Although the stock market isn't doing well, some people have put their money in unexpected investments that are still raking in a profit.

One area man’s investments seemed to have gained super powers.

We're talking about comic books.

Rick Whitelock is more than a simple collector.

He's traded super heroes well into the 7 figures; making his childhood hobby an investment that's bringing his family way more than entertainment in the sluggish economy.

Comic books may seem like toys to you, but for Rick Whitelock; it's an investment that's helped him retire at 40.

"Batman, Superman, Spiderman; they peek your interest all the way from being a child up to being an older adult, “says Whitelock, “It's a tangible asset. They made comic books, there's limited supply, there's demand, there's scarcity and that's all the ingredients for a great investment.

Characters like Spiderman and the Wolverine are incredible heroes, but it's the price tags on these books that will amaze you.

"You bought this book back in 1962 for 12 cents. If somebody had bought this book back in 1962 and kept it in near perfect condition it would sell for probably close to a quarter of a million dollars today," says Whitelock, "You’re looking at a negative 40% return in the stock market versus potentially 200% or more in the comic book market."

Rick's 6-year-old son Trent is his co-investor and he has a few favorites.

"My first is Green Lantern, my second is Batman, my third is Superman and my fourth is Spiderman," says Trent.

Although everyone has a favorite hero, you have to keep emotions out of it and look for a book that will gain value.

"A first appearance, maybe a first Joker appearance; the first time Joker appeared was in Batman #1 and with the recent success of the recent Joker and Batman it really made this book skyrocket in value," says Whitelock.

Although it’s possible to gain a lot he says it’s a market that’s very risky.

He did warn me that comic book investing is certainly not for everyone and if you don't understand the market and its trends you could lose just as much money as he's made.

We want to hear about your recession proof investment ideas.