Why Vampirella 1 is a Hot Comic

2024 MARKET UPDATE: MASSIVE RECORD-BREAKING 9.8 SALE IN JANUARY 2024

While the market for this book has definitely cooled in the past 12 months, 2024 got off to a massive bang, with a $78K sale of one of the only two CGC 9.8s in the census setting a new record of $78K!

Prices fell in most other grades, but in this market, she's still hot enough to make the top quarter of the list.

2023 MARKET UPDATE: TOP TEN FOR VAMPI!

Over $20K for a CGC 9.6 is a huge new sale, and the good news for Vampi fans doesn't end there.

Only held back from the very top of this list by the low volume of sales.

Great news if you're holding this book.

2022 MARKET UPDATE: TV MADE HER

This time last year, I was worried that Vampi was going to slip straight off the list. Prices were in freefall.

Then the property was optioned for TV and movies, and things turned 180!

Prices have mostly doubled or more since this time last year. It's still a niche book, but if the move towards horror titles continues to gain momentum, then you'd be happy to have a few copies of this.

Recent sales:

  • 9.2 $5,280
  • 9.0 $4,560
  • 8.5 $3,500
  • 8.0 $2,040
  • 7.5 $1,850
  • 7.0 $1,700
  • 6.5 $1,350
  • 6.0 $1,435
  • 5.5 $980
  • 4.5 $650
  • 4.0 $800(!!)
  • 3.5 $1,050 (OMG)
  • 2.0 $410

2021 MARKET UPDATE: 

The best return this year was in CGC 9.4. However, though the book saw increases in many higher grades, overall it was less hot this year.

Recent sales:

  • 9.4 $7,200
  • 9.2 $3,505
  • 9.0 $2,180
  • 8.5 $1,600
  • 8.0 $1,320
  • 7.5 $1,030
  • 7.0 $735
  • 6.5 $725
  • 6.0 $750
  • 5.5 $580
  • 5.0 $425
  • 4.5 $410
  • 4.0 $355
  • 3.5 $500(!!)

IF YOU BOUGHT MY RECOMMENDED GRADE LAST YEAR:

Here's the bottom line.

  • CGC 9.0 2020 $2,092
  • LAST SALE $2,182
  • PERCENT CHANGE +8%

2020 MARKET UPDATE: VAMPIRELLA BITES IF NOT HIGH GRADE

Vampirella 1 is a book of two stories: lower grade and high grade.

There are so many copies available lower down that prices have actually softened this year. But in higher grade, from 9.0 and up, it's on fire.

I am now changing my recommendation. You should buy a Vampirella #1 in CGC 9.0 or higher. I'll use 9.0 as the new benchmark for now at the last sale price of $1,750.

Recent sales:

  • 9.6 $7,878
  • 9.4 $5,000
  • 9.2 $2,499
  • 9.0 $1,750
  • 8.5 $920
  • 8.0 $790
  • 7.5 $824(!)
  • 7.0 $600
  • 6.5 $595
  • 6.0 $500
  • 5.5 $566
  • 5.0 $300
  • 4.5 $344(!!)
  • 4.0 $285
  • 3.5 $200

2019 MARKET UPDATE: NEW ON THE 100 HOT COMICS LIST!

Vampirella 1 is one of the Warren/Curtis magazine group's experiments, and this was by far the most successful.

The Comics Code Authority stamp continued to appear on the front of comic books well into the 1970s. The Code was responsible for (effectively) censorship of comics: certain imagery, language, even words or phrases in titles of books, were not allowed.

Marvel challenged the legality of the Comics Code for content published in magazines. It was decreed that magazines were not subject to the Code's authority.

The response was a series of black and white comic books published in magazine format. Vampirella was the beginning, with perhaps the most famous issue of all being Savage Tales #1 of 1971, which introduced Man-Thing.

I am not aware of any reason why Vampi #1 is suddenly hotter. It could be a case of a rising tide lifting all boats; or there might be rumor about a movie or TV treatment.

Sometimes with the 100 Hot Comics list, it's easier for me to avoid speculation and just report my findings. I'll leave it up to you to figure out whether the WHY is important or not.

What to Invest In

Prices are all over the place on this book!

It's likely that sellers have no idea what to price it at, and this can create opportunity for the smart buyer. But don't fall into the trap of snapping up the first decent copy you see -- other people doing so is the only explanation for the prices I'm seeing.

Here are some recent sales:

  • CGC 4.5 $216
  • CGC 6.5 $650
  • CGC 7.0 $660
  • CGC 7.5 $550 (!)
  • CGC 8.5 $1,149
  • CGC 9.0 $1,560

Looking at these results, the value seems to be around the VF range -- aim for a repeat of that 7.5 price and you'll be in good shape.

This is the kind of book which gets listed as buy it now or best offer. You can always request a free comic book appraisal from us if you don't know how much to bid.

Have this book? Click to appraise its value NOW!