Anyone ever spend $500-$1000 on one comic?

[Emma]

Ive recently come into a good chunk of money, thank you raises and tax returns, and have been thinking about buying a high priced back issue from my all time favorite Xmen.

I was thinking of maybe Hulk 181, Giant Size 1, or Xmen 94.

Any of those in decent condition will run me a pretty penny but i kind of want to own a historic issue. But theres a little guy inside of my head thats saying 'youre crazy to spend that much on a flamin comic!'

Anyone out there shell out a sizable amount on a comic? How did you feel before or after?

[Slam_Bradley]

No. And I can't imagine ever doing so. I'm about reading the story and the art. I really don't care if it's in the original form or in a reprint.

[dan bailey]

But theres a little guy inside of my head thats saying 'youre crazy to spend that much on a flamin comic!'


You should spend your own money however you want, of course, but I have to say I agree with that little guy in your head.

Even if I had that sort of money to throw around (I never have, & I'm quite positive that I never will), I can't imagine spending it on a comic. Or a book. Or a record. (And I have pretty sizable collections of all of those, along with quite a few other thing.)

Of course, in my case I'd also have to deal with the knowledge that I had Hulk #181, Giant-Size X-Men #1 & X-Men #94, bought for cover price back when they were on the 'stands ...

[spoon_jenkins]

No. And I can't imagine ever doing so. I'm about reading the story and the art. I really don't care if it's in the original form or in a reprint.
Ditto. My own X-Men collection has a lot of reprints and I'm cool with that.

The most I've ever spent on an individual comic is about $12 to $15.

If I had an extra $500 or $1000 that I wanted to use just for leisure, I'd probably use it for part of the cost of a nice vacation.

[Slam_Bradley]

I just keep thinking that I average about $7 per trade paperback. And that can have up to a couple dozen comics in it. Nope. No way. Couldn't do it. Not when I know that I've bought 100 trades for that same $500.

[Shellhead]

If you enjoy comics for the art and the story, spend that money on a huge stack of trade reprints. If you enjoy comics as just collectibles to put on display, I guess you would be better off getting just one really expensive comic, because you can set it up in a nice little display case or picture frame or whatever, and it will stick take up a lot less space then a collection of trades. Personally, I would rather spend the money on the trades, because I would rather have a big pile of stories than one precious comic gathering dust.

[MDG]

Well one thing about the books you mention is that, if you get a decent deal, they will probably hold their value. And while I've had friends pay >$100 for a comic, I have a hard time seeing it anymore, especially with so many things reprinted.

Sometimes the "object" itself is cool to see and touch, but because comic values are so tied to condition, once you get to a big money book, the chance of losing value because of a sneeze or bending the cover as you put it back in the bag can be nerve-wracking.

[Red Oak Kid]

Far be it from me to advise anyone on how to spend their money. The most I ever spent on a comic was $75 at a convention. It made me happy for a while but then I saw the same comic on ebay for much less.

If you spend that much on a comic, it is unlikely that it will ever appreciate much more in value. So you have to ask yourself if it is worth it just to know you own that book. With me, eventually the thrill wears off. If it will always make you happy when you look at it, then go ahead. But if the thrill wears off over time, it is unlikely that you can sell if for what you payed for it.

I once had a page of original Neal Adams art. Over time, I got less enjoyment out of owning it and, in fact, I began to worry about what would happen to it if my house got hit by a tornado or fire. So at that point it became a burden and I was happy to sell it. At least I made a good profit because I had bought it when it was relatively cheap.

I think that money would be better spent on a trip to someplace you have always wanted to visit.

If I were forced to spend that much for a comic it sure as heck wouldn't be a Bronze or Silver Age comic. It would have to be a Golden Ager in mint condition.:wink:

[Drusilla lives!]

