BY ANDREW DAVIS
Over 2 Million Ten Books
Zen Intergalactic Ninja Issue #6A
by L’Amour Supreme
Issue 6A was published in 1995, and while it’s not the first issue or series of Zen Intergalactic Ninja, it’s considered one of the rarest books in the series. This is primarily due to it being the first cover L’Amour Supreme did for comics. Following this cover, L’Amour went on to illustrate a 3-part Zen story, developed several cards for Topps, and worked on countless album covers for musicians that have been purchased by millions. Currently, Zen Intergalactic Ninja is being reprinted and published by First Comics, which positions this rare book to be highly sought after—if you can find one to buy.
Canto #1
by David Booher and Drew Zucker
First published in June 2019, this is a highly collectible book for four primary reasons:
- It’s estimated that 60% to 70% of the books were printed with a spine roll in the back, which, if graded without a press, would automatically trigger a 9.6 or lower grade. Even with pressing, there’s no guarantee to eliminate the spine roll.
- The book had a low print run due to it being a new, untested, non-licensed property from IDW.
- There have been several rumors that Canto has been optioned for a movie or TV show with a script currently in development.
- Canto was licensed by IDW, but after the license expired, Dark Horse agreed to pick up the series and republish the comics in graphic novel format. They will continue the story with new comics as well. This makes a clean, crisp issue 1 a solid pick-up, as it’s poised to increase in value over the next few years.
Destiny, NY
by Pat Shand
Pat Shand is a great writer, and Destiny, NY is a great story. But that’s not why it’s a good book to speculate on. It’s a good speculation due to how it was released. First, it was released in graphic novel format, rather than single issues. This creates a unique opportunity, as the only way to get a limited collection of this story is through the single issues published by Black Mask. Furthermore, Destiny, NY is being adapted into a TV show by Sony Pictures Television. When you have limited single issues of a comic with a TV show being produced, it naturally creates an opportunity for a book to increase in value. This is especially true when it’s near or on the release of the TV show.
Paradise Court #1
by Joe Brusha
Sticking with movie options and comics, Zenescope has several projects slated for the big screen, including Paradise Court. Paradise Court was brought to Screen Gems by Movie Producer Jack Heller, who has produced Bone Tomahawk, Condemned, Dark Was the Night, and Brawl in Cell Block 99. Also, VP of Development & Production Caitlin de Lisser-Ellen is set to executive produce alongside Zenescope co-founders Brusha and Tedesco. This indicates that the movie, if made, is going to be similar (if not a direct adaptation) to the comic book, rather than just an idea taken from a comic book. In turn, this can make the comic book and the source material more valuable.
Hollowed #1
by Casey Bowker
Hollowed is a buddy-cop-type comic with a serial killer science fiction twist. It was first published on Kickstarter and later through Keenspot. Casey Bowker is a fantastic comic writer, currently developing several different comics with his writing partner Ruben Romero for Bad Bug Media. This is one of the first comic works that Casey published. As he furthers his career, this book can increase in value, especially the Kickstarter version.
Andrew Davis is a traditional and alternative investor specializing in comic books, sports & non-sports trading cards, and autograph memorabilia. He also hosts a live interview show several times a week on YouTube and Facebook called “Conversations in Pop Culture.”
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