5 Comics You Must Invest In Now as the MCU Makes a Comeback
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What are MCU Comics? MCU comics are comic books that inspire comic book films and become immediate collector’s items in the aftermath of comic book film announcements and hype. Some comic books that were essentially worthless before Deadpool and Wolverine or the announcement of RDJ as Dr. Doom are now selling for hundreds and thousands of dollars.
That is the MCU comics effect. Here are five MCU comics you should invest in now as the MCU struggles to make a PR comeback.
Uncanny X-Men #251 (1989) Marvel
Image courtesy of Jon Escudero/FB
In Deadpool and Wolverine, there is a montage of Deadpool hopping different universes to find a particular Wolverine. In one scene, Deadpool comes across an emaciated Wolverine crucified on an X-shaped cross. That split-second scene was inspired by X-Men #251 from 1989.
In the comic, Wolverine is captured, crucified, and tortured by the Reavers, human cyborgs who hate mutants. Wolverine hallucinates about the future of mutants while crucified. Before Deadpool and Wolverine, this comic was barely worth $10. Someone on eBay is now trying to sell a copy for $420.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this issue is worth about $218. It is now an MCU comic and worth the investment since Disney will reboot the X-Men sometime in the future.
The Incredible Hulk #340 (1988) Marvel
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene in Deadpool and Wolverine, Deadpool hops to a universe where Wolverine is about to fight the Hulk. In a split-second scene, Wolverine bears his claws while a reflection of the Hulk’s face is visible in those claws. That scene is a recreation of the cover of The Incredible Hulk #340 from 1988.
In the story, the Hulk and Wolverine battle after the Hulk tears up an airport. Someone on eBay is now trying to sell this comic for $945 in the aftermath of the film making a billion.
MCU comics like this were barely worth $50 two years ago. A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is now worth almost $1,000. It might be worth an investment if Marvel pits these two against each other in a film in the future.
Wolverine #1 (1988) Marvel
Since Deadpool and Wolverine made a billion, here is another comic that inspired a scene in that film. If you noticed the scene where Deadpool encounters a Wolverine wearing an eyepatch and white tuxedo coat in a casino, then know that is the “Patches” persona. Patches first appeared in Wolverine #1 in 1988.
eBay sellers are now trying to sell this comic for $1,000.
A nearly perfect copy of this comic is worth about $$277, but the billion-dollar Deadpool and Wolverine film is driving hype for buyers. MCU comics like this are an affordable investment since the Patches persona might get used in the future.
What If? Iron Man: Demon in an Armor (2010) Marvel
Unless you live under a rock with your fingers firmly plugged into your ears then you know that RDJ is returning to the MCU and will portray Dr. Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The casting has divided the fanbase but has been a boon to people who know how to strategically flip comics at the right time.
What If? Iron Man: Demon in an Armor is a one-shot 2010 set in an alternate universe. Dr. Doom and Tony Stark are college students and rivals. Their minds are swapped in a machine and Stark becomes Dr. Doom. No one knows if this comic will inspire the upcoming Avengers films but the comic is selling like hotcakes.
This MCU comic was worth less than $20 before the RDJ casting so there is no baseline for its market value. eBay sellers have sold the comic for as much as $2,500. I would get it if I were you, the value, or perceived value, will only increase as the new Avengers film debuts in a few years.
The Authority #1 (1999) Wildstorm/DC
This is not an MCU comic, but we’ll apply the same theory. The new Superman film directed by James Gunn should debut in July 2025. While fans are divided about the film, the hype surrounding it is a good opportunity to invest in a comic inspiring the film.
The Authority is a 1999 comic book series featuring Justice League-inspired superheroes. One of the characters in the comic, The Engineer, will debut in 2025’s Superman. The success of this film could inspire a film featuring The Authority down the line.
eBay sellers are selling this comic for as much as $500.
You can invest in a 9.8 CGC copy of this comic for $265.
MCU Comics
The investment advice in this article is just advice. The MCU comics and collectibles phenomenon is volatile and unpredictable. Chat with comic experts and do some research before you invest in a comic. Also, make sure you develop a network with connections to buyers who might want to buy your investments in the future. The fan hype in the aftermath of these casting and announcements creates windows of opportunity that can last for days, weeks, or months, so pay attention to comic book movie news.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
