The Value of Stan Lee’s Doodles: A Spider-Man Fan Encounter

When Stan Lee, the legendary comic book writer and editor, doodled Spider-Man on a paper napkin for a fan and signed it, the value of such a drawing has always been subject to debate. Currently, one such drawing is listed on eBay for 5,500 Obo (Old Brazilian Real), previously listed for 10,000 Obo. This price, however, is not a definitive representation of the actual worth, as previous Stan Lee Spider-Man drawings have sold for as little as 650 Obo, and some even less. For a doodle on a napkin, it might only be worth around 200 Obo, possibly less, depending on factors such as authentication and preservation.

Real Auction Results and Market Analysis

When looking at completed auctions on eBay, the actual sale price of this drawing is surprisingly low, at 27 Obo with free shipping. This price may seem low for a piece of Stan Lee fan memorabilia, and it is for several reasons. First, Stan Lee was not an artist, and the doodles are relatively crude. Second, he had a long history of signing and doodling, often completing hundreds or thousands of signatures or doodles in a single day. This commonality of his work makes it less rare and valuable per piece.

Why the Value Is Lower

There are several reasons why a Spider-Man doodle by Stan Lee is not as valuable as one might initially think:

Non-Artistic Doodles

First and foremost, Stan Lee was not an artist, and his doodles can often be described as rough and simplistic. This lack of artistic skill means that his drawings do not have the same aesthetic value as those created by professional artists. Additionally, the drawings may lack the detail and intricate line work that fans of comic art typically appreciate.

History of Signings

Second, Stan Lee had been doing signings for over 50 years, and his fan base was vast. He often signed hundreds or even thousands of items in a single day. This frequency means that many similar drawings were created, reducing the rarity and collectibility of each individual piece.

Collector Experience and Context

Finally, the value of a doodle also depends on the story behind it. While having a piece of Stan Lee's handwriting can be significant and meaningful to a fan, it does not necessarily translate to a high monetary value. The item is valuable to the owner, especially if it comes with a memorable encounter, but it may not be as valuable for its market value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a doodle and signature by Stan Lee Spider-Man can be a cherished piece of fan memorabilia, its financial value is often lower than what collectors might expect. The value hinges on factors such as the authenticity of the item, the condition of the drawing, and the depth of the story behind the piece. For the casual collector, such items can be a fantastic buy, but for those investing in memorabilia as a primary collection goal, the value is often less than anticipated.