James Gunn released a long-awaited announcement on January 31 that gave us our first hints at what’s coming up in the DCU, including five new films and five new television series. Let’s take a look at how the market reacted.

Creature Commandos

The first property on Gunn’s long list of announcements was an upcoming animated television series based, curiously, on the virtually unheard of Creature Commandos, a group of monsters created by Project M during World War II. The Commandos made their first appearance in Weird War Tales #93, cover dated November 1980.

There are 65 graded copies in the CGC census, not surprising considering the obscurity of the characters. The market moved a tiny bit on the news, with a 9.8 graded copy selling for $650 on eBay, up 7% from the last sale in a July 2022 eBay auction for $608. However, it’s also down 7% from the peak price of $700 for a 9.8 set in a February 2022 eBay sale.

Considering the fact that these characters are relatively unknown and it’s an animated series, I wouldn’t expect sales to suddenly increase in volume until we learn more. It’s a curious first production for the Gunn and Safran team, as is the next.

Waller

Viola Davis will make her return as Amanda Waller in the live-action TV series, Waller. She formerly appeared in both Suicide Squad films, Black Adam, and the Peacemaker series. Amanda Waller first appeared in Legends #1, cover dated October 1986. There are 646 graded copies in the CGC census, and we’re already seeing volume and price spikes.

Thirteen graded copies have sold since Gunn’s announcement. The highest sale was a 9.8 going for $185 in a February 1 eBay sale, 33% more than the average price paid of $139 on January 31 and 143% higher than the August 2022 low of $76.

The common assumption is that Waller will be for the DCU what Nick Fury has been for the MCU: a behind-the-scenes manipulator who brings heroes together. This could in turn lead to Waller being a series that provides a genuine introduction to the new DCU, including appearances by a number of heroes and villains.

If that’s the case, and Waller’s role is as large as these assumptions, Legends #1 could be a key comic due for a dramatic rise in sales. Definitely keep an eye on this book.

Superman: Legacy

The first film Gunn mentioned in his announcement, and the only production to receive a release date (July 11, 2025), was Superman: Legacy. Other than that, little is known about the next Superman film, other than Safran’s statement that “Superman represents truth, justice, and the American way. He is kind in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.” So, we may see more of a traditional Superman, one that embodies hope more than anything.

It’s not as if we’re going to see a sudden spike in sales of Action Comics #1 or Superman #1 based on a film announcement. However, it’s worth tracking hints regarding the film’s plot points and primary villain.

Lanterns

The next TV series on the slate is Lanterns, a show that will focus on “John Stewart and Hal Jordan,” as Gunn stated. I’ve already detailed a number of Green Lantern keys in a recent Green Lantern DCU Spec blog and additional John Stewart keys in an upcoming Black History Month focus on John Stewart. However, our focus here is on the market’s reaction to Gunn’s announcement of the Lanterns HBOMax series.

While there hasn’t yet been any sales movement for Hal Jordan’s first appearance in Showcase #22, we did see a few sales of Green Lantern #87, John Stewart’s first appearance, post-announcement.

Three copies have sold since the announcement, the highest being an 8.5 going for $995 in a January 31 eBay sale. While nowhere near the peak of $1,600 for this grade set in November 2021, it’s an appreciable 51% jump from the $660 price paid in two sales earlier in January.

The fact that John Stewart will be sharing top billing in the series elevates the character considerably. Green Lantern #87 is most assuredly poised for a price spike, but don’t forget to keep an eye on Showcase #22; it could be the dark horse in this race if Gunn and Safran get the character right.

Join us in our next installment as we take a look at The Authority, The Brave and the Bold, and more.

Are you excited about the upcoming DCU productions? Which other DC characters would you like to see in the DCU? Let us know below.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.