SHOWCASE #55
There are a host of new characters that will debut in the GL series including the original Green Lantern, Alan Scott. He is a holdover from the Golden Age when GL’s ring was powered by magic and not the Guardians of the Universe and Oa.
If you have the budget, go for All-American Comics #16, but expect to pay four and five figures for even the lowest of grades. Instead, many collectors are leaning toward his first solo appearance in the Silver Age, Showcase #55. While it is significantly cheaper than All-American #16, it is not exactly a bargain-bin find. Every grade down to the 4.0 is $100 or more.
There is some debate as to Alan Scott’s first Silver Age appearance. While Showcase #55 is generally considered his SA debut, there is also Green Lantern #40. What makes this issue special is the cover, which has Scott and Hal Jordan squaring off. It also comes in slightly cheaper than Showcase #55. That same 4.0 is averaging $75 for GL #40 compared to $100 for Showcase.
NEW 52 FCBD SPECIAL EDITION #1
I predict that Jessica Cruz will get a large piece of the HBO spotlight, and it is only natural for her partner to join in the fun. Again, the new series appears to be putting the Green Lanterns’ diversity on center stage, and the Lebanese-American Simon Baz fits that bill. He has amassed a following in his short time in the DCU, and his first appearance will benefit from the HBO announcement.
Baz made his debut on Free Comic Book Day in the New 52 Special Edition #1. Surprisingly, there have been no recorded sales of graded copies since 2017 when a 9.8 sold for just $20. In 2014, it brought as much as $49.99. All of this means that Baz’s debut is well within reach at the moment.
GREEN LANTERN #48
Kyle Rayner’s name was noticeably absent from the HBO Max list. While the first Lantern to not need a power ring has not been named for the upcoming series, that does not mean he will not find his way to the streaming series.
In the comics, Rayner has been an integral part of the Green Lantern Corps series for years. Although he does not have the star power of Hal, John, or even Guy, for that matter, he is the heart and soul of the team. Even if he doesn’t appear in season one, I firmly believe we will see Kyle in the future. That is why it could pay dividends to invest in his first appearance, Green Lantern #48.
Judging by the increase in fair market values, I am not alone in this thinking. Two years ago, a 9.8 GL #48 was an $85 comic. In the past 90 days, it has increased its FMV to $129. So far in October, out of the 12 recorded sales, only one has been for less than $100.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR GREEN LANTERN
Considering this is an HBO production, I have high hopes for the GL series. I am expecting it to have mature themes with high-quality special effects on par with what we have seen from Doom Patrol. If HBO delivers on those marks, this will be a hit series, and it will open the door for a cosmic sect of the DCEU.
