Top Five "Undervalued" Comic Books

[@StillOnly35c]

That intro was the best ever and such a great video! So many good selections to consider and those little known books I need to hunt out now: the anti-drug issues, Civil War Confessions, Sandman and Terminator. I totally agree that CBCS (and PGX) graded books are undervalued compared to CGC and you can certainly get better value buying them. At least I now know where you stand on the Hulk 180/Hulk 181 debate (and you are right), sadly seems the cover trumps all.

[@LettuceComics]

Thanks for tagging me! This was a ton of fun!

[@Moncomics]

This was well done from top to bottom my friend. I intentionally waited to see your video, and will be filming mine tonight. Bravo my friend

[@LettuceComics]

Looking forward to it!

[@kristopherparker6871]

I didgeridoo not want you to stop. Your wit is what sets your channel apart from others! Way to go. I shouted you out on Brandon's latest video about how ypu love those liefeld cap covers haha. Great video and well thought out all the way through dude.

[@LettuceComics]

Thank you for that man. That’s really kind of you to say.

[@bradschubert775]

Alright, my friend. I do agree with everything you've said. Especially what you said about Alex Ross. Alex's work has raised the bar for art in comics. I wasn't aware that Terminator Burning Earth 1 was his first comic work. Thank you for that.

[@LettuceComics]

Hey man! Happy to point you in that direction!

[@demonslayer8085]

Hey, thanks for pointing out Alex Ross’s 1st work on comics! Love his art style, going yo have to pick up that Terminator book! Also, the reason CGC slabs are worth more, have higher resell value is because CGC was first to market, which generally means they have captured the largest market share.

[@LettuceComics]

That’s a very good point. I know that they have more name recognition and, because they came first, their label and process became what people think of when they think of grading books.

[@WhatIsOntheComicRack]

Called out by Dave and you responded...good boy. The Wolverine's first appearance argument is basically between readers of comics and collectors of comics. For a reader, it is #180 and for the collector, it is #181.

[@LettuceComics]

That does seem to be the trend. Readers definitely saw him in 180. So it must be confusing to hear that 181 is the “first appearance”

[@jeffstanley6013]

I always thought that, for the folks who have a 180 but not a 181, it's 180, and for the folks who have a 181 but not a 180, it's 181. 😄

[@Twenty2Comics]

Awesome response and list!! I like your approach to it as well. Glad you gave terminator some love that has been one of my bewilder books for a while as well. Same goes for Gen 13 #1 First J Scott Campbell cover.

[@LettuceComics]

Thanks man! This was a ton of fun to make.

[@upnorthcomics]

First off- thanks so much dude for the cameo! (See what I did there? You did, didn’t you) Fully agree with all your picks. Cbcs is insanely criminally undervalued and under appreciated. Same with Hulk 180. I like how you mixed things up and didn’t just pick all comics for your list too. Thanks for sharing my dude 🤙❤️

[@LettuceComics]

Thanks for watching, Bruce! I’m glad you agree with me on Hulk 180. It would be pretty awkward if you didn’t haha

[@upnorthcomics]

@@LettuceComics haha! Understood, but I fully understand the difference.

[@comicspa]

You have the best intro’s out there Hagan. If I’ve had a tough day and I need a good laugh I look to see if you have a new upload! Thank you…..Seriously no pressure……

[@LettuceComics]

I’m glad you find my stupidity as amusing as I do!

[@comicslimited9740]

Dang hilarious opener. Fantastic video. I am going to pickup that first Alex Ross.

[@LettuceComics]

@@comicslimited9740 thanks man! You can find it everywhere!

[@comicslimited9740]

@@LettuceComics I agree that Bendis Civil War book is one of his best written single issues.

[@comicbookshifu]

Love the list, and the intention of each choice. I don't live in Australia, but suspect it this video will endure the test of time. Thanks for sharing!

[@LettuceComics]

I really appreciate that! Thank you so much!

