I want to begin by looking at the comic book sales from Black Lightning's introduction in 1977.
Electric Sales for the 1977 Series
In 1977, few African American comic book superheroes existed. I think Black Lightning may have been the first to have his own title. (T'Challa doesn't count since he wasn't American. Deathlok may be counted as first if you consider Astonishing Tales.) Either way, Black Lightning was a ground breaking character with a relatively low profile. Without assigning too much credit to the CW, the Black Lightning TV series certainly helped the character's recognition among the masses.
How are sales for the 1977 Black Lightning comics now that the show has been aired for a few years? The market is telling an encouraging story for fans of the title. Sales are plentiful and demand is good for this character that three years ago was mostly unknown except by DC diehards.
Starting with his introduction, Black Lightning 1 (1977) crackles with energy garnering $500 plus on the last four 9.8 sales. Even 9.6 sales, plentiful in September, reaped roughly $200 with the GoCollect FMV coming in at $190. Issue 2 FMV is roughly half of issue 1 showing a FMV of $250 for graded 9.8. For Black Lightning collectors, the $180 fair market value for issue 5 also suggests demand is not limited to just the premier issue. Black Lightning 5 featured a confrontation between Superman and the hero electric. Maybe that's why that issue sizzles compared to issues 3 and 4.
Buyer's Market for Black Lightning Art
On the other hand, I would say it is a buyer's market for Black Lightning art. Despite the relative success of the CW series, I don't see a translation into high demand for art since 2017-2018. A quick survey of art sold through Heritage Auctions shows sales for covers and interior pages from the first series. That includes art by notable artists like Trevor Von Eeden and Rich Buckler. (Side note: Rich Buckler also co-created Deathlok.) There were also sales from the more recent second series from the mid-nineties sporting art by Eddie Newell. Eddie Newell produced the most recent cover sale. Black Lightning V2 #4 (1995) cover art fetched a modest $657 in 2017. Many interior pages sold in the last few years. The best sale came from Black Lightning 1 (1977) on art barely featuring Jefferson Pierce, but portraying his "reason for being". That page by Trevor Von Eeden (CAT R2) sold for $1,050 in 2018. Other interior pages from 1977 by Von Eeden sold from $39 up to $660 in 2020.
Is it time for Lightning to Strike?
Rich Buckler, phenomenal as a cover artist, produced many of the Black Lightning covers. Three sold cheaply through HA.com. but the most recent was in 2011. That price of $627 would likely be eclipsed if the art sold in 2020. As mentioned, a Eddie Newell cover fetched about the same price in 2017. While low, it is noteworthy that another Eddie Newell Black Lightning cover sold for under $100 in 2007. In that context, $627 represents a nice comparative gain. However, in November a cover comes to auction by the legendary duo of Ross Andru and Dick Giordano. The DC Comics Presents 16 cover features another team-up between Black Lightning and Superman. Though, it is difficult to guess a final price, I don't expect this art to fizzle. On the contrary, beware, because Black Lightning Art Strikes!
