Forget the JLA because Black Adam is set to introduce the new faces of the DCEU, the Justice Society of America.

Ever since Marvel Studios introduced the Avengers to the masses, superhero teams have been all the rage for mainstream audiences. The DCEU experimented with their own epic combination of heroes with the Justice League, though the theatrical release has gone down in infamy.

In October, DC will bring together the original superhero team from the Golden Age, the Justice Society of America. That should have you on the hunt for their key issues, beginning with these gems.

ALL-STAR COMICS #3 (1940)

Let’s pretend we’ve got money to spend on a JSA key. We might as well start at the top and see what our fistful of dollars can get us in the holy grail of JSA comics, 1940’s All-Star Comics #3. Predating the Justice League of America and the Avengers by decades, the original lineup consisted of Flash Jay Garrick, Atom Al Pratt, the Sandman, the Spectre, Hourman, Hawkman, and Green Lantern Alan Scott. 

With such a historic key and considering its age, it’s no wonder the prices are ridiculously high. The only copy sold so far in 2022 was a 0.5 missing the cover and first wrap. Even the lowest-of-the-low grades sold for $1,978. Last year, a 9.4 earned a whopping $358,800.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #21

With prices so high for all the GA keys, it sent most collectors on a hunt for the JSA’s early Silver Age appearances. At the top of that wish list is JLA #21, which fully introduced the JSA to the modern audiences of the time. That makes it an important find and at a much more reasonable price than virtually any of the GA keys.

Of course, those high grades are still four figures. In April, a 9.4 sold for $3,600. Once you get to the mid-grades, the price tags are easier on the budget. On May 10, a 5.5 brought $376.

THE FLASH #129

JLA #21 may get all the glory, but there’s another Silver Age JSA key to consider: Flash #129. This issue is most famous for being the first team-up of GA Flash Jay Garrick and SA Flash Barry Allen. What goes under the radar is the flashback appearance of the JSA, which predates JLA #21.

Between those two factors, it is no wonder this issue fetches a high price. In April, a 9.8 sold for $8,400. If you don’t mind downgrading the quality, the prices get much cheaper. A good example is the 5.0, which brought $180 in March.

ALL-STAR COMICS #2 (1999)

The updated JSA that we'll see in Black Adam came together in 1999’s All-Star Comics #2. Since the Golden Age keys are so expensive, it should put collectors on the trail of the modern JSA beginning with this issue. Although there hasn’t been a 9.8 sold in two years, you can own a raw copy for around $15. 

A JSA MOVIE FRANCHISE

What does it all mean? In all likelihood, Black Adam is setting the stage for a new movie franchise. If they take cues from the modern comics, the DCEU JSA could be more of an anti-hero team as opposed to the Justice League. The studio has been beefing up its streaming lineup, so we could see spinoffs on HBO Max. It all adds up to a big future if Black Adam is the hit that it’s predicted to be.

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*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not reflect advice on behalf of GoCollect.