Personally, I've never paid $500-$1000 on one comic book... and I probably wouldn't on a "bronze age" book, it might make more sense for a golden age book that one really needed to complete a run. But for an individual bronze age book?... probably not. But that's just me... like dan bailey said, we lived with those books when they were 35 cents. :)

Maybe for the original art work, but not the comic, but again that's just me. :)

[Paiute 1]

No the most I ever paid for a back issue was fiveteen dollars.

I was lucky and started buying books when Silver age was relativaly cheap in the mid seventies.

[RBishop]

I think you need to ask yourself exactly how much enjoyment are you going to get out of that comic book, then make your decision.

If owning a $500 comic book is going to bring you the satisfaction of "hitting the big time", then by all means, find a dealer and get yourself a key book; they'll be more than happy to hook you up.

Or, if you just really like reading comics, consider getting 100 $4 comics or buying a bunch of trade paperbacks of stories you've heard about and always wanted to read but never had a chance before. That way, rather than buying and reading only one really expensive book, which will probably take 10-15 minutes max, you have reading material for probably a couple of months.

As for myself, I've spent more than $100 on a comic book twice. I paid $125 for a copy of X-Men #10 and $190 for a copy of X-Men #94; the first because the book is in great condition and seemed like too good a deal to pass up, the second was because it was the only one I needed to complete the run from Giant-Size #1 to the current issue. I would never spend $500 on a comic book because I could get entire runs of lesser-priced comics that would take me longer to read and maximize my enjoyment period for the expenditure.

[Lone Ranger]

I've bought a handful of books in the $100-$150 range. All Golden Age stuff.

[Scott Shaw!]

A few years ago, I paid $500 for a file copy of the ultra-rare East Coast edition of THE ADVENTURES OF THE BIG BOY, which features a completely different version of the otherwise familiar title character drawn by Bill Everett (and written by Stan Lee!)

It's a purchase I've never regretted.

Aloha,

Scott!

[Grapeweasel]

Never have.

Probably never will.

But I always wanted to.

Go for it!!!!!!


:biggrin:

[The Confessor]

But theres a little guy inside of my head thats saying 'youre crazy to spend that much on a flamin comic!'


Then let me add to the chorus..."You're crazy to spend that much on a flamin' comic!"

Of course, it's totally up to you but then I'm more into comics as things to read rather than to collect just for the sake of it. However, I do have some of that "collector mentality" though...I bought a FN condition Marvel Tales #1 (from 1964) for $50 or $60 and I still get a kick out of owning it, just because it's so old and cool. But there's a hell of a difference between $60 and $500 or $1000.

[Reptisaurus!]

I've spent 36 dollars on a comic (Reptilicus # 1) and 25 $ on a comic (Brave and the Bold # 52.)

And I'm poor. If I had 500$ to burn and there was a 500 $ comic that I really, really wanted, (almost certainly something that's never been reprinted) I might.

[adam_warlock_2099]

Back in 94/95 I bought a VF/NM copy of Silver Surfer (Vol.1) #15 for $45.

I understand what you are saying. I rarely buy reprints. Though they have their uses. I was introduced to Warlock through the Baxter reprints. But finding out how much I loved this series I went back and got the whole original series.

But now I am married with two children on one income. Any chunk of money I might get is saved, and some spent. But that spent is usually on the kids.

Anyways, what I originally meant to say was, at this stage in my life I still want the originals and not reprints, I just settle for a lower grade comic. If the NM is $25 and I can get an FN for $10, I am going to go with the FN. I get what I want, the original issues, but don't feel guilty for spending too much of the family income on a comic book.

[destro]

No way. I won't pay over $3.00 for any comic book at the very most, and usually I won't pay more than a buck.

With a couple of exceptions I've stuck to that, and I've built up a pretty decent collection of early 70s - mid 80s comics that way over the years. Collecting comics doesn't have to be an expensive hobby.

[Emma]

I enjoy good stories, my favorite is Days of Future Pasts, but i already own Hulk 181 and Giant Size Xmen 1 as reprints. I wouldnt be buying them for the stories.
I would pretty much be buying it because i love the Xmen so much and would just want to own something as iconic and important as the 1st Wolverine or Storm etc.

