GREEN LANTERN #59
This is one of the best selling Silver Age comics on the market thanks to the original Green Lantern with a bad attitude (and equally bad haircut).
While nothing has been made official, the speculation is that Guy Gardner will play a significant role in the Green Lantern streaming series. For fans of Justice League International, his ascent into stardom has been a long time coming. Although he has been featured in animated form, this will be his live-action debut, and that inevitably impacts comic values.
Since the news reached the internet, prices for 1968's Green Lantern #59 have skyrocketed. The highest grade sold this year has been the 9.4, and it has gained close to $500 in two years. Back in 2018, it averaged $932. Over the past 90 days, the fair market value has jumped to $1,537. The last sale was in September when one brought over $1,500.
Even the low grades are getting a boost. Everything all the way down to the 3.0 is bringing over $100 at the moment. When the low grades are in the triple figures, it is a testament to a comic’s popularity.
JUSTICE LEAGUE #31
Jessica Cruz is a star in waiting. With the upcoming Green Lantern series seemingly highlighting the diversity of the Lantern Corps, it is her moment to take center stage. Other collectors are noticing as well. Since the news broke that she would be cast in the HBO Max show, her first full appearance in Justice League #31 has become one of the faster selling Modern Age comics.
The standard cover for JL #31 has more than quadrupled in two years. In 2019, this often ignored issue averaged just $56. Last year, it ballooned to $156, but it has truly reached new heights in recent months, carrying a 90-day FMV of $272. In fact, the last five sales were all for $300 between October 9-10. That is nearly double the 2019 high sale of $175.
GREEN LANTERN #201
Next to Green Lantern #59, this issue has received the biggest push thanks to the HBO Max news. Although the first time readers learned there were many Green Lanterns that stretched across the universe in Showcase #22, the Green Lantern Corps did not become an official designation until Green Lantern #201. It also happened to be the first appearance of Kilowog, who is confirmed for the new series. Think of it as a two-for-one investment.
While prices are on the move, they have not gotten out of hand just yet. The only grade that sells for over $100 is the 9.8, and it is averaging a relatively modest $129 for the past 90 days. The last sale was for $144 on September 15.
MORE TO COME
With all the Green Lantern news, there is much more to discuss. Look for spotlights on Alan Scott, Simon Baz, and Kyle Rayner in the coming days.
