Collector Alert: Which 'Traveling to Mars' and 'Sweet Paprika' Items Could Become Valuable

Collector Alert: What fans worry about — and what they should buy from The Orangery now

Pain point: You want early merch from hot graphic novels but you don’t have time to sift through every drop or the expertise to separate true sleepers from mass-market junk. With The Orangery now signed to WME and two properties—Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika—on the map, smart collectors need a clear plan: what to buy, why it might gain value, and exactly how to store and sell it.

Quick take: why Orangery merch matters in 2026

On Jan. 16, 2026 Variety reported that transmedia IP studio The Orangery signed with William Morris Endeavor (WME). That’s the signal collectors watch: top-tier agency representation rapidly increases the odds that an IP will be adapted across film, TV and global licensing channels. In 2025–26 the entertainment industry has doubled down on proven transmedia stories, and collectors who buy early, authenticated, and well-preserved items often capture the upside when adaptations or celebrity attachments accelerate demand.

“The William Morris Endeavor Agency has signed recently formed European transmedia outfit The Orangery, which holds the rights to strong IP in the graphic novel and comic book sphere,” — Variety, Jan 16, 2026.

Why that WME deal matters for resale value

• Visibility: WME brings global packaging and studio access—more eyes, higher chances of adaptation.
• Scarcity window: Early physical merch issued before mass licensing tends to be scarcer.
• Cross-market demand: A TV or movie hookup creates demand from mainstream buyers, not just comic collectors.

Signals that predict which items may rise in value

Not every item tied to a popular IP becomes a collectible. Focus on these seven signals that historically forecast secondary-market strength:

1. Low, verifiable print run or numbered runs (1–500 or under 1,000 are strong).
2. First-print and first-edition status—the earliest published physical copies.
3. Artist or creator signatures with witnessed authentication.
4. Original art or production materials (original pages, concept boards, scripts, storyboards).
5. Convention/retailer exclusives and variants limited to specific events.
6. Officially licensed limited-edition merch with certificates of authenticity (COAs).
7. Connection to adaptation milestones (casting announcements, filming greenlights, festival premieres).

Priority buy list: Which Orangery items are most likely to appreciate

Below are the specific item categories to prioritize if you want exposure to potential upside from Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika.

1. First-print graphic novel runs (hardcover first editions)

Why buy: First-print hardcovers are the canonical collectible for graphic novels. If an adaptation draws mainstream interest, collectors often chase first editions to own the “book that started it.”

Buy criteria: Confirm ISBN and print-run details on publisher announcements, look for “first edition” stamping, library of Congress info, and any serial numbers or foil-stamped runs.

How to store: Bag and board in acid-free comic bags or archival boxes if you remove dust jackets; store upright in climate-controlled conditions (60–70°F / 15–21°C, 30–50% RH). See storage checklist below for full details.

2. Signed and numbered limited editions

Why buy: Signed and numbered runs are scarce by definition and more attractive to collectors. If creators sign a limited run before a WME-driven adaptation takes off, those copies often command premiums.

Buy criteria: Prefer witnessed signatures (from a reputable third party or at a convention where signer presence is verified). Collect the COA and photograph the signing event where possible.

3. Variant covers and convention exclusives

Why buy: Convention-only covers, retailer-exclusive variants, and foil/embossed covers are classic scarcity plays. Their limited distribution makes them harder to replace once demand spikes.

What to watch: Limited-quantity variants tied to major events (e.g., San Diego Comic-Con, Lucca Comics) and retailer exclusives (local comic shop prints) are preferable to mass online variants. Make sure the edition count is advertised and documented.

4. Original art (page art, cover sketches, concept boards)

Why buy: Original artwork has intrinsic scarcity—there is only one original page, sketch or cover. For properties adapted to screen, original art becomes a museum-quality piece of production history.

How to evaluate: Get a provenance document from the artist or publisher. If possible, obtain a short written history of the item’s origin. Original art often requires higher upfront capital but is among the least replaceable collectibles.

5. Early promotional materials and posters

Why buy: Press kits, promo posters, early teaser prints and limited-run lithographs issued before mass licensing are inexpensive now but can spike when a trailer or star casting excites the public.

How to store: Posters should be kept flat in archival tubes when possible; if framed, use UV-protective glass and acid-free backboards.

6. High-quality figures, statues and artisan runs

Why buy: When produced by respected manufacturers in limited batches, figures and statues appreciate—especially if tied to iconic characters and kept mint-in-box (MIB).

Red flags: Avoid early promotional cheap plastic figures with no licensing or small print runs that could saturate the market.

7. Official limited-edition apparel and wearable merch

Why buy: Wearables numbered and made with premium materials (collabs with designer brands) can become fashion-collectible crossovers. Focus on numbered pieces or designer collabs rather than mass T-shirt runs.

8. Digital collectibles and NFTs — cautious exposure only

Why cautiously: By 2026, collectors favor Hybrid drops—digital tokens that include a physical counterpart (signed print, original art). Pure NFTs have a riskier track record, but authenticated hybrid drops can add provenance and liquidity.

Buy criteria: Ensure on-chain provenance, a clear redemption path for the physical item, and reputable marketplace issuance.

What to avoid: common pitfalls and low-ROI items

• Mass-produced tie-in tchotchkes sold by the thousands—these rarely appreciate.
• Unlicensed or bootleg items that can carry legal risk and zero resale value.
• Low-quality prints and unnumbered posters without COAs or clear print-run disclosures.
• Buying hype alone: Don’t chase variant covers or prints without verifying scarcity and provenance.

