Trade Spec: The Punisher

Glad to welcome Ryan Carstensen, comicsheatingup.net contributor, back with more Trade Paper Back Speculation and info. For more info on rare and hot TPB’s, make sure to check out Ryan’s website http://www.ooptrades.com.
The Punisher is about to appear in the upcoming season of Daredevil on Netflix, and that has Frank Castle prices heading north. Let’s face it, Amazing Spider-Man # 129 is a gem, but do you think your local shop is going to sell that to you for the 20 cent cover price? Not going to happen!
But there are lots of Punisher trades and hardcovers going for crazy money on the secondary market, and many of them can be had for cover price or less. Here’s some treasures you should be hunting for on your next trip to the comic shop or convention.
Top of the list is the Punisher by Garth Ennis Omnibus. (ISBN 0785133836) The only thing more beastly than its 1,192 page count is the $300+ it trades for on the open market. I hesitate to guess what a new, sealed copy would bring (one listed for $950 on eBay). Coming in slightly behind that is the Punisher MAX Vol 4 hardcover. (ISBN 0785128670) That book currently goes for $200 or better, and carries an attractive $29.99 suggested retail price.

Most of the Punisher Knights books are profitable in nice condition, but the sixth volume titled “Confederacy of Dunces” (ISBN 0785133444) really shines. It trades for $50 or better in any condition, and features some fisticuffs with Daredevil to boot. Look for interest in that to increase soon.
The books we’ve covered so far are all great finds, but they have some age on them. Many retailers simply don’t keep stock that old on the shelves, and that’s part of why values are reaching so high. (they are out there, though, especially at conventions) Here’s some newer items that don’t necessarily trade for hundreds, but do quite well and are much easier to spot in the wild.
The Punisher Year One TPB (ISBN 078513736X) is an easy flip for $30 or better, depending on condition. I see these all over the place, sometimes in those $5 boxes at conventions. Even at the full $12.99 suggested retail, this one can bring a quick, tidy profit.

Strangely enough, some of the Punisher material from Greg Rucka is already out-of-print and hitting nose-bleed prices. I’ve seen the Punisher by Rucka Vol 2 TPB(ISBN 0785159207) sell for nearly $100 in nice condition. The first volume is also profitable, though not quite as crazy as the second.
The Punisher: Enter the Warzone TPB (ISBN 0785157420) is also out-of-print and getting $50 or better from buyers. The book needs to be in good shape to command top dollar, but until Marvel goes back to press, prices are going to stay elevated.

Selling these high-demand books is a great way to make your comic book addiction pay for your comic book addiction. If these comic book treasure hunts sound like fun, stay tuned to this site and head over to ooptrades.com for more info on buying/selling out-of-print TPBs and hardcovers!