Undervalued Comics #42- Modern CGC 9.8 that can reach 1k
After watching some videos from Team CGC 9.8, I was inspired to do my own version. In this 9.8 series, I will talk about different 9.8s that one can aim for:
- First article (this one) – I will pick up modern books in 9.8 that are below $500, with a target of them reaching at least $1,000 within the next 2-3 years.
- Second article is 9.8 newsstands that is under $300, with a target of them reaching $500 or more.
- The final article is about modern 9.8 black covers.
For this first article, the following is the strategy:
The strategy is basically to look for issues that are related to keys that are already hot. This is because there tends to be spill-over effects from one issue to the next.
We saw this clearly in the jump of Edge of Spiderverse #2 from increases in Ultimate Fallout #4 as well as the subsequent jump of Amazing Spider-Man Vol 2, #4 from EOS #2.
Supply will be another big factor I look for to ensure I have the highest chance of investing in a 9.8 that can yield $1k and beyond.
Batman Beyond #6
Date of Publication: 1999
Sale number: 23,029
Key strengths of this book
1. First appearance of Inque
Inque is arguably one of the most important characters in the Batman Beyond universe, after Batman Beyond himself (The others will be Melanie Walker and Matt McGinnis). Villains wise, she is probably the Joker equivalent for Terry.
So, in terms of related book, it is logical to assume her first appearance might be the next to heat up after Batman Beyond #1 has reached its peak.
Below is the supply situation.
| Issue | 9.8 copies | Total | 9.8 to Total Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batman Beyond #1 | 223 | 596 | 37% | USD 1400 |
| Batman Beyond #6 | 42 | 70 | 60% | USD 325 |
Currently, Batman Beyond #6 has a pretty low 9.8 count but that is probably because of the lack of submission. If prices increase, I expect 9.8 copies to inflate to 3 digits. I will also expect the ratio to come down from 60% to below 40%.
However, also bear in mind that the total sales volume for issue #6 is lower than #1. So, total 9.8 for the former might not exceed the latter, even if future submissions increase.
Also, Batman Beyond #6 didn’t really break out until recently, which means it might be less cared for than Batman Beyond #1, resulting in less 9.8 candidates available.
Champions Vol 2, #1 Ross Variant
Date of Publication: 2016
Sale number: 328, 165
Key strengths of this book
1. First appearance of the second Champions team
The theme is Champions. Specifically, first appearances of key Champions members such as Kamala Khan, Mile Morales have cracked the $1000 mark.
If we got Kamala, Miles and Sam, then forming the Champions team is only the next step away. It makes sense that if this team was to be formed in the MCU, their first appearance will be pretty hot.
However, due to the super high sales volume, the 1:100 variant pictured above has the highest chance of breaking out.
| Issue | 9.8 copies | Total | 9.8 to Total Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Fallout #4 | 1,933 | 6,060 | 32% | USD 1,100 |
| Captain Marvel Vol 7, #17 2nd print | 221 | 439 | 50% | USD 1,300 |
| Champions Vol 2, #1 Ross Variant | 62 | 90 | 67% | USD 300 |
As you can see, Champions Ross variant has much lower supply than those that have broken out. This means even with less demand, it might not be impossible for this book to break the $1k mark once there is some heat.
Thanos Vol 2, #13 Later Printings
Date of Publication: 2017
Sale number: 2nd print(3,030), 3rd print (2,388), 4th print (7,510), 5th print (5,122)
Key strengths of this book
1. First appearance of Cosmic Ghost Rider
One of the hottest book now is Venom #3, containing the first appearance of Knull. Its 3rd printing, featuring Knull on the cover is now close to $1k in 9.8. This got me thinking about the Cosmic Ghost Rider (CSR), which is another of Donny Cates character.
CSR was pretty hot when he came onto the heat but has cooled off a bit. It is interesting to note that his first appearance in Thanos #13 did not have him on the cover, which is similar to Knull. It is only the 2nd printing that CGR came onto the cover.
In terms of print run, Venom #3 3rd print has about 9k, which is 3X as much as Thanos #13.
Given the similarities between these 2 characters (same creator and same cover appearance on later printings), I wonder if CSR might get the heat Knull is now receiving somewhere down the road.
| Issue | 9.8 copies | Total | 9.8 to Total Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venom Vol 4, #3 3rd Print | 617 | 728 | 84% | USD 850 |
| Thanos Vol 2, #13 2nd Print | 79 | 94 | 84% | USD 100 |
| Thanos Vol 2, #13 3rd Print | 54 | 61 | 73% | No Data |
The table shows that on the supply side, Venom #3 and Thanos #13 has a lot in common in terms of the 9.8 to total ratio. This means if there is a flood of 9.8 for Thanos, it might not deter the prices from increasing.
However bear in mind that the total print of Thanos #13 later printing is 3 times less than that for Venom #3 3rd print.
Honorable Mentions
In the section below, the books recommended are good candidates but they might have 1-2 flaws that prevent them from reaching the $1k mark.
Star Wars: Heir to the Empire #1
Date of Publication: 1995
Sale number: 80,000
Key strengths of this book
1. First appearance of Thrawn
If there is one book that can be the next Clone Wars #1, I feel this book has the highest chance due to the character Thrawn. However, I put this in the less certain category due to the supply.
According to comichron, Heir to the Empire #1 had around 80,000 copies sold. In contrast, the Clone Wars #1 has about 26,000 copies sold.
However, there is a silver lining for the 9.8s as the below table shows.
| Issue | 9.8 copies | Total | 9.8 to Total Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Clone Wars #1 | 67 | 127 | 53% | USD 1,500 |
| Heir to the Empire #1 | 56 | 133 | 42% | USD 500 |
As you can, despite the 100k sales, the number of 9.8 is still low, although it might increase significantly more as the prices increase. However, the 42% ratio is giving me some confidence that many of these copies might not be well kept, thus keeping 9.8 copies low.