[@garagegeek4863]

I love your saying Go Crazy. This is great video with some interesting picks. I need that first Alex Ross! I have gotten some cheap CBCS slabs of pretty inexpensive comics (those are the ones I buy). I think the grading market has value but is silly in so many ways.

[@LettuceComics]

Thanks man! I absolutely agree that the grading market has value. I’m just not a collector that has a budget to utilize that all the time

[@AllSortsofWords]

Hulk 180 is the first appearance of Wolverine. Saying anything else is like arguing the first time you met your wife is when you first had sex…after months of dating…

[@LettuceComics]

That would be a fun argument when you bring it up later… yeesh…

[@leighwestfall1578]

First cameo appearance last panel of last page. 181 is first full appearance he is on cover and throughout the book.

[@BoneClawsComics]

Interesting way to look at Wolverine and Hulks relationship 🤔.

[@leighwestfall1578]

The difference between a cbcs 4.0 and Cgc 4.0 is that the cbcs book when graded by Cgc will likely come back as a 4.5

[@BoneClawsComics]

I was going to complain about you using Hulk 180, but it's drawn out the trolls, which is so worth having to pick something else. Awesome!

[@LettuceComics]

You should definitely still talk about it so you get your fill as well

[@BoneClawsComics]

@LettuceComics I didnt... lol

[@LettuceComics]

@BoneClawsComics drat

[@maartenbouw]

Fun video. I‘lol need to put my thinking cap on now…

[@LettuceComics]

@@maartenbouw looking forward to it!

[@leighwestfall1578]

For you Comic book amateurs out there. Hulk 180 is first cameo appearance. If you want the first appearance you have to have the 181. 181 he is on the cover and throughout the book. Just being on a panel does not qualify as first full appearance.

[@LettuceComics]

Eh. To each their own. That’s the cool thing about this hobby. We all get to talk about what we think about these books!

[@bigbymcflythecomicguy]

Amazing... just Amazing... Great work.

[@LettuceComics]

Thanks Bigby! I’m glad you liked it!

[@bottomtiercollector]

Ah, Sandman 20. I believe that issue won an Eisner Award, but don't quote me. It might be his issue that interprets Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Eve" which isn't too far away from issue 20... My favorite Sandman issue which is in my top 5 all time is issue 4. I love the lore and mythology in that issue, reminds me of "Paradise Lost" and my mind exploded when Morpheus had his mic drop moment on the demon he was competing against. Very thought provoking panel.

[@LettuceComics]

I think it was 19 (the Midsummer’s Eve issue) that actually won. I love issue 4 as well. The demon “rap battle” was great and the end was amazing.

[@bottomtiercollector]

@@LettuceComics ok it was that Midsummer's Eve one at 19 then. I personally think the wrong issue was awarded. I would have chosen issue 8 myself. The beautiful philosophy on death in that issue is so profound.

[@LettuceComics]

@bottomtiercollector I think the same thing (I didn’t like issue 19 as much as other people seem to… I read it 3 times to try and understand and I just don’t. Especially not compared to #20, #8, and #1)

[@bottomtiercollector]

@@LettuceComics issue 20 was good but it was real heavy for me. As much as I love Sandman I have to mentally commit to it because I don't usually read dark and heavy comics like that.

[@stevedriskell59]

I am a big civil war fan. I have most of the books that came out I collected them at the time they came out.

[@LettuceComics]

I’m trying to get every tie in issue for Civil War. That’s gonna be a task haha. Thanks for watching Stevey D!

[@HaulYeahComics]

Great points on CGC vs CB...CBGB...you know, the other guys. That Element Girl story is so good. Great commentary, bro!

[@LettuceComics]

CGCBCSPGX. Ya know… all them dudes.

[@magnumrex]

I’d expand the anti drug books to any of the giveaway comics from the 70s and 80s. Especially the Spider-Man books giveaways.

[@LettuceComics]

For sure! I mentioned a few by name, but I think they’re all interesting.

