If Captain America #1 surpasses Marvel #1, Can Tec #27 surpass Action #1?

[Wayne-Tec]

Hey guys,

 

As the value of Cap #1 continues to climb, it seems like it has an opportunity (if it hasn't already in some grades) to surpass Marvel Comics #1 as the most valuable Timely book in our hobby. While this wouldn't shock many with the recent success Marvel has had in Hollywood, this would still be quite significant. Once considered to be right on par, if not more desirable than Action Comics #1, Marvel #1 continues to be surpassed by more desirable, more relevant books despite its historical significance.

 

It's rarer: Only 57 slabbed copies compared to 135 for Cap #1.

 

It's older: Late 1939 vs. early 1941.

 

It's more historically significant: The birth of the Marvel Universe.

 

But at the end of the day, it seems that desirability and modern relevance may win out as the newer, more common, less historically significant book continues to gather momentum. If the realized prices begin to separate from each other, it begs the question:

 

Can Detective Comics #27 surpass Action Comics #1?

 

Your initial first response will likely be the same as mine: NO!

 

But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a genuine possibility. The difference between Action #1 and Marvel #1 is that Superman is far more popular than the Sub-Mariner or Human Torch. He recently had his own feature film and is set to return in the upcoming sequel. Even so, he's competing with Batman.

 

In the DC Universe, it's not even close.

 

People often tend to confuse recognizability (which Superman is the poster-boy for) with popularity. IMO, Batman is FAR more popular than Superman and that is a trend likely to continue as younger generations get older. Collectors in their 40's-60's grew up in a different era: When Superman was more popular and Batman had yet to reach his heights.

 

Action #1 and Tec #27 are close in scarcity and have a smaller time-gap between publication than Marvel #1/Cap #1. While Action #1 will forever be lauded for being the birth of the American superhero, we've seen books of great significance take a back seat to characters that are more popular and more loved.

 

A similar comparison can be made between Fantastic Four #1 and Amazing Fantasy #15. In today's day and age, AF #15 stands almost without peers in the Silver Age world.

 

Could the same thing, one day, happen with Detective Comics #27?

[VintageComics]

What do you mean by surpasses?

 

The best graded Cap #1 has already sold for more than the best graded Marvel #1.

 

Tec #27 was already higher priced than Action #1 in the guide back in 1989 or 1990.

 

Comics aren't valued as comics anymore. Now they're valued as character vehicles for movies.

 

 

[Wayne-Tec]

What do you mean by surpasses?

 

The best graded Cap #1 has already sold for more than the best graded Marvel #1.

 

Tec #27 was already higher priced than Action #1 in the guide back in 1989 or 1990.

 

Comics aren't valued as comics anymore. Now they're valued as character vehicles for movies.

 

 

Surpass in value across the board, grade for grade.

 

The highest recorded sale of an X-Men #1 is greater than the highest recorded sale of a Tec #31, but X-Men #1 is nowhere near as valuable in lower grades.

 

Tec #27 held the top spot years ago, I'm posing the question of whether or not that will happen again in the future.

[rob_react]

It could because Batman is 100x more awesomer. :sumo:

[nearmint]

Sure, it's possible. I find it shocking that only 36,000-40,000 people buy Superman and Action each month.

[Wayne-Tec]

Sure, it's possible. I find it shocking that only 36,000-40,000 people buy Superman and Action each month.

 

That's it?

 

What are the figures for Batman and Detective?

[rob_react]

Sure, it's possible. I find it shocking that only 36,000-40,000 people buy Superman and Action each month.

 

That's it?

 

What are the figures for Batman and Detective?

 

For January 2014 Batman and Detective went 1,2 on the sales charts. Superman and Action were 48/49.

http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2014/2014-01.html

 

 

[rob_react]

Batman also supports like, 537 different titles. There's a different Batman book on the shelves ever week and there are another bunch (I don't even know actually) of Batman family titles.

[peewee22]

What do you mean by surpasses?

 

The best graded Cap #1 has already sold for more than the best graded Marvel #1.

 

Tec #27 was already higher priced than Action #1 in the guide back in 1989 or 1990.

 

Comics aren't valued as comics anymore. Now they're valued as character vehicles for movies.

 

 

Get them all and you don't have a problem.

[Marvel Zombie]

What do you mean by surpasses?

 

The best graded Cap #1 has already sold for more than the best graded Marvel #1.

 

Tec #27 was already higher priced than Action #1 in the guide back in 1989 or 1990.

 

Comics aren't valued as comics anymore. Now they're valued as character vehicles for movies.

 

 

The books mentioned here a characterized by transcending their medium. They are more than "C-books". Grant Morrison called them 'Sigils' ...