And it wouldnt be for resale. I own a ridiculous amount of comics and have never sold even one. And no, i was not alive in the bronze age. I was born in the 80s!

But im just afraid that in 5 years i will look at that Hulk 181 i spent $750 on and say 'wth did i do that for?'

[Drusilla lives!]

That Hulk #181, that's the 1st full Wolverine story... with Trimpe art. My my, how things have shot up in value, the 06 Overstreet has that as $1015 in 9.0 (or VF/NM). Is the comic you're considering purchasing CGC'd? If you're thinking of paying that much, might as well get a professionally appraised copy.

[mgs]

I was thinking of maybe Hulk 181, Giant Size 1, or Xmen 94.
Hmm...I wouldn't spend that much on them, as you can get them for a lot cheaper in trade or DVD-Rom or another way.

Unless you want to justify keeping the spectator market alive, I doubt any good would come from the sale.

[Roquefort Raider]

Anyone out there shell out a sizable amount on a comic? How did you feel before or after?

As many have said, you're the best judge of what constitutes a justifiable amount. I've paid something like $250 over the last two years to complete a certain comic-book run, and it left a great feeling of satisfaction.

Personally, I would not pay a market price of more than $20 for a single comic, and it would have to be one that I particularly want to own (of which there are fewer than a handful). On the other hand, life is short and we have to pay for so much for stuff that we don't want... So I'd say if you can afford it and know that it will make you happy, then go for it.

[Superheroic]

No. I don't think I've spent more than $75 or so on a book. I'd probably do it though, depending on the book.

[Cash Lone]

Several years ago I received a decent settlement from a car accident. I had the plan to buy at least one expensive comic - I was thinking of shelling out around $3000- $5000.

Then I changed my mind - bought a '72 Mustang instead.

I actually enjoy reading comics from the late 60's to mid 70's for their artwork, ads and cover designs. So, I look for really beat up, cheap copies that no one wants.

[Kaecilius]

Hmm.. I'm new to this forum and it seems to be almost entirely populated by readers as opposed to collectors/investors (I'm both by the way!) I'd say go for it, but buy on an auction site like eBay. Be patient and get yourself a good deal on a classic book at less than guide price. This way if you do have second thoughts you can quickly flip it for a profit anyway, and if you hold on to it for a few years the value will continue to rise. It's never a bad idea to invest in classic comics, in fact it's a lot more stable than most other forms of investment right now! Obviously these books aren't really for reading - they're for preserving, cherishing, and maybe one day selling for a big profit. If you want to read the stories you can do so by buying reprints. I totally understand the appeal, and I say go for it, but be clever about your investment! :smile:

[dan bailey]

Then I changed my mind - bought a '72 Mustang instead.


Hope you had better luck with it than I did with my '73. (First car I ever bought, as it happens -- not a bad car per se, I'm sure, but after awhile it started eating batteries for reasons the shop never could quite figure out. And on a college student's [lack of] income, that 12 or so mpg wasn't particularly painless, either. After about a year & a half it became a '75 Fiat 128 Sports Coupe, which one insurance settlement later became a '73 Corolla ...)

[Deathstroke]

The most I've spent on a comic was around 40 bucks.

I've been able to start purchasing some back issues on eBay again and mostly from the Buy It Now auctions from Mile High Comics and Lone Star Comics. But I'm just going for the fine or very fine grades.

I don't need a perfect copy to read. As long as the book is clean and readable that is good enough for me.

Spending a lot of money on one issue cuts down on the number of comics you can buy. I'd rather fill more holes in my collection than just one very expensive one.

[dan bailey]

Most I've ever spent for one comic was $29 & change for, I believe, 80-Page Giant #1 from an eBay seller. That was at least twice what I should've paid; I think I managed to confuse it with Superman Annual #1 (for which I subsequently paid about half that, probably). I paid in the mid-teens for probably a couple of hard-to-find 80-Pagers & Annuals when I was completing my collection of same a few years ago.

