Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: archie, archie comics, Archie's Girls Betty and Veronica, Archie's Mad House, cgc, Cheryl Blossom, comic collector, comic market, little archie, Pep Comics, riverdale, sabrina the teenage witch, She's Josie

Has Riverdale Had An Impact On The Archie Comic Market?

For the past two years there's been a steady incline in the sale of Golden Age and key issue Archie comics. Pep 22's have been sold at healthy prices, while Archie 1's have also seen their fair share of action. In general, the first 10 issues of Archie comics generally go for 3 times what they're listed as in The Overstreet Price Guide.

I've talked about Archie books in the 2016 edition of Overstreet, so it's a section of fandom I'm largely familiar with. Since Riverdale has been out for several weeks, let's see if it's had an impact on the collectors market.

On January 8th of this year, a raw copy of Archie #1 in good condition sold for $17,109.32 on eBay. For what could potentially be a 2.0 of this book, this is a strong price (guide has it listed for around $10K in the same condition). Archie #50 is still in high demand due to the depiction of Betty on the cover.

A CGC 6.0 sold for $1,332.99 this year, while a raw copy that appeared to be in very good shape sold for $788.00. It's fair to say that graded will always net you more money. Betty and Veronica #1 CGC 4.5 went for $489.00, while a 3.5 went for $369.99. That's not a huge difference in price, even though the difference between a 3.5 and a 4.5 is significant. A number of raw copies of the same book fall anywhere between $200-300. An overall glance on eBay will tell you that raw Golden Age Archie books are low so long as they aren't a key issue. An Archie Comics #48 in good shape sold for $35.95 this month. Archie's Rival Reggie #10 in good shape went for $29.95. I can't fairly tell you what Pep Comics #22, Archie's first appearance is going for after Riverdale, since according to GPA the last one sold was summer of 2016.

As far as silver age Archie, these prices have held strong. Little Archie #1 in very fine shape went for $300. Archie's Mad House #22, the first appearance of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, are still at a reasonable price. Most raw copies on eBay have gone for $120+, but haven't maxed out at $300. Despite this being a huge key in the Archie universe it is by no means a rare comic, so if you're looking to pick one up I would suggest doing it now. She's Josie #1 is holding out for around $200. So again, if you want a key Archie book without breaking the bank there you go.

For Bronze Age Archie books,  Archie's Girls Betty and Veronica #320 in CGC 9.8 recently sold for $2,100.00.

This key has skyrocketed since Riverdale was announced, as this is the first appearance of Cheryl Blossom. If you can't afford a 9.8, don't worry. A 7.5 sold for $339.99, indicating that lower grades are still affordable. You can still find a good deal on raw copies of the same book as they seem to fall between $40-100. Her second appearance has also had a steady incline since 2016, as a Jughead #325 in CGC 9.8 went for $695.00. Raw copies of the same book are available for around $200.

Modern's wise, Archie is all over the place. Most 90's Archie books are sold for face value if not cheaper, save for Sonic #0 and #1. But we're not here to talk about Sonic. Archie Variant covers do go for $100-200, but adding a signature doesn't do much to add to the value.

Overall I think it's safe to say the only book affected by Riverdale is Archie's Girls Betty and Veronica #320. Most people watching Riverdale are new fans who likely aren't familiar with Archie, and aren't interested in spending hundreds on a comic book. While initial interest for Archie will help with them selling digests and graphic novels, dealers and auction houses will likely keep seeing collectors buy these books.

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