Timing and resale strategy: when to sell

Adopt a flexible strategy aligned with adaptation milestones and market signals:

• Short-term flips: Consider for small-ticket variant covers if a casting announcement or trailer creates immediate buzz. Use marketplaces like eBay, StockX (for some items), and specialized comic auction houses.
• Medium-term hold (12–36 months): Ideal for signed first editions and limited prints while adaptation production proceeds and reviews land.
• Long-term hold (3–10+ years): Best for original art and ultra-rare pieces—these often appreciate the most but require patience and secure storage.

Trigger events to sell around: casting news, greenlight/production starts, trailer releases, premiere festivals, and major auctions of similar IP.

Platform tactics: where to buy and sell

• Buy: Publisher DTC sites, official convention exclusives, reputable dealers, and verified reseller groups. Avoid unverified social media sellers unless they provide provenance.
• Sell: Graded marketplaces (for comics: CGC, CBCS), auction houses (Heritage, Sotheby’s for high-end original art), and specialist platforms (ComicLink, eBay with buyer protections).
• Use alerts: Set Google Alerts, watchlists on marketplaces and follow WME/The Orangery news—adaptation news moves markets.

Authentication & grading — do this before you list

Authentication and grading add liquidity and buyer confidence. For paper items, the two main grading houses are CGC and CBCS. For original art and signatures, consider independent third-party authentication and documented provenance.

Signatures: A witnessed signature carries a premium. If you buy a signed item without witness, secure a COA from the signer or a reputable third party.

Storage tips collectors can act on today

Proper storage isn’t optional if you want resale value. Here’s an actionable, itemized checklist you can follow now:

General environment

• Keep climate stable: 60–70°F (15–21°C) and relative humidity 30–50%. Avoid attics, garages and basements prone to temperature swings.
• Use a small dehumidifier or humidifier with a hygrometer to monitor RH.
• Avoid direct sunlight; UV degrades paper, inks and fabrics.

Paper and comics

• Place comics and books in acid-free bags and boards or archival boxes. Use Mylar or polypropylene sleeves per collector standards.
• For signed books, keep a spine-support system for hardcovers; do not force them flat when storing.
• Store upright on a bookshelf or flat in archival boxes for oversized art—avoid stacking heavy items on top.

Original art and prints

• Interleave sheets with acid-free tissue. Store flat when possible. If framed, use UV-blocking glass and acid-free backing.
• Keep a digital provenance file (photos, emails from the artist, COAs).

Figures, statues and apparel

• Keep figures mint-in-box (MIB) in original packaging. If you open them, store components and instructions carefully and keep original box.
• Apparel: fold with acid-free tissue, store in breathable fabric garment bags; avoid plastic vacuum sealing for delicate materials.

Shipping and handling

• Use double-boxing for high-value shipments and add humidity packs for cross-country moves.
• Photograph items at high resolution before shipping and maintain an itemized inventory with serial numbers and COAs.
• Use tracked, insured shipping for any sale above a modest threshold.

Price forecasting and risk assessment

Price movement for Orangery merch will depend on three primary scenarios:

1. Breakout adaptation: If WME secures a major studio greenlight and the adaptation features high-profile talent, expect a sharp price spike for first editions, signed copies and original art.
2. Moderate growth: If the IP gains a niche but passionate audience (strong streaming release, festival buzz), expect steady appreciation—good for medium-term holds.
3. Stagnation: If adaptation stalls or the IP remains niche, only the rarest physicals will meaningfully appreciate; other items may return little beyond retail.

Risk management: Diversify your buys across item categories and price points. Keep liquidity in mind—small, sellable variants can fund larger purchases if you need to rebalance.

Precedents: what past transmedia hits teach us

When comic IPs become TV/film properties, the markets react. For example, early issues and original art of properties adapted to screen have at times jumped significantly in value after casting or trailer drops. The lesson: adaptation buzz drives mainstream buyer interest and often delivers the biggest moves.

Practical buying checklist — act now

• Follow The Orangery and WME announcements (set Google Alerts).
• Buy one low-cost, high-liquidity item (variant cover or promo) and one higher-scarcity item (signed/numbered or original art) to diversify exposure.
• Document provenance immediately: scan receipts, COAs, photos and signing proofs.
• Grade or authenticate high-value paper items before listing to reach a wider buyer pool.
• Implement proper storage steps today—climate control and archival materials are inexpensive compared to lost resale value from poor preservation.

Final verdict: Which Orangery pieces to prioritise

For collectors seeking the highest probability of resale value over the next 3–7 years, prioritize:

1. Signed, numbered first-print hardcovers of Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika.
2. Original art and cover art pages.
3. Limited convention variants and publisher retailer exclusives with small runs and documented edition counts.
4. High-quality, limited-run figures and hybrid physical/digital drops with verifiable provenance.

Wrap-up: protect your bet and stay nimble

WME’s deal with The Orangery elevates both visibility and the probability that these IPs will be adapted—and that makes early merch an appealing speculative play. But success depends on selective buying, proper authentication and preservation, and proactive market-watching around adaptation milestones.

Actionable takeaway: Buy one small liquid item and one scarce piece today; document provenance, store to archival standards, and set alerts for adaptation news. That combination balances upside potential with manageable risk.

Want help valuing a piece or tracking drops?

Sign up for our weekly collector market brief to get curated watchlists for graphic novel merch, limited editions and resale opportunities tied to the WME deal—and receive a printable storage checklist you can use today.

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