Otherwise, my most expensive comics purchase, period, would be the $161 or so I paid on eBay for Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos #s 2-9 (or was it -10?) about 5 years ago. That was before the Masterworks collection existed, of course. I have no idea whether I would've gone for the originals if I'd had that option, though given my abiding love for the title (even pre-Severin!) I just might have.

[Emma]

btw, i read this and i cry...

http://marvel.com/comics/onsale/lib/view2.htm?filename=/i/content/st/1089new_storyimage9523020_full.jpg

[Polar Bear]

If you have that much money that you're thinking of spending $500 on a single comic? Spend a hundred or two on either some classic reprints or some back issues that haven't been reprinted, then give the remaining $300-400 to the charity of your choice. Why read about heroes when you can imitate them and be heroic yourself?

And the most I've ever spent on a back issue was $25, for the record. I haven't spent more than $10 for a comic in the last decade.

[dan bailey]

btw, i read this and i cry...

http://marvel.com/comics/onsale/lib/view2.htm?filename=/i/content/st/1089new_storyimage9523020_full.jpg

That's still a heck of a lot more than the (ballpark figure) $2.50 I sold mine for in the spring of '81 to some kid. I have no idea how he knew I had it; I have a vague memory of putting a classified in the local freebie TV publication, though I didn't sell my comics collection for several more months in one swell foop (excluding, of course, the Sgt Furys).

[Rev. Calibos]

Dropped $650 on a decent copy of Avengers #1.

I'm going for a complete run so while that seems well out of the realm of reason for some it's worth it for me.

The end result for me is to be able to have a long box to flip through the entire
Avengers run, every issue and annual from day one.

Spending a bit of money to further that end is more than worth it.

Although I must note that this was before I got engaged, lol.

It's safe to say that I'd make a purchase like that again (for instance if I ever get around to completing my JLA collection) but I'm sure that the process will be discussed more at length, lol.

[C.O. Jones]

I did it once to get an FF#1, X-Men #4, and an odd issue of Thor all for 555 big ones.

I've done $400.00 for both DD#1 and #2.

And bought a few other key books in the $170-$180 range apiece.

Biggest mistake was turning down a coverless Amazing Fantasy #15 going for only 100 smacks---I was so sure I could get a complete issue before prices really got mad...:frown:

I used to have disposable income out the yang a few years ago. But I saved a lot too, all my bills were paid, had no car note, rent was cheap, a single guy...so I couldn't think of a thing I needed other than some classic SA comics.

I'll say $$$ well spent in my case. Just be patient and scout around to get the best deal...and then wait some more. There's always gonna be someone selling what you want for less than you think...

[Samurai]

The most I've ever spent on a single book was $330 on Comic Cavalcade #3. I somewhat regretted it afterwards, and I still think I spent too much for a single book, especially since it's not really a key issue or anything. But I was just getting into golden age books at the time, and all I'd been able to afford were Fiction House, Dell, etc, and I really wanted a nice DC book. Most were commanding a premium if they had any kind of a decent grade and characters, and this book was at or below guide, so I grabbed it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Tommiskey/avatar/cc3.jpg

[Mr. Palmer]

I just paid $11.50 for a book and my anus cringes when I think about it. I needed it for a complete run, though, so... :tongue:

[Grapeweasel]

Would this be a bad place to talk about the copy of X-Men #1 without a cover I bought for 4 bucks?


:tongue:

[Roquefort Raider]

Would this be a bad place to talk about the copy of X-Men #1 without a cover I bought for 4 bucks?


:tongue:

That compensates for all the people who bought X-Men #1 with five different covers!!!


