astonishingtrends

Slow Current: Batman 21 (New 52)

In Slow Current, we look a potential key books that have seen a decline in their value, or sales movement. These books could be first appearances, first works, issue number 1s, etc..

In todays article we will be looking at Batman 21 from DC’s New 52, which was released on June 12, 2013. This issue includes the first appearance Duke Thomas, who will be know as Robin, and eventually The Signal.

While initial interest in Duke Thomas was promising with the likes of other new Scott Snyder characters such as Harper Row, interest in the character seemed to wane as the New 52 came to a close. An attempt at a resurgence was seen as possible with a Batman related Rebirth Mini-series titled Batman and the Signal, however, delays hindered this progress in character development. In addition with the success of DC’s Metal series and the start of the New Age Hero’s, Duke Thomas was once again forgotten.

During the comic book boom of the New 52, Batman was seeing a healthy print run in excess of 140k. Below you can see, the regular cover CGC 9.8, while having a few highs, has had an average high below the $60 market for some time. In low markets, some Cover A 9.8s have been purchased for as low as $12-18.00.

With the standard print run in excess of 100k, should Duke Thomas see success at a later time, the most valuable issues will be the SDCC Convention exclusive and 1:100 Sketch Variant. Both of these issues have seen an increase in their values from the previous 12 months, but still remain below their all time highs.

I certainly wouldn’t pass up a CGC 9.8 Cover A for under $40, even despite the high print run. With the thick embossed covers, 9.8s will be more plentiful then your standard issues.

I do have faith we will see this character have his time in the light again, either under the guidance of Scott Snyder or under somebody willing to improve upon the character. The question will always remain, Can we ever have two many Robins? The Jury is still out on this one.

Source: GPA, Ebay

Day of Release: Naomi, More Money

The Naomi trend continues. The newest Brian Michael Bendis creation continues to be a hit from both the speculator group and the monthly readers.

Prior to its release on 4/17/19 Issue 4 were regularly selling for double cover on EBay.

Even as of 6:00 PM PST the book is continuing to see a steady sales rate at double cover plus shipping or equivalent with free shipping.

Depending on how the story progresses, I would not venture to bet that issue 5 or later will be a good speculation bet unless rumors of a First Appearance present themselves. While Naomi has a lower print run compared to the main DC titles, both brick and mortar as well as online retailers will most likely increase orders to meet the growing demand.

Please check back to see how things progress on this book, day after release, One week later, and 1 month later. This will help evaluate the trend and possible right times to purchase this book.

Price source: Ebay

Astonishing Trends, Doomed from the start?

Thank you visiting the site and lets hope the start is slow but not Doomed.

The focus here at Astonishing Trends is not to be your Wednesday “What do I buy checklist” or your “check out this exclusive cover from vendor XYZ that is going to be released tomorrow”. Our goal at AT is to provide accurate information on the Trends within the Comic Collecting Community. What books are selling, what books have died down in price, was my purchase of Action Comics 1002 on April 16th, at 10:00AM a solid invest. Spoilers, it was not.

You will see market reports to show what some books may be selling for, via Ebay, GPA, other auction houses, etc.. We will, however, not suggest books on information that we feel is not accurate.

Content will include new covers, new creative teams, and information from your favorite publishers, artists and writers.

Please feel free to comment with any content that you would like to see as well.

Thanks

AT Team