Why is demand so high?
     Well, we just talked about the quality which is a huge and obvious factor. But there are a few other factors. Another large reason in my opinion is the lack of quality vintage on the market. The money has to go somewhere and modern art is frequently available as the various art reps and artists sell their work.
     Next, many are priced out of vintage in general, but more specifically the best of vintage. You can still get the very best modern art for “reasonable prices” $20k will buy you almost any new art. Top vintage easily goes into 6 figures often. I can see the merit to owning the “best” Greg Capullo Batman piece over the “worst” page from Bolland’s Killing Joke.
Finally is good old speculation. Everyone would love to find the next Dark Knight Returns or Walking Dead and make a huge profit. There is most likely art being created today that will most likely provide big returns in a few years, when the hobby realizes how significant a certain project is. This also creates fear in collectors of missing out and art, and are afraid they would have to pay much higher prices later if they decide they want an example. Speculation is a fuel to current modern prices, both for collectors AND artists. Collector don’t want to miss out and buy without regarding the price. Artists don’t want to leave future cash on the table and price above their current market value at prices they think their art may be worth in the future.

Future of Modern Art and Comics

Finally let’s talk about the future of the modern art with three questions.

Will a market remain for the material?
     At the moment there is a growing segment of the hobby that are dedicating their collecting efforts to modern art. The MO is usually similar. Late 20’s to early 30’s fans who love the current material being produced. Much of the time they are focusing their collections solely on modern art and have little interest in the vast majority of vintage. Also commonly into Manga(which the majority of older collectors despise…..again missing out!) which makes them more appreciative of current mainstream American art as mangaka style has more and more of an influence. They have more of an appreciation of storytelling and quality versus any sort of nostalgia of hobby significance. I think this the answer is yes and this collecting community will probably grow stronger over time as long as we have quality material being produced, which leads to…..

Will material continue to be produced?
     As more artists are moving to digital forms of art creation I do think there will be artists producing work in pen and ink, as long as there is a market for them to sell them to(That’s where us collectors come in.) I honestly don’t know if the practice of selling 1 of 1 artist proofs of digital works will ever take off in the hobby. It has a long road uphill at the very least. I think sequential art as a whole will be interesting to watch as the digital age makes graphic sequential obsolete to many. There are almost infinite sources of entertainment out there and that has an impact on those who get into comics. I hope graphic storytelling can survive and thrive as I firmly believe this unique form of storytelling is worthy of praise and passion, but there will eventually have to be major changes to the industry as a whole for graphic storytelling to stay on peoples radar(a topic for another time.)

What will prices do?

     You will probably see a mixed bag here. Tomorrows classics are being created today, and something will become super popular and rise in price. On the flip side there will be very popular material now that will fall to the wayside and be worth far less in the future. Your best bet is to stay away from speculation and buy what you love at prices you can stomach. I understand. It sucks when you don’t buy art when it first becomes available, then a year or two later want a piece and the price has tripled. It also sucks when a page is just sitting there available to purchase by an artist from a book you love that is just way too expensive for you to even contemplate buying. I am tempted all the time myself. Be strong!

     Do I think you should buy modern art(read: is it worth the “high” prices?) You probably know what I am going to say. Buy what you love. If you like it more than vintage material of similar price paying the high prices today is ok in my book. Also when you are buying directly from the artists you know your money is going directly into their pockets which is a huge way of showing support and will help them continue to create. If you are not into modern comics I don’t know why you made it this far, I hope you can give them a try. Their is great material being produced now. You are missing out. 

Happy collecting!