The New Flash
In 1987, DC was well into their post-Crisis on Infinite Earths relaunch/renaissance when they released Flash #1. Billed as “The New Flash,” this series would focus on Wally West as he took on the mantle of the Flash after Barry Allen’s demise in Crisis on Infinite Earths #8.
There are 992 graded copies in the CGC census. The trendline for this book in a 9.8 grade (the most plentiful grade) looks quite a bit like a heartbeat monitor – lots of ups and downs with no overall trend in either direction until the spike in 2021. Since, it still looks like a heart monitor but one in danger of a heart attack.
Prices this year alone have fluctuated wildly – from a $180 average sales price in March to a $110 average in August to a $193 average in November. If you can catch the dips, it’s a fantastic price for a key with a great deal of potential.
Here’s something to keep in mind. As James Gunn and Peter Safran begin rebuilding the DC films division, the Flash will undoubtedly be one of the characters included.
With two modern Flashes to choose from – Barry Allen and Wally West – the safe and easy bet says they’ll choose Barry Allen. However, Gunn and Safran may want to differentiate the new DC Universe from the previous TV series.
They may also want to run as far as possible from the Ezra Miller debacle. All of this makes a Wally West-led Flash film an intriguing possibility. Considering the low price for the first issue of the Wally West-led Flash comic, it could make for a lucrative investment.
Green Lantern Becomes Green Lantern Corps
Speaking of Gunn and Safran, you probably wouldn’t lose money betting on Green Lantern taking on a prominent role in the DCU. Which Green Lantern is always a question, so your odds are greatly improved if you put your money behind the Green Lantern Corps.
While not the first comic with Green Lantern Corps in the title – that would be Tales of the Green Lantern Corps #1 from 1981 – Green Lantern #201 from 1986 was the first time that the name Green Lantern Corps would appear on the cover of an ongoing monthly. Importantly, when considering Gunn’s sensibilities, the issue also marks the first appearance of Kilowog.
There are 710 graded copies of Green Lantern #201 in the CGC census. That Kilowog first appearance keeps 9.8 grades trading for much more than you would think, although this book has taken a tumble from a high of $695 in November 2021 to the most current sale on December 15 - $306 in a ComicConnect auction.
In any grade below 9.8, current values are all lower than $100. There’s quite a bit of room for growth in Green Lantern #201 both in terms of census count and value. Keep an eye on this book as Gunn and Safran announce their plans.
The Beginning of the Infinity Gauntlet
A lot of collectors look to Silver Surfer #44 as the start of the Infinity Gauntlet storyline. And it’s true that this is the first we see of the gauntlet itself. However, the story really began a year earlier with Thanos’ quest for the infinity gems, a story that was told by Jim Starlin and Ron Lim right around the same time they began their tenure on Marvel’s skyrider of the spaceways with Silver Surfer #34.
I’m talking, of course, about The Thanos Quest #1. While not completely forgotten by collectors, this comic is woefully ignored in comparison to Silver Surfer #44.
Meanwhile, the 90-day average for The Thanos Quest #1 is currently $86. That’s a really low price to pay for the start of a classic storyline known and loved far beyond the universe of comic collectors.
Next Week: Golden Age Undervalued & Overlooked
Well, that’s all we have time for this week. Join us next week as we take a look at some undervalued and overlooked Golden Age comics.
Do you think Flash #1, Green Lantern #201, and The Thanos Quest #1 are undervalued, overlooked, or both? Let us know below.
