DC UniverseThe DC Universe is filled with forgotten Copper Age superheroes and villains. Any one of these could at some point wind up in a series or better yet a movie. The funny thing is many are the best-known issues, and each is an important key for their particular character. But for some reason, they have been left out of the big run-up in comics over the last ten plus years overall. There are two possible reasons for this: First, the public has been focused on Silver Age Marvel superheroes with mega movies and TV series that are hits; this has left the DC Universe Copper or Modern Age comic books (depending on your preference) wanting some attention. Second, it could simply be that these Copper Age books have a little longer to truly emerge into much higher prices like the Bronze Age has been doing for the past five years. Both scenarios are a good thing for collectors, investors and most especially that rare breed, the speculator. Let's explore these overlooked keys from a CGC inventory standpoint, short-term overall return, and potential for a future catalyst. Let's flip-up some rocks and see what slithers out into the speculative sunlight; can we find value?

 

 

DC UniverseCrisis on Infinite Earths #1

This is the first issue of the Crisis series. It is also the first appearance of Blue Beetle in DC Comics. The character Ted Kord is Blue Beetle and appears in Crisis on Infinite Earths #1. This is a nice key this really been overlooked by almost everyone out there and happen to come across my radar screen. I don’t think it is obvious to purchase this comic book. I believe the pricing below will support that premise. This was the first of the crossover event-driven comic book stories. In it, DC Comics kills off many alternate realities and superheroes. My personal favorite was the evil Superman, I think they referred to him as Ultraman. This was a traumatic event for DC and happens to be the first appearance of the Blue Beetle; it’s kind of similar to Shazam #1. In that both Shazam and Blue Beetle first appeared in other comic books before headlining for DC. There are still many copies of this popular series available.

My suggestion is to pick up three near mint copies on the cheap. I’ve seen this first Blue Beetle in Crisis on Infinite Earths #1  go for as little as $10-$15. Should Blue Beetle become a part of the mainstream DC movie genre; then you can look at maybe triple or quadruple your money on the comic. It’s a good bet anything under $100 bucks near mint after all this book is 35 years old. Yes, there are many copies but only 1,777 are in CGC inventory, leaving an easy run up for another 3000 books.

 

DC UniverseWatchmen #1

The Watchmen are simply extraordinary. Now I am not talking about the TV series which has great actors and an absolutely awful story. Forget about that, stick with the primo movie done by Zack Snyder and quite possibly the best superhero movie ever made. That argument aside, Watchmen #1 was created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (writing and art) in 1986. Set in an alternate America it is the first appearance of Rorschach, Adrian Veidt, Doctor Manhattan, Daniel Dreiberg, Howard Blake, Hollis Mason, and Laurel Juspeczyk's death. Whew, what a list! This is basically most if not all of the major characters in this world. Worthy of speculation and mainly forgotten in the comic pile.

 

 

 

 

DC UniverseBatman: Vengeance of Bane Special #1

The first appearance of Bane is a mighty epic about the will of one evil man triumphing. The cover art is no "yoke" man. It was created in 1993 and conceived the only villain to ever break Batman. It has been largely forgotten, after all, you can pick up a graded copy 9.6 for under $100! Yep, buy one Bane will return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DC UniverseBatman: Harley Quinn #1

This is the first canonical appearance of Harley Quinn; a more detailed origin of Harley Quinn, Joker's girlfriend. Now everyone goes for Batman Adventures #12 for the very first Harley. But with this being the actual first in DC canon, it is a good bet price will rise, check out the third print of this puppy! Latch onto Harley...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term (4-Months)

Title Grade Cost Return
Crisis on Infinite Earths #1 9.6 $100 -18.4%
Watchmen #1 9.6 $30 -36%
Batman: Vengeance of Bane Special #1 9.6 $87 -11%
Batman: Harley Quinn #1 9.6 $155 +7.1%

DC UniverseConclusion

If you buy comics for the destruction of reality, if you buy for the rise of alternate superheroes, or you buy comics for vengeance, or for love; these books will pay off over time. Watchmen is so cheap I am going to buy another copy. Whenever you can buy a CGC book cheaper than the cost to CGC, then you have made money. Don't let the negative numbers scare you, that is the point of buying overlooked DC comic books; they are severely discounted. The Copper Age is replete with forgotten superheroes and supervillains; what are some of your favorites?

 

 

 

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