DarkseidDarkseid is a version of Thanos but for the DC Universe. His first appearance was in two different comics. The first full appearance, I reviewed back in late 2019: Forever People #1. "Kirby created this book in February 1971. He did the editing and pencils by himself. Both Kirby and Marv Wolfman worked on the script. The book is a multi-key with the first appearance of the Forever People, the Kirby cover, the first full Darkseid, and the Darkseid storyline begins."

I thought it was great comic book speculation; but one reader suggested that the market prefers Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134. This book is the first cameo appearance of Darkseid with cover art by Neal Adams, pencils by Jack Kirby with Al Plastino (Weirdly Plastino gets credit for the Superman heads) and the inking was completed by Vince Colletta.  I promised that fellow speculator and reader a review come the New Year. Therefore, here we go, James G. this one is for you!

 

 

 

 

 

Darkseid - Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134

Darkseid is power personified with: superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility, and longevity (not in Hollywood though). In addition, he has the powers of flight, teleportation, telepathy, telekinesis, deadly Omega-Beams, oh, did I mention a genius-level tactician to boot?! Whew! Literally, Darkseid is a power to be reckoned with as he can hit you with everything, even the kitchen sink.

Apparently, reader James G. was right, the market does love the cameo more than the full first appearance. With the cover art of Neal Adams probably bolstering the popularity of this classic villain cameo. Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134 was created in November 1970 about three months prior to his first full appearance in Forever People #1. Can Darkseid's cameo be worth more than the full first appearance?

Long-Term

  • Grade 9.8 $9,300 last sale 11-29-18 returns positive +197%
  • Grade 9.2 $900 last sale 12-15-19 returns positive +20%
  • Grade 6.5 $225 last sale 1-6-20 returns positive +3.3%
  • Grade 4.0 $175 last sale 1-8-20 returns positive +12.4%

 

DarkseidThese long-term trends are very positive especially if you own a grade 9.8 at $9,300 of value. The power of Darkseid as an investment vehicle is quite persuasive. With these kinds of returns, why not hang out in the Apokolips speculation world with Darkseid? These returns certainly justify owning this book. However, does the short-term return warrant owning Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134 the cameo precursor to dreaded Darkseid in the here and now?

 

 

 

Short-Term

  • Grade 9.2 $900 last sale 12-15-19 returns negative -14.3%
  • Grade 6.0 $200 last sale 12-30-19 returns negative -12%
  • Grade 4.5 $125 last sale 12-27-19 returns negative -24%

DarkseidConclusion:

The euphoria died quickly from the results of Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134 long-term returns, hmm? These short-term returns are like a headshot, a fatal attraction, a coup de grace... you get the picture. The reader James G. that believes this book is more expensive than the first full appearance, is correct. Bravo Zulu James! Additionally, there will eventually be a catalyst when the New Gods movie has some positive media hype. However, that is still in the writing phase!

What the heck is wrong with DC Comics a.k.a. Warner Bros? Perhaps they are afraid to push another bad guy like Thanos into the public spotlight? Better for Warner Brothers to wait a few years when the concept of Darkseid seems fresh. I know, I know Darkseid came first. But the public perception would be the opposite and hurt ticket sales. This lengthy exploration of Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134 has revealed two things: one, it is more popular than the full first appearance due to higher prices, and two Jimmy Olsen #134 is not as profitable short-term as Forever People #1. If there is one thing every speculator should value, it is keeping an open mind. After all, we still have free will, Darkseid hasn't won yet.

 

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