Here are two overlooked early Man-Thing appearances and a 90's book that may be good to look out for as we near more announcements regarding the Midnight Sons.

The publication of Man-Thing (Savage Tales #1, May '71) actually predated Swamp Thing (House of Secrets #92, July '71) by a few months. Although House of Secrets #92 far surpasses Savage Tales #1 in terms of value, DC may get beaten when it comes to the live-action front. The recent Swamp Thing series was canceled after one season, and as far as I know, there are not currently any plans to use the character in another capacity. Man-Thing however, is being talked about to join the initial roster of the Midnight Sons. Marvel did make a live-action Man-Thing movie in 2005 which was not received extremely well. Hopefully this go-around we will get a great version of the character.

Astonishing Tales #12

This is the next appearance of Man-Thing after Savage Tales #1, in a story called "Terror Stalks the Everglades!". Astonishing Tales #12 came out more than a year after Savage Tales 1. Besides being Man-Thing's second appearance, this issue also features the back story of how Dr. Calvin was shot following the origin of Man-Thing from Savage Tales #1.

There are only 56 copies in the CGC census with the most common grade of 8.5 having 11 graded copies and an FMV of $70. It looks like sales for 8.0 and 8.5 have the most recent data, and the prices can vary dramatically. In the same year, the same grade separated by a month or two varies in price by as much as $50 in 8.5 and over $100 in 8.0. I think this may indicate awareness of this issue beginning to make its way onto the radar of prospectors.

Astonishing Tales #13

The Man-Thing gets his first cover appearance in this issue. This is the third appearance. It is also the last issue before his first solo stories begin in the Adventures Into Fear title. For some reason, this book is much more common in the CGC census than #12, especially in high grade. There are 22 copies in 9.8, 32 in 9.6, and 18 in 9.4.

Midnight Sons Unlimited #8

This is not a book that is being sought after on the same level as other Man-Thing issues. It is not recognized as a key. However, it has an incredible cover with art by Lee Sullivan. It is also the only Man-Thing cover in a Midnight Sons series (i.e. Rise of The Midnight Sons and Midnight Sons Unlimited).

This is one of those books where I believe the speculator has an opportunity to be a trailblazer. Go Collect does not have a fair market value because there is no sales data  There are no sales because there are 0 copies in the CGC census. The book may not be easy to find in high grade because it is a larger 68-page issue. If you can find one and achieve a favorable grade from CGC it will probably have a good payoff.

Final Thoughts

Marvel Studios has done a good job of giving supporting characters memorable screen time. Debuting with the  Midnight Sons may suit the character well at first. It will limit his screen time and allow the filmmakers to flesh out how to portray him best. Although, the character has held his own for three solo titles and is certainly capable of being the centerpiece if put in the right hands.