Oh, you mean the real X-Men #1... :wink:

[Shellhead]

My Incredible Hulk #181 is in atrocious condition. No cover, faded pages, severe spinal roll. But I bought it when I was a kid, when comics were still mostly for kids who just wanted to read them. I took my comics to school, took them on Scout campouts, and read every issue dozens of times over the years.

[benday-dot]

My Incredible Hulk #181 is in atrocious condition. No cover, faded pages, severe spinal roll. But I bought it when I was a kid, when comics were still mostly for kids who just wanted to read them. I took my comics to school, took them on Scout campouts, and read every issue dozens of times over the years.

Your Incredible Hulk #181 would get along well with my #180. It (barely) survived those bronze age days (don't worry I didn't call them that back then when they were really the very height of modernity) when I would detach, or rip, the covers off my favourite comics and slap them on my bedroom wall as sort of DIY wallpaper.

After this phase past, and unskilled with the stapler, I returned the cover all askew to its naked interior, minus its backside, since clearly that was earlier properly discarded in the course of my wallpaper project.

I still have this rag of a book... and the best thing about it is you don't even have to flip open the cover to see Wolverine show up in the final panel and say, "If you really want to tangle with someone, why not try your luck with the Wolverine."

I remember thinking man this new guy looks like he might be kind of cool.

And of course Marvel eventually over thought the very same thing.

[mrc1214]

I just bought a Silver Surfer #4 for $80 and im not overly happy about it. Its a cool cover but its by far the most ive spent on a books. I think next would be maybe $10 for an Avengers Annual 10.

[The Confessor]

and my anus cringes


That can't be comfortable. You know, if it keeps happening, I'd go and see a doctor if I were you. :wink:

[Paradox]

Kaecilius might wonder why:

Hmm.. I'm new to this forum and it seems to be almost entirely populated by readers as opposed to collectors/investors

I think that's primarily because comics simply aren't that good an investment any more. Profit margin down the line will probably be slight, if anything at all.

[Roquefort Raider]

I think that's primarily because comics simply aren't that good an investment any more. Profit margin down the line will probably be slight, if anything at all.

True. People aren't as taken as comics (in terms of investment) as they were, and availability has damaged the market. E-Bay has been a boon to collectors but not to comic-book investors.

I remember when early issues of Savage Tales were only available for mountains of cash from comic-book traders. They can still bring in the big bucks, but anyone patient enough can eventually get them in an auction that flew under the radar for a few dollars.

[Skeleton]

A friend of mine once spent 100 $ in some Yughi Oh cards. Which don't have any value anymore.

I think it's ok to spend money for something you really like. But be sure it's worth the price. Some old comics can really be a good investment.

[Kaecilius]

I think that's primarily because comics simply aren't that good an investment any more. Profit margin down the line will probably be slight, if anything at all.

I think that's certainly true of modern age stuff, and it's also true that the availability of comics through the web has pretty much eliminated rarity in many instances. I think there is still the oppertunity for clever buying though (not that i would ever buy with the intention of making any sort of income.) It's just fun to hunt down a really great deal, and get a book for an awesome price. The best find of all is when you discover a gem that has been listed incorrectly/mis-identified on ebay and you snatch it up (though i do sometimes feel bad...) Plus (if you're into that sort of thing) it can be fun to play with trends and popularity (when new movies come out etc) and buy lines based on upcoming media exposure.

I think the nice thing about making sensible golden/silver age purchases is that you know that at the very least if you have a change of heart or simply need the money you'll be able to sell them for at least the price you paid in the first place, which wipes the slate clean. (I can possible see that happening when I move in with my girlfriend!)

[Xiroteus]

Not that much, I have spent over one hundred back in my ridiculous collector days (Museum Editions) about nine ten years ago, good thing I had enough of that craziness and sold them off quick enough to even make money on them (they bid on them and made the price go higher) then I went to having stories, not having one comic just sit there, I go with rather owning a collection of trades and hardcovers then one comic worth a few hundred dollars. I have even sold regular issues to get the trades as they were worth a bit. (Ultimate Spider-Man 1-39) Gave me enough to buy the hardcovers for those issues plus money for new comics.

