesome Hulk #22. The 1st appearance of Weapon H. Every time Marvel meshes a character and I think to myself, “ wow, this is dumb...” it turns out to be a pretty decent story and character most of the time. This is why I stick to reading comics and not writing them 😂 So, big things in store for him in the future. The entire run of this story also had very cool covers. He is going to be a little tough to write because he is so powerful but they’ll do it and it will be just fine. I own 1 1st print and and 3 2nd. I bought the 3 thinking they were 1st. Lol all NM + Rating raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 6 out of 10

How about some Hulk ? Let’s start with Amazing Fantasy #15 featuring the 1st appearance of Amadeus Cho. This character is going places. Not sure where but Marvel keeps pushing him out there for us and his books are pretty nice. He’s Totally Awesome. 😝 I believe that this book will continue to grow and I’d add that the #1 issue of Totally Awesome Hulk seems entirely too cheap at around $5 for a lead character’s first series. Maybe I’m wrong but I’m a buyer. I own zero of Amazing Fantasy #15 but it is on my list of summer buys. I always seem to forget this book when it’s in a lull. I’ll try to buy it for a month and it peaks during that time. I’ll get it this year. I have 3 copies of TAH #1 in NM+ Edit: per Hey Kids, Comics! Issue #1 is also the 1st appearance of Amadeus as the Hulk. Very important addition. Thanks 👍 Ratings AF #15 raw NM = 7 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 7 out of 10 TAH #1 raw NM = 8 out of 10 ( too cheap ) CGC 9.8 = 8 out 10 ( one sold for $36 this year )

Next up, Flash #197. This is the 1st appearance and origin of Professor Zoom. This guy is about as dangerous as a DC villain gets. He is the perfect foil for the Flash. Assuming the Justice League stays on the big screen, it’s only a matter of time before he joins the fight. He’s already in other media. The book has sold well since its arrival and I don’t expect that to change. The book has a high floor and that isn’t common for a modern villain. I own 1 NM copy and I’m not selling. ratings raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 6 out of 10

Last one for tonight. Batman Harley Quinn. The Alex Ross cover is worth the price of admission alone. I think Ross is one of the best ever. He absolutely shines with Superman and Batman art. With this book ? He’s a rockstar. This is the first mainstream appearance of Harley in the DCU. I think this book is undervalued...and I’m buying one in June. It is 3rd on my hunt list right now. I have zero copies. I sold my only one over a tiny, tiny blemish. Sometimes being OCD is a problem. Ratings raw NM = 9 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 9 out of 10

Some Batman villains are due. How about Vengeance of Bane 1 ? Big, bad, back breaking bad guy. Definitely a top guy on the list of threats to Batman. Was the key threat in what I believe was one of the 3 best modern Batman runs. Hush and Court of Owls are the others. He’s also been the main shebang in a Batman movie. It’s hard to imagine something bigger happening with this character. That said, there is still a little room for growth because he is still being regularly used in the comics. I have zero copies. Sold all of mine. Rating raw NM = 5 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 6 out of 10

So this Robert Kirkman guy is kind of a big deal. While I bought Walking Dead from issue #1 on, it wasn’t my favorite Kirkman book at that time. No, Invincible #1 was the standout to me. For those or you who haven’t read it. Mix Spider-man wit, age, and situations. Now add in Supermanlike powers and a rogues gallery to match Flash, Batman, or Spider-Man. Mix in writer who gets comics readers and you have one of the most enjoyable reads...ever. I don’t won’t to spoil anything so I won’t but please believe. It’s fun, brutal, happy, and sad. Perfect storm. Noble Causes #3 should be mentioned as it’s his 1st. He is on the cover of one of those issues. I own zero Invincible #1 and only one of the Noble Causes. At one time, I had 10 and 3. It’s hard to pass a profit but sometimes, sometimes, it just isn’t the time to sell. That happened to me more than a few times and this was a big screw up. 😝 Rating Invincible #1 Raw NM 8 out of 10 CGC 9.8 9 out of 10 Noble Causes would be a 5 out of 10 on both counts.

Okay, let’s get back to a few personal favorites that are way undervalued. Stormwatch #37. The first Warren Ellis on this series. Stormwatch vol. 2 #4. First Midnighter and Apollo. The Authority #1, the first widescreen team book. It changed the way comics looked, led to Mark Miller joining the team, which led us to the Ultimates. The Ultimates changed the tone of the Avengers. I believe this book is the reason some of the Avengers looked and acted the way they do in the MCU. Youve heard my thoughts on Warren Ellis. He is amazing. Believe it or not, he has books that made it to the big screen. Yes, RED with Bruce Willis, Mary Louise Parker, Morgan Freeman, HelenMirren, and John Malkovich is an Ellis transfer. Such a fun show. A who’s who of stars. So think about it. RED was a decent book but a far cry from these books. So here we go. I own 6 or more ( lost count ) of these books. I own every TPB of the series too. I read them every year on vacation. How crazy. No surprises but just so many fun..and sad...and exciting moments in these stories. I own a CGC 9.8 of The Authority #1 and 9.4 of Stormwatch #4. I sold my 9.6 and 9.8 of #4. Uggghhh. I’ve sent a few of #37 in for prescreen 9.8 and none have hit it. Ratings #37 raw NM = 8 out of 10 CGC = 9 out of 10 #4 raw NM = 9 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 9 out of 10 The Authority #1 raw NM = 7 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 out of 10

