Despite the negative rumors, DC Comics is pushing forward with its own DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The media universe they are trying to create is very similar in replicating their comic rival, Marvel Studios.

Bringing out the DCEU

The DCEU is planning on releasing various movies and television shows in the upcoming future. Their television shows will be streaming on their HBO Max platform, while the movies will roll out with solo stories featuring DC favorites such as Batman, Shazam, Wonder Woman, and The Flash. Currently, the reviews of the DCEU are pretty mixed, and it falls very short in terms of success compared to Marvel Studios. Despite the underwhelming success, DC Comics plans on introducing more characters into the DCEU and hopes it can gain the accolades it expects from itself. Which books or characters plan to benefit the most from the DCEU moving forward?

Shazam

One character that has received good reviews so far is Shazam. The live-action movie, starring Zachary Levi in 2019 grossed about $360 million dollars worldwide. The movie provided a different comedic perspective with Levi starring in the movie. Generally, DC Comics' movies tend to be short on the comedic side and project a more dark and serious attitude.

The movie has a planned sequel slated to be released in 2023. The title of the sequel is called Shazam! Fury of the Gods and is rumored on bringing on another big-name actor to really excite the fanbase. Rumors believe that Black Adam, played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, or Superman, played by Henry Cavill, could be joining in the sequel.

The character of Shazam is generally tied to the book, Shazam #1. This issue details the first appearance of Captain Marvel in DC Comics. Of course, Captain Marvel would be changed to Shazam due to Marvel trademark issues. The book that has the best value to keep and sell is a 9.8 graded copy. Prior to 2017, the high sale hovered at $500 and went as low as around $300. Once the news was confirmed in early 2017, is when the book exploded. High sales of this grade would reach over $1,000 at certain points. The book is climbing again with a recent sale of $1,030 on 01/31/2021. The rise in value is due to the success of the first movie and the excitement of the sequel in 2023. Do we think the book has the best potential going forward?

Black Adam

In connecting the dots,  Dwayne Johnson has a planned solo live-action Black Adam movie with a release date of late 2021. Do we think his popularity and charisma is enough to push Black Adam as the most valued character going forward? Dwayne has been linked to playing this character for years and it appears the movie is ready to happen. The buildup and media attention from the actor has created excitement for this movie. Fans are hoping that his character ends up dueling against Shazam or Superman, or possibly both of them in the upcoming future.

The issue that is attached to Black Adam is Shazam #28. This issue is not the first appearance, since that occurred in the golden age. That issue, Marvel Family #1 is very difficult to obtain due to cost and availability. With that, collectors and fans will go after Shazam #28. The current Fair Market Value (FMV) of a 9.8 graded copy is sitting at $2,100. The value of that is amazing, despite the fact a trailer for his upcoming movie has not appeared yet. The room for growth for the book and character is very much open. The book has actually reached $2,000 a couple of times since 2019.  Is this the DC book you want going forward?

Zatanna

Rumors are swirling as of July 2020 that there is a plan for a solo movie for Zatanna. Zatanna is a female magic-user that has ties with John Constantine and the Justice League Dark team. Known for sex appeal and revealing outfits, Zatanna has been a big fan favorite for a while. She's been due for more exposure in her own right for a while.

Her first appearance occurs ins Hawkman #4. This issue is a silver age wonder and it is not cheap in any sense. With no real confirmation of a planned movie, there is risk in grabbing a copy for yourself. Evidently, due to its age, it is still a hard book to obtain, especially in high grades. It has an estimated FMV of $12,000 of a 9.6 graded copy, though, that is based more of an estimation than the actual copy sold. It has reached high sales of $9,000 in 2019.

The question is, do we believe she can carry her own movie? If she can, the value of this issue can grow even more! That is the risk versus reward in believing Zatanna can make it in the DCEU. The value of this issue is really high and now it needs some success in the movie to move it along even higher.

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