Marvel Point One, #1 Sketch Variant
Date of Publication: 2016
Sale number: 328, 165
Key strengths of this book
1. First appearance of Nova (Sam Alexander)
Related to the Champions theme is this book featuring the first appearance of Sam Alexander. I put this book here because it is already over $500 although there is potential for it to reach $1k if Sam did appear in the MCU.
Currently, news on Nova is pretty scare, thus accounting for its price and low sales activity. This lull will not last as Nova will be a pretty important cosmic IP in the years to come.
| Issue | 9.8 copies | Total | 9.8 to Total Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Marvel Vol 7, #17 2nd print | 221 | 439 | 50% | USD 1,300 |
| Marvel Point One, #1 Sketch Variant | 40 | 61 | 67% | USD 500 |
Similarly to the Champions Ross variant, the Marvel Point One Sketch variant has much less copies on census, relatively to Captain Marvel Vol 7, #17 2nd print. As such, it will not need as much demand for this book to start pushing towards $1k.
Conclusion
This article is not meant to showcase every possible 9.8 that can reach $1k. Rather, it is trying to shortlist books that are related to other books that are hot, and hope that there is some spill over effects.
If you have other recommendations, I would love to hear them in the comments.
Alex Ross’s work at present is still usually lowly priced. I just do not know why as his work is amazing and he is the master. One day something will click and all his harder to find covers will increase substantiallyovernight. Wishful thinking ? Champions 1 as you say could be one of them in 3-5 years time. Also sam alexander Nova in a similar timeframe. Not forgetting the 1:50 colour which can be hard to obtain.
Hi Sal,
Do you know what other Ross covers contain first appearances?
Hello aaron if you dont mind me butting in but Terminator 1 Burning Earth- first Ross work, Astro City 1 -Honorguard, Samaritan, Spiderman 798 1in100- Red Goblin, Captain America 34- Bucky becomes Cap DF signed and unsigned variant lovely. Must be many more
Also kingdom come 1- Magog, Legacy 1 1in50, 1in100 – 1,000,000 BC Avengers, Avengers 675 1in200-Voyager, Immortal Hulk various-one below all, Dr frye, Red Harpy
Thanks!
I think its a long term hold but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 51 may be a good bet ? Jennika’s first appearance has a 23k print run and 9.8’s are about $200-$300. There’s not a lot on the census (78 at the moment) but if she appears in the new animiated film (…and also goes onto transform to a turtle in it or a sequel) this should push the book higher ….. her character seems popular also and has had her own solo mini series . Enjoying the blog BTW, thanks !
Thanks Paul but I would like to know first if are there any TMNT modern books which have cracked the $1k mark yet?
Really good point 🙂
Aaron, what book would you choose, Captain Marvel 17 2nd Print or Marvel Now Point One 2nd Print 1st Full app. Keep in mind their both rare.
I would choose the CM book. At least that book brings something different i.e. a first cover app. The Point one book is a pure low print game with no significance. I am not sure whether it will maintain its price long term.
Ya but the industry is changing, low print run books are starting to hit back. Look at Spider Gwen Issue 1 3rd print its going for $150 same for Ms Marvel 7th print and now the Marvel Point One 2nd print is worth more than the 1st Print, the world of 1st print is dead, look at marvel, thor, venom, all the 2nd, 3rd prints are selling for more than the 1st print. the world is changing and we have to change with it. Marvel Point One 2nd print all day, its barley getting wings under it and its aleady over 1k, how long has cap 17th 2nd print been around? And there almost the same price.
These changes are still new. Whether they will last is anyone’s guess. I will not make such a drastic statement declaring first print is dead.
Of course, you should make investments according to what you believed in.
Aaron is correct 1st print usually always way more important. If 2nd print has a more desirable cover then this can go for more Batman 608 for example. A colour change on the 2nd print has no real significance than perhaps lower print. All thats happening Ebay speculators cannot get 1st prints at their required price to resell and are jumping on the bandwagon hyping unwanted 2nds until us the punters get to a point where we agree with them at their prices. Down the line always 1st print. Captain Marvel 17 2nd print much better cover and Marvel Point go for the red 1st print and store it. What about Cap Marvel 17 1in20 variant currently in the middle ground.
Go to look at Marvel Now Point One 2nd Print and go look at Veom 3 3rd print and come back and talk to me.
Its not my fault you have a old fashioned way of thinking and are stuck in your ways. Look at Fallout 4 Newstand vs 1st Print. Yall want to be stuck in your old ways, guess whats, thats great news for me and the new collectors
It is not about old vs new ways. We would not know whether these prices are going to be sustainable since It has only been 2 months since they exploded? How would u know they will drop back now in prices?
FYI: I have 2nd prints in my portfolio as well. I even wrote about them way back in 2016: https://earlyretirementdiary.com/best-modern-comics-to-invest-in-for-2016-and-2017/.
Do not assume that you are the only one who knows about 2nd print and their potential.
Finally, pls be civilized in your comments. Discuss the issues, present facts, and do not make personal attacks such as name calling.
Look at First Print Ms Marvel or First Print Spider Gwen and come talk to me, its like talking to a bunch of idiots. How you gonna sit there with your dumb brain and say 1st print is worth more when you cant even find a ms marvel 7th print or spider gwen 3rd print cause it cost more than the 1st print and cost more than you. Continue being ignorant, better for me.
For the record, I would like to point out that I have an ergonomic desk and I’m currently standing here with my dumb brain. Not sitting.
All New Wolverine #2 2nd print has been more expensive than the 1st print for a couple years now and has only a color change.