The great thing about a new Suicide Squad movie coming out in 2021 (Director James Gunn) is the more choices you have to speculate. The entire group is keyed off one particular catalyst. With multiple characters, it means each first appearance should spike in value as we get closer to the movie. Right now, this is not on anyone's radar screen; hence the very reasonable prices for several character first appearances. I have picked out three for review and recommendation.
The Suicide Squad was panned by critics when it came out. I thought unfairly so, after all, it might not have been Watchmen but it was far from Green Lantern. Besides, it killed it at the box office. Now Warner Bros has James Gunn at the task. Say what you will about him that guy can sure spin a yarn. Look at the success of Guardians of the Galaxy. Gunn is definitely bringing his magic to this DC enterprise and along with his creativity and directorial insight. We get a fresh story with a couple of new characters. Here are some of the books you need to buy to prep for this movie opening; it will drive all the attached first appearance books.
Both "Margot Robbie and Jai Courtenay will reprise their roles as Harley Quinn and Captain Boomerang along with Octavia Spencer as Waller. In addition, there is a rumor of Idris Elba playing the Bronze Tiger." Perhaps Elba's Hobbs and Shaw movie will prepare us to accept him in a super-powered role? "But the biggest surprise is Benicio Del Tora possibly playing the villain of the film; that would be huge." (Source: RadioTimes- Huw Fullerton July 2019)
Richard Dragon Kung Fu Fighter #1
The Bronze Tiger could be another fan favorite like Deadshot. The Bronze Tiger first appeared in Richard Dragon Kung Fu Fighter #1. He was created in the scripts of Jim Dennis, with pencils from the exceptional Dick Giordano and Leopoldo Duranova in 1975. Does the Bronze Tiger roar with profit for his first appearance?
Recent Returns (1-Year)
- Grade 9.8 $325 FMV returns positive +6.8%
- Grade 9.6 $120 FMV returns positive +74.3%
- Grade 9.2 $60 FMV returns positive +19.8%
- Grade 8.5 $22 FMV returns positive +29%
This book has great numbers and a huge room to run up. The movie is set to be released 2021 and is not on any radars yet in a big way. The great thing about speculators is they tend not to think long-term beyond next year or so. This gives you time to load up on this book it is obviously a good purchase as the first full appearance of the person that plays Bronze Tiger. My recommendation is to take about $100 and buy five of the 8.5-grade copies. Why not they are cheap at $22 a pop? Recommendation: Buy any grade
The reason Suicide Squad did so well at the box office (not with critics) is because of one actress: Margot Robbie. Harley (Robbie) saved the day with super tight shorts and a smile that could make the devil grin. This highflying Aussie made the movie fun, and she comes with the most popular boy toy in the DC Universe the Jolly Joker. By the way, those of you that didn't like Jerod Leto as the Joker are out of their minds. Harley Quinn first appeared in comics Batman Adventures #12. This early appearance does not have a huge print run which is good news.
Short-Term Returns (1-Year)
- Grade 9.8 $2000 FMV returns positive +6.2%
- Grade 9.6 $775 FMV returns positive +2.4%
- Grade 6.5 $270 FMV returns negative -3.4%
- Grade 5.0 $230 FMV returns positive +6.3%
There is some weakness in this book the long-term is not as consistent as I would like to see. However, it has a small distribution number and can be timed off the movie in 2021. Recommendation: Buy
Captain Boomerang first appeared in Flash #117 in 1960 and was created by John Broome, and Gardner Fox (script) with Carmine Infantino (Pencils). Ya gotta love the stewardess hat and matching costume, not to mention those gloves. The Suicide Squad movie definitely helped this character out. I always thought "why?" This character is beyond silly and should have been killed by the Flash. Throughout many Suicide Squad comics, he is the butt of many jokes. But couldn't flash have done us all a solid with this fashion victim? Anyways, Jai Courtney, the actor playing Captain Boomerang the anti-hero makes it work. He is believable and fun in the part, with great small lines that work. Can Captain Boomerang put some profits on the old Barbie?
Short-Term Returns (2-Years)
- Grade 9.0 $975 FMV returns positive +4.3%
- Grade 6.5 $325 FMV returns positive +10.8%
- Grade 4.5 $180 FMV returns positive +21.1%
- Grade 2.0 $65 FMV returns negative -30%
Recommendation: Short-Term Buy
In retrospect, these three books are truly different types of investments. Flash #117 is a bet only on the next movie, as long as Captain Boomerang is in it this is a short-term (2-year) pop. Batman Adventures #12 is a profitable book long-term and should be purchased now, and sold after the second or third trailer drops. Then you simply repurchase 6-months after the movie is forgotten and it is much cheaper.
The best pick of the bunch is Richard Dragon Kung Fu Fighter #1. It has the stamina and returns to make a great two-year investment. Furthermore, it is still cheap to buy. I own two copies. Claw your way to Bronze Tiger's first appearance, they are cheap especially the 9.6 grade.
