With DCU films and shows coming soon, collectors have been turning their focus to characters who could appear in these productions. Investors are looking at characters whose comic book appearances are poised for a rise in value as a result. With nearly a century of characters to choose from, we’re taking a look at those who should be the focus of your efforts. This time around, the spotlight will be on Martian Manhunter.
First Appearance
Martian Manhunter, aka J’onn J’onzz, is one of DC’s more original characters. Created by Joseph Samachson and Joe Certa in 1955, Martian Manhunter was originally a Martian trapped on Earth by a scientist experimenting with a teleportation beam.
While snippets of that origin have changed over time, J’onn is still a Martian with multiple superpowers and a weakness to fire.
Martian Manhunter made his first appearance in Detective Comics #225. Published nearly a year prior to Showcase #4, this makes Martian Manhunter one of DC’s final Golden Age creations. There are 341 graded copies with the most plentiful grade being 4.5. The highest grade is a lone 9.4 graded copy which last sold in April 2021 for $138,000.
It’s the only recorded sale of this copy and marks the highest price paid. Recent sales include a 6.0 selling in a September 17 Heritage auction for $6,600 and a 1.8 selling in a September 9 eBay auction for $1,875.
Martian Manhunter Joins the Justice League
Martian Manhunter was one of the original seven members of the Justice League, joining the team at its inception in The Brave and the Bold #28. Collectors rightly view this issue as one of the most important DC Silver Age comics. As such, there are a plentiful 1,514 graded copies in the CGC census.
There is a singular 9.6 graded copy that has never sold. The one 9.4 graded copy last sold in 2004 for $60,375. It isn’t hard to imagine that 20 years later this may very well be a seven-figure comic. The last sale was a 6.0 going for $5,655 in a September 5 eBay auction, down nearly 10% from a sale just a few weeks prior.
Martian Manhunter’s First Solo Stories
Martian Manhunter received his first solo stories beginning with House of Mystery #143 in 1964. Unfortunately, it was just as the series went bi-monthly. J’onn was the headliner through House of Mystery #155 but was then pushed to back-up status when Dial H for Hero took over as the headliner with the next issue.
There are 185 graded copies of House of Mystery #143 in the CGC census, a surprisingly low number considering the importance of the issue. The top grade is a 9.6 with three existing copies.
The last sale was for $720 in 2020, down more than 10% from the previous sale in the grade in 2012 for $1,100. The most recent sale was an 8.0 going for just $158 in an August 17 eBay auction.
Martian Manhunter Returns
For twelve long years – from 1972 to 1984 – Martian Manhunter disappeared nearly entirely from DC comics. He wouldn’t return to regular status until Justice League of America #228. Regarded as more of a run filler by JLA completists, there are only 35 graded copies.
The most recent sale of a 9.8 in a February 2 ComicConnect auction for $66 was down nearly 50% from the peak sale for $128 in a 2021 eBay auction.
First Solo Series
After 33 years of existence, Martian Manhunter finally received his first self-titled solo series – albeit a limited series – in 1988 with Martian Manhunter #1. There are only 16 graded copies and you’re far more likely to find raw copies in the cheap bins at comic shops or shows.
The highest price paid for a 9.8 was a slashed $120 on February 1. That’s more than double any previous sale, so you could probably pay less, although your best bet would be to search for a raw copy that could be sent in for grading.
Other than his first appearance in Detective Comics #225 and the first appearance of the Justice League in The Brave and the Bold #28, Martian Manhunter keys are fairly inexpensive. In particular, House of Mystery #143 could be an interesting speculative target in anticipation of an eventual arrival in the DCU.
Do you think Martian Manhunter will be included in the DCU? What are your expectations for the associated comic books? Let us know your thoughts below!
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.