[@seanmitchell8151]

I like your moves, Lettuce, you just got a subscriber. Speaking of moves, MINOR suggestion: move in front of the closet doors and don’t cover your wall candy with your beefcake! ❤

[@LettuceComics]

I feel you on that. I normally move around a lot more but I wanted a space where I knew I could show covers. I anticipated having more visual aids but decided to forgo those. I’ll definitely switch up where my beefcake is located when I do stuff like this in the future. It bothered me when I was editing haha. Thanks for stopping by and I really appreciate the input!

[@CretanBullComics]

The ultimate drug issues are Green Lantern 85 and 86 (I believe they were they first?) but they aren't cheap. BTW - I'm nearly finished 17776. I got hit with a bad flu last week and had to spend a few days getting caught up on work, but over the weekend I dove back into 17776 and I'm very close to the end of it. It's fantastic!

[@LettuceComics]

I would have mentioned those (because you’re absolutely right) but I think they’re appropriately priced so I went with the PSA books (the redheaded stepchildren of the 80s comic world). I’m sorry you were feeling sick but I’m super happy you’re sticking with 17776! Let me know what you think when it’s finished!

[@richardwestphal5184]

I love your definition of “value”. I 100% agree that this question is subjective, as different people value different characters/books

[@LettuceComics]

Exactly! It wouldn’t have been authentic if me to say “check out these cheap comics that I think are gonna explode in a few years.” That’s just not how I think.

[@Cali_Comix]

I enjoyed this video and look forward to future content as well!

[@LettuceComics]

Thanks man! I hope you like it!

[@Renegaderantscomics]

Great video, as always. I feel that cbcs is underated along with pgx or any of the others.

[@LettuceComics]

Right! Especially modern slabs. I know a lot of companies had QC issues in the early days of grading but I believe that most of that has been stamped out.

[@Renegaderantscomics]

@LettuceComics I started using comic capsules. Built in wall hanger and swap books out as you want.

[@MrKlove01]

The mention of Sandman 20 gets an instant "like" from me.

[@LettuceComics]

I read it and it blew my mind. I knew I had to talk about it.

[@dannbon7727]

@@LettuceComics I know that you spoke about the comics that advocated for not doing drugs, so getting back on the side of Hulk, not a drug book, but one that had that kind of story that will always stick with you, Hulk 420

[@LettuceComics]

@@dannbon7727 I’ll have to check that one out!

[@dannbon7727]

@@LettuceComicsDefinitely try, it’s about the death of Jim Wilson, one of the Hulk's closest friends, from the AIDS virus. And another shocking side story with Betty Banner. The story meant so much to me I got a reader copy and the other one is literally a $5 book, but still getting it graded and slab.

[@Pille22]

No Superman or Supergirl? What a shame.

[@LettuceComics]

Sorry about that! I tried to be broad but I haven’t read much Superman or Supergirl stuff. I do have some books on order though!

[@JScottGaribay]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@LettuceComics]

@@JScottGaribay thank YOU!

[@jeffstanley6013]

100% on CBCS. Buy the book, not the label.

[@LettuceComics]

That’s where I’m at. Grading companies provide a valuable service, but you’re still buying the thing inside the slab not the slab itself.

[@magicgeeks1955]

Element girl story is wonderful and heart breaking

[@LettuceComics]

Oh my god yes. From beginning to end it’s perfection.

[@bradfrederick1135]

Amazing Spider-Man 299 is the actual first appearance of Venom

[@LettuceComics]

You’re absolutely right, True Believer!

[@GravelRacer1]

Dude....that 's like saying Hulk #1 is the first appearance of Red Hulk.

[@LettuceComics]

Is… is it not? He’s on the cover and in several panels in the book? Am I missing something?

