The last three movies that Henry Cavill played Superman were great. I mean they might be no match for Marvel or even Christopher Reeves, but bottom-line they were entertaining, made money and represented the DC Universe. Now, the news is that Cavill is kicking his Superman gig to the curb. Apparently, this is the latest hype that he doesn't want to continue after seeing what the Warner Bros. DC Movie Universe strategy is. We know two things: one, they are not planning on doing a stand-alone Man of Steel sequel anytime soon, and two that Warner Bros. is more interested in a Supergirl movie. Cavill can eat Kryptonite and kill our modern version of Superman, which is a shame. But his fall portends Supergirl's rise into the movie spotlight and worldwide domination (source: THR). Does this present an opportunity to buy Supergirl and short the Man of Steel?
I must say that after researching Superman, it just floored me with how many Modern Age comics exist for this character. The publishers must have lost their collective minds in this Modern Age. Yeah, I am a Superman fan but do we really need so many Superman #1's? The kicker is that most of them are Modern Age comics, not even Bronze Age. It is enough to make one seek out the "Fortress of Solitude" for some downtime.
John Byrne is still impressive but back in the day he was the hot artist, and you can see why the cover is, well, super. Superman #1 (1987) by John Byrne (script and pencils) was published by DC Comics. Prices are looking positive on this Byrne inspired Son of Krypton, a mint (9.8) recently sold for $93 which is pretty good for an old Copper Age book like this. With the FMV much lower at $65, the price on this book could rise.
The return is a key indicator of an issues investment quality or speculation time frame. Current grade (9.9) has returned positive +80.2%, (9.8) has an ROI of positive +37.1%. This book has run up all year-long across the spectrum of grades. Don't take a chance though, with Cavill out as a catalyst sell this Superman #1 before the Cavill's Kryptonite fiasco threatens your nice return on this book. My guess is you can pick it up cheaper in two years.
Supergirl is the future of the Superman franchise for now; Warner Bros. is probably trying to co-opt some of the Captain Marvel movie magic due out next year. More power to 'em! Supergirl rocks, even the Netflix show is ok. With an ongoing show and plans for a big movie, Supergirl #1 (1972) is a femme fatale you need in your speculative arsenal. This comic was created by the masters of the art form in both writing and pencils with Cary Bates, Len Wein, Marv Wolman (script) and Bob Oksner, Art Saaf and Barbara L. Carroll (pencils), to name only a few of the outstanding creators on this book.
We can check off the catalyst box for this comic, as it has an ongoing series and now a potential movie. Also, Supergirl #1 (1972) is a nice Bronze Age key and her first solo comic. How does she stack up financially? Look out folks, this young woman is stronger than He-Man and mightier than Thor as an investment. The best thing about this book is a rarity. Not sure on the print run, but there are only 372 copies in CGC Census inventory. The low census numbers are probably enough reason to buy this comic.
With any speculation, we prefer multiple hypotheses leading to the same conclusion. In addition, to catalyst and key, add to it the lower price for a grade (4.0) only $26. Yep, I just bought one, and you should buy one too. If you want higher-end quality buy Supergirl #1 (1972) in mint (9.8) for around $695 with a consistent FMV of $650. That same (9.8) grade comic has risen 45.2% over the last 18 years. One honorable mention grade of (7.0): has a whopping positive +282.8% return in grade (7.0). It is cheap with the last price being only $50! This book is one of those rare comics from the 1970's and a must own, Supergirl #1 (1972) is already crushing it. She has a successful series, and now there is the talk of a movie, which will build a larger fan base. Fly high with Supergirl and avoid Cavill's Kryptonite.
