Many fans and collectors are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Thor in theaters on May 6, 2011. Sales of collectibles and related comics are experiencing an upswing. The movie trailer shown during the Super Bowl only increased the national attention for Thor. Many collectors, both old and new alike are looking on eBay as well as to various auction houses to satisfy their demands as the film’s opening quickly approaches.
“When Thor debuted on the cover of Journey Into Mystery #83 in 1962 comic book readers took notice,” said Tom Gordon III, President of ComicsPriceGuide.com. “It is only fitting that we are now seeing the character leap onto the silver screen. There is no doubt that Thor will be one of the successful films of 2011. We are seeing interest in the film translating to increased demand in both related comics and collectibles at a variety of levels currently.”
The Thunder God first appeared in Journey Into Mystery #83, August 1962. The CGC Census lists over 700 graded copies with the highest certified being a lone 9.6 copy. Non-certified as well as CGC certified copies pop up in numerous comic specialty auctions and also on eBay. An original Journey Into Mystery #83 CGC 6.0 just sold for $4,550 on eBay. The CGC census lists 43 other copies in that grade.
A recent sale on eBay brought a very rare reprint copy of that issue into the public eye. In 1966 Marvel, their readership expanding rapidly over the last few years, cut a deal with Golden Books to produce reprints. Included with the reprint comic was a record. Among the comics reprinted was Thor’s first appearance in Journey Into Mystery #83. The issue sold on eBay not only included the record, but was autographed by Stan Lee during a special Stan Lee tribute in Las Vegas. The comic was Signature Series graded by CGC as a 9.8. The comic/record set sold for $10,000 and was noted on the CGC Census as the highest certified example of the record reprint.
In addition to comics, Thor memorabilia is also getting additional attention. There are several different Thor hammers on the market. The one many consider the best was manufactured in 2001 by Factory X, had a production run of 1,500. Its official title is Thor’s Hammer Mjolnir Factory X Avengers Movie and people seem to be holding onto them. The all aluminum head weighs fifteen pounds itself and the handle is actual wood with leather wrapped around it. There are currently two of them listed on eBay with an asking price of around $1,500.
Another version of the hammer was created by Diamond Select and limited to a run of 1,000. One recently sold on eBay for $450. There is a third version of the hammer out there that can go for anywhere from $45 to $100.
One of the most beautiful of all Thor Collectibles is the Art Asylum Marvel Milestones Thor Statue. Standing 12” tall and sculpted by Alterton Bizarre, the statue can be found on Amazon for $389. If you are patient, you may be able to do better at auction.
In addition to the higher end market there are also some very fine busts that trade regularly. Variants abound in the marketplace so do some research before you bid. But for a very good price you can always find a nice looking bust of the Thunder God himself. There is also a line of Thor inspired pendants and necklaces.
What is our favorite Thor collectible? The Thor 12” Plush and you should be able to find one for around ten bucks.
