Name:
Vincent Zurzolo
Job:
Chief operating officer at Metropolis Collectibles
Experience:
27 years
Based:
New York
What kind of assets do you trade?
We have an inventory of more than 150,000 comic books, original art and pop culture memorabilia. We deal mostly in items from the 1930s to the 1980s. Chances are if you have seen coverage about a record sale from the world of vintage comics, that was us. When I graduated from university in 1993 I was selling comics on the streets of Manhattan in the financial district.
What is the outlook for the comic market for the next year?
The comic market is robust and strong. Even after the recession hit, comic books, instead of the market shrinking, it grew. Comics have proven over the past 40 years to be a place where investors can see appreciation. People love comic books. For entertainment, escapism, nostalgia, collectibility and for investment there is nothing in the collectibles world that is as popular as comic books.
Have the raft of comic book-themed movies helped asset values?
Comic book movies have definitely had a positive effect on the appreciation of the value of vintage comics. When Iron Man hit the theatres the value on his first appearance instantly increased by about 30 per cent. I recall hearing all the positive reactions from the trailer for Iron Man at San Diego Comic Con. The next convention I was at I bought every copy of his first appearance in Tales Of Suspense #39 and within a month sold out completely with a hefty profit attached to each book.
What is the market like for original comic art?
The market has exploded over the last 10 years. Original art has appeal to art collectors as well as comic collectors. As more and more people who grew up with superheroes are turning to collecting, they are buying art. The one-of-a-kind unique nature of comic art has a strong appeal. Collectors and investors collect by artist, character, themes, time periods, genres and for so many other reasons.
What is the best investment at the moment?
The closest recommendation I can give to a sure thing is to collect “blue chip” characters — Superman, Spider-Man and Batman are examples. Collecting key first appearances in almost any condition and other issues in very high grade usually works over time.
What was the best investment you were involved in?
I purchased a very high-grade copy of the first Spider-Man in 2002 for US$100,000. Today that comic is worth more than $400,000. It would take me one phone call to sell it. Comics are very liquid.
What was the worst?
I recall once I bought an early issue of a Golden Age comic called New Comics. I paid $8,000 for it and the book ended up getting damaged and I sold it for $4,000. That is probably the worst loss I ever took.
What kind of returns can you make from collecting comics and related merchandise?
I always tell people looking to invest to find characters they like so at the end of the day if the appreciation isn't what they were hoping for they are still happy with what they own. Comics, art and memorabilia can appreciate steadily over time. However, sometimes they stay flat for a period and then explode. As long as you are buying mainstream and popular characters you should do well. I tell people to think of holding for three to five years.
How big is your personal collection?
I often think of my inventory as my personal rotating collection. In terms of my real personal collection it is in the thousands. The core value, however, is in about 50 comics.
Superman or Batman?
They have rich histories and I can vividly remember wanting to be both characters when I was a kid and we played superheroes. As an adult my connection with Batman grew a lot stronger. I think it has to do with the costume, his incredible rogues' gallery and all those toys. Where does he get all those wonderful toys?
malrawi@thenational.ae
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