The 1980's:  Suprising Comic Book Sales

Comic book collecting

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What are you going to be filming?Will you be on the go? Or static in the studio?

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As a collector throughout much of the 1980's, I'm always looking at selling prices for comics released during this period of time.  There are plenty of blue chip books from the 80's, but its much more fun finding value in unexpected places.   This series of articles will take a look at some hidden gems from this great era of comic book collecting.  Presenting:   WHAT IF #39:  What if Thor Battled Conan? The first meeting between the Mighty Thor and Conan the Barbarian.

Marvel Comics CONAN THE BARBARIAN.   First appearance: Conan the Barbarian #1,  October 1970

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Marvel Comics THE MIGHTY THOR.   First appearance: Journey into Mystery #83, August 1962

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RED Camera

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Thanks to the Disney + animated series "What if?", the market is now very interested in a series that has generally been under-valued over the years, Marvel's alternate universe series What If?, a series  kicked off in 1977 with it's first issue, "What if Spider-Man joined the Fantastic Four?". This first series ran for 47 issues, it's second volume would consist of 115 issue; since that time Marvel Comics has continued these alternate universe stories in a series of primarily one-shot stories.   .

With Marvel officially kicking off a multi-verse version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as seen in the Disney+ series "Loki", combined with the now aptly title Doctor Strange sequel arriving in 2022 (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), collectors and investors are taking a very large interest in this What If comic book series, with the highest graded books making some serious noise in the marketplace.

WHAT IF #39.  HERITAGE AUCTIONS SALE DATE NOVEMBER 8, 2021. Selliing price: $960.

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This issue presents the first and only meeting of the God of Thunder and the greatest warrior of Earth's Hyborian Age, Conan of Cimmeria, making it a truly unique issue.  While I am an owner of What If #39, it is important to remember this particular sale was for one of the highest grades possible, a CGC 9.8.   It is certainly exciting seeing a sale like this, but it does require a 9.8 grade to have any chance of repeating a sale like this.