 

 

[Marvel Zombie]

It could because Batman is 100x more awesomer. :sumo:

 

 

 

 

[G.A.tor]

no...not possible...too much supply relative to the other "bigs" supply...and while demand might be comparable or even surpass, the supply vs demand equation will still keep prices of cap 1 under action 1 and detective 27 forever

[Marvel Zombie]

no...not possible...too much supply relative to the other "bigs" supply...and while demand might be comparable or even surpass, the supply vs demand equation will still keep prices of cap 1 under action 1 and detective 27 forever

 

 

I guess the OP didnt ask whether Cap 1 would surpass A1 /T27. It was a parallel equation inviting thoughts ...

[nearmint]

no...not possible...too much supply relative to the other "bigs" supply...and while demand might be comparable or even surpass, the supply vs demand equation will still keep prices of cap 1 under action 1 and detective 27 forever

 

He's asking if Tec 27 will surpass Action 1, not if Cap 1 will.

[Wayne-Tec]

A little more food for thought.

 

In terms of All-Time USA Box Office figures, The Dark Knight ranks 4th and the the Dark Knight Rises ranks 7th -- Man of Steel ranks 56th. The decision to add a new Batman to the MOS universe strikes me as a sign of DC's lack of faith in Superman as a solo character. Even if Ben Affleck doesn't prove to be a great Batman, people will come to theaters to see Batman.

 

When Batman Forever hit theaters in 1995, it had the largest opening of ALL-TIME.

 

It wasn't a great film, but it does speak to the love fans of all generations have for the character.

[G.A.tor]

no...not possible...too much supply relative to the other "bigs" supply...and while demand might be comparable or even surpass, the supply vs demand equation will still keep prices of cap 1 under action 1 and detective 27 forever

 

He's asking if Tec 27 will surpass Action 1, not if Cap 1 will.

the answer is still "no"

[Wayne-Tec]

Sure, it's possible. I find it shocking that only 36,000-40,000 people buy Superman and Action each month.

 

That's it?

 

What are the figures for Batman and Detective?

 

For January 2014 Batman and Detective went 1,2 on the sales charts. Superman and Action were 48/49.

http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2014/2014-01.html

 

 

The sales figures for Superman and Action seem anemic in comparison to Batman and Detective.

 

The two best selling books to include Superman are Batman/Superman (16th) and Superman/Wonder Woman (28th). This seem to fit DC's cinematic outlook, that Superman will perform better when there are other characters (Batman in particular) to help sell the product. The character's lack of universal appeal might make him better as a supporting character.

 

What's worse is that there are no less than 11 Batman-universe related titles selling higher than the best solo Superman book, Action Comics, ranked 48th overall.

 

Titles devoted to Harley Quinn, Nightwing and Damian Wayne outsell Supes.

 

And what about gaming?

 

Arkham Asylum, Arkham City and Arkham Origins are three of the best, if not THE three best superhero video games ever made. Older collectors may not be familiar with the medium, but it's growing and is an absolute essential area to connect to the next generations of fans.

 

What was the last great Superman game?

[Wayne-Tec]

no...not possible...too much supply relative to the other "bigs" supply...and while demand might be comparable or even surpass, the supply vs demand equation will still keep prices of cap 1 under action 1 and detective 27 forever

 

He's asking if Tec 27 will surpass Action 1, not if Cap 1 will.

the answer is still "no"

 

Why do you feel that way?

[peewee22]

no...not possible...too much supply relative to the other "bigs" supply...and while demand might be comparable or even surpass, the supply vs demand equation will still keep prices of cap 1 under action 1 and detective 27 forever

 

He's asking if Tec 27 will surpass Action 1, not if Cap 1 will.

the answer is still "no"

 

Why do you feel that way?

 

I'm with Rick.

 

IMO Action 1 is the supreme grail of funny books. If you took a poll of 100 unbiased "comic" people, I believe 60 to 70 would vote Action 1 over Tec 27. (thumbs u

[G.A.tor]

no...not possible...too much supply relative to the other "bigs" supply...and while demand might be comparable or even surpass, the supply vs demand equation will still keep prices of cap 1 under action 1 and detective 27 forever

 

He's asking if Tec 27 will surpass Action 1, not if Cap 1 will.

the answer is still "no"

 

Why do you feel that way?

anyone that has paid any attention to that market, knows the answer...

 

action 1 is "the" grail....tec 27 will unfortunately, in today's world, finish second...

 

doesn't discount what occured in the past...but it is just that, the past...

 

over the past 10 years, the benchmarks have clearly been established, and no "movies" or Tv shows, or soapbox oratating(I know) will change the now accepted value standard (imo)