[crazykim]

maybe 40.00 was most I ever spent..what is the most expensive in history? anyone know?

[benday-dot]

maybe 40.00 was most I ever spent..what is the most expensive in history? anyone know?

Well, if you are feeling exceptionally giddy, after your $40.00 personal record, you can pursue Action Comics #1, a copy of which sold for a record $317,200 back in March.

[Xiroteus]

Okay, HOW rich would you have to be to spend $300,000+ on a comic?

I would still have to pass unless it was my life long dream of owning that one comic, since I have NO such dream I rather rather take that money and buy an ENTIRE library of comics.

[MichikoS]

If I had $25-30k rolling over into a 401k, as I did at one point in my life after a job change, I might seriously consider investing it in high-grade keys. After the drubbing my retirement account has taken in the past year, it might not be a bad idea to take what paltry remains there are and do it now. When I see the selling prices at Heritage and other auction sites, I just goggle.

Michi

[Paladin573]

I spent $1200 for about 20 boxes with about 300 cb in them each...my wife lets me know that every now and then...

On a single issue....I don't think I have gone over $20

[Grapeweasel]

Well, if you are feeling exceptionally giddy, after your $40.00 personal record, you can pursue Action Comics #1, a copy of which sold for a record $317,200 back in March.

What's weird is that at the time that really didn't sound unreasonable to me.

[dupont2005]

so there is this one back issue i am after, last time i saw it on ebay it was up for $39.99 buy it now. i didn't get it because i thought i would get it cheaper at auction when someone eventually posts it. this must have been 6 months ago. someone finally posted one to auction the other day and i decided i was going to get it no matter what. i was willing to spend $60 this time around, but other bidders were willing to spend over $100:eek:


now i'll have to wait for someone to offer it at a decent buy it now price:rolleyes:

[Reptisaurus!]

Yeah, I'm trying to find a Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali priced at less than 17,000,000,000 dollars and my three first born children. (My budget: 25 bones.) It's been tough.

[Drusilla lives!]

Yeah, I'm trying to find a Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali...

That sounded so strange I though you were joking... but there really is a Superman vs. Ali comic. Which one are you looking for, the Adams cover or the Whitman variant? :)

[Reptisaurus!]

Yeah! it exists, I count it as a team-up book, it's awesome looking and it will probably never be reprinted due to licensing stuff. The Whitman variant is probably identical to the regular version except for a "Whitman" logo. Somehow, this makes the Whitman variants - and there were quite a few of them, identical to regular DC and Dell comics except for the little W - slighly more expensive, so I'll probably end up with a regular version. If I ever find it. *Sigh*

[Drusilla lives!]

I guess you're not the only one to note the small difference, Overstreet (2006 copy) only lists a $10 differential between the two versions across all conditions... in this case I think you're right in wanting to keep the extra ten bucks in your pocket. :)

That is, unless the variant cover pops up first somehow.

[DC906270-BIL]

in my experience of collecting, once you have the thing for any period of time, say 12 months or so, youll start tiring of looking at it and think about the money yiou have just sitting there. youll then proceed to try to sell it, thinking there must be someone out there as mad as you, problem is it will take a while to get rid of, and youll probably end up taking a loss on the thing anyways. i would just be happy to read the issue in a TPB and save yourself the money and hassle. go on holiday or something.

[Reptisaurus!]

I guess you're not the only one to note the small difference, Overstreet (2006 copy) only lists a $10 differential between the two versions across all conditions... in this case I think you're right in wanting to keep the extra ten bucks in your pocket. :)

That is, unless the variant cover pops up first somehow.

Yeah. In general I prefer the "regular flavor" comics to the Whitman variants, 'cause the Whitman logo makes the issue # hard to read.

But in practice, it always comes down to whichever's cheaper. And in this case I KNOW what I got and don't care about the issue number.