[@Loscomicjourney]

Excellent video. I agree the value of a book or anything in life is what you make it. Alex Ross 1st work criminally undervalued. Hulk 180 and 181 will always be a touchy debate. I think the word cameo is used wrong in describing these books. A cameo is usually a well astablished character showing up in another title. Wolverine didn't show up in anything else. (Unless you consider an original character submission in FOOM #2 called wolverine to be the true 1st June '73) These should be labeled as 180 Oct '74 (1st appearance) and 181 (1st cover and full appearance). No more labeling cameos on characters that have never appeared before. Sorry for the small rant. Lol. Great video. 👊🏼

[@LettuceComics]

I appreciate the rant! I definitely think you have a point about first appearance and first full appearance. (Side note: Foom #2 doesn’t count for me because it’s not in a story and the Wolverine design is completely and totally unrecognizable)

[@Loscomicjourney]

@@LettuceComics I agree I don't consider that the 1st either but it is one that I have heard thrown into the ring. Lol. I think people just like to argue for the sake of arguing. Lol. 👊🏼

[@LettuceComics]

@Loscomicjourney one hundred percent true. Talking about it is fun honestly because who cares what the right answer is? It’s just a dumb thing we nerds like to talk about. But some people get WAY too into it.

[@jdilena]

Great video Hagan, despite the Australian jokes 🙃 But it could be worse coming from the Aussie that called you Hayden 😉

[@LettuceComics]

It’s all in love! And that has happened to me my entire life so it truly doesn’t bother me at all anymore.

[@JCtheComicGeek]

Dude wish I could have seen you this weekend in knoxville! Maybe next time!😊 Im under the same name now on IG😊

[@LettuceComics]

I hope we can figure out a way to meet up!

[@JCtheComicGeek]

@@LettuceComics for sure Im 30 minutes awsy from the knoxville expo! Did you enjoy your time there?

[@gregmarshall2513]

You missed out the best anti drug comic cover ever Green Lantern Green Arrow #85 😊 just saying!

[@LettuceComics]

@@gregmarshall2513 I did think about mentioning it, but that would’ve conflicted with the “undervalued” theme haha

[@ComicCollectorGeek]

Great video. I'll try to make a video for you. Thinking of undervalued comics.

[@LettuceComics]

I’m excited to see what you come up with!

[@dope_comix4455]

Dude just found your channel. Fantastic video. Subbed you up. 👍

[@LettuceComics]

Thanks man! Glad you like it!

[@dope_comix4455]

@@LettuceComics yeah it have a lot of thought behind it. All good points

[@Matt_Likes_Comics]

Alex Ross should be bigger than Picasso

[@LettuceComics]

Alex Ross is 6’2” and Picasso was only 5’4” so he is!

[@JCtheComicGeek]

I think the cbcs label looks generic compared to cgc graded books. I believe cgc is older of the graded phenom so there is that. Aren't keys considered the 1st "full" appearance of a character? Great video brother! #eatmorelettuce

[@LettuceComics]

See that’s funny because I feel that way about CGC labels. Different strokes for different folks I guess haha

[@JSSBrooklyn]

Great video - just subscribed. Hey, join on the Monday Night Hangout with Allan/Comic Collector Geek tomorrow night. Should be a good one. Thank you

[@LettuceComics]

I’ll see if he’ll let me tag along haha

[@JSSBrooklyn]

@@LettuceComics hey I’m just saying join the chat! It’s a good group and a solid source of knowledge. Don’t get me into trouble!

[@leighwestfall1578]

Shhh please don’t ell people about the cbcs secret.

[@leighwestfall1578]

Great video!!

[@LettuceComics]

Secrets don’t make friends!

[@craixe1]

Arguing about wolverine’a first appearance is such a waste of time. Reality is that CGC says 181 is first appearance and comic collectors have accepted it and that’s that. Get mad about it. Seethe. Make pointless arguments. Won’t change the perception. Uncanny x-men annual 14 is the real first appearance of gambit and that situation is way worse than the 180/181 argument. Also pointless to argue. Nerds.

[@LettuceComics]

Did you know that the first cat show was held in 1871 at the Crystal Palace in London? Mee-wow!

[@AllSortsofWords]

So long as we're quantifying wastes of time, I'd rank typing this out pretty high on the list. 😘

[@WhatIsOntheComicRack]

Who's word you going to take...CGC or Marvel itself who says Hulk #180 is the first appearance of Wolverine. CGC could have anything in that case!