...and, we’re back. Next up is another hot one. Marvel Now Point One 1. First full appearance of the new Ms Marvel, Kamala Khan. What more needs to be said ? She has a huge following in a very short period of time. She’s been an Avenger and a Champion. Special character and book. I sold everything of her that I had except a CGC 9.6 of this issue and a few Ms Marvel #1s that I originally thought would be her first full. Even the 2nd prints of #17. I’m embarrassed to tell you how cheaply I sold those. rating raw NM = 9 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 9 out of 10

Lost in the 90s tonight. This is Bloodshot #6 and #7. The 1st Ninjak and 1st cover. It is hard to describe how much I loved and looked forward to this book when it came out back then. It was different, futuristic, and even seemed slightly plausible to me. These 2 books seem so undervalued to me but it could be due to it being in the cheap bins for so long. Sometimes, people still assume things belong there when they no longer do. Ninjak is a Valiant mainstay and an interesting character. This should only increase in value. I own probably 10 of each. Never sent one to CGC but the time is nearing. Rating #6 and #7 raw NM = 8 of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 of 10

Alrighty. For something a little different and completely incredible...X-men # and #5. Jim Lee is as goods as it gets. These are two exceptionally well rendered covers. One features the 1st appearance of Omega Red.The character is a great foe for Wolverine and the X-men but would make a great opponent for most characters in the Marvel U. I own gobs of these if you can high, you’ll eventually reach gobs 😝 I have one CGC 9.8 of of #4 Ratings #4 and #5 raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 7 out of 10 the number available is the only thing holding these down from a better rating.

Alright, sliding some more in before the show. A-Force #1, the 1st appearance of Singularity. Maybe something maybe not but my gut says go, go, go on this one. There are at least 3 covers to this one. Two of these are done by Stephanie Hans. She has many covers that I own and very few I don’t want to have in my collection. So I’d say buy the one with her face taking up the cover. It seems to be the most popular version. I have at least 2 copies of each with 2 CGC 9.8s of the Hand “face” cover. I like them equally but go with the best seller. Keeping one and selling one to pay for all of the others. Rating raw NM = 7 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 7 out of 10

Taking a Game of Thrones pregame break but I literally have hundreds of books for this list. This is going to take a while 😝

There will plenty of Valiant on this list but jump in any time. I know older Valiant a lot better than I know the new stuff. 👍

Rai #0 Kept it simple. Like they did with the cover. Valiant fans have the most voracious appetite and loyalty to and for their characters and books. Between the picture on the cover, Valiant movie news, and Bloodshot being involved, this book has it all. Oh, did I mention that there are both matte and glossy versions of this book ? No ? Well there are. 😝 While this is far from the most expensive book in the Valiant U, it is potentially the most recognized and bankable book of the bunch. We all want to own it and if your old enough, you’ll remember it being a wall book in the 90s. I own 2 raw NM, NM- glossy and matte 1 matte CGC 9.8 rating raw NM 8 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 out of 10 though I’d give a glossy a bump to 9 out of 10

Another blue chip book. Edge of Spider-verse #2. This one is special. There was Both a lot of angst and a lot of excitement when this book arrived. Excitement won out and the book is a juggernaut. This one is rated just slightly below UF #4 because of the lack of original character. They did make the most of her return to action.This book in spite of being expensive for its age has plenty of growth potential. My stash = 0 I know, I’m a big dummy and sold them all. Keep waiting for them to drop in price. If it doesn’t happen in the winter, I’m buying anyway. ratings raw NM = 9 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 9.5 out of 10

Okay, an admission. The next book is my personal favorite and I own more than 100 copies of issue #1 raw. I also have 10 CGC 9.8...andI still buy them when they’re priced right. Call it an addiction. East of West #1 has it all...except buyers. 😝 This was a book that paid for itself the 1st 2 months it was out and it seemed that the sky was the limit. All of that said, sales have never matched the quality of the story since month 3. Amazon, yes Amazon, has their hands on this show and I’m hoping against hope that it gets made and that it is high quality. My gut tells me that it won’t happen. This has been one of the most talked about and collected books on the modern board. Third to the Walking Dead and Saga. There are definitely fans but I think more readers than collectors. My stash = huge ratings raw NM = 4 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 4 out of 10