Earlier this year, James Gunn confirmed that The Flash would essentially bring a close to the Snyderverse and the former DCEU. True, we have Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom still to come, but the events of The Flash end the previous storylines. Not only does the film provide a fitting closure for the Snyderverse, but it goes out with its best film by far.
The Flash is not without its faults. Though Ezra Miller does a wonderful job as two Barry Allens, it’s hard to separate the art from the artist in regards to the troubling accusations against the actor. As far as the movie itself, much of the CGI, particularly key moments that happen in the Speed Force and a particular scene with falling babies, look much like a PlayStation 4 video game.
The first act is every bit as silly and corny as anything Marvel Studios has ever put together. Then Michael Keaton’s Batman arrives, and director Andy Muschietti puts his foot on the gas pedal. He doesn’t let off until the credits roll with an ending that will leave you both in awe and in tears.
How will The Flash impact the secondary market? I suspect these key issues will be the first to feel the aftershocks of what’s sure to be a fan-pleasing flick.
SHOWCASE #4
We might as well start with an expensive holy grail, Showcase #4. Not only is this the first appearance of Barry Allen, it’s also credited as the first comic of the Silver Age. With The Flash showcasing a fully developed, complex character with formidable abilities, this issue is sure to get even more popular among collectors.
Of course, only a small percentage of buyers have the funds for such a purchase. The highest grade sold as of late has been the 3.5, and it brought a whopping $21,000 at a June 13 Heritage Auction sale.
FLASHPOINT #1
Can’t afford a Showcase #4? Neither can the rest of us, so don’t feel bad. Shift gears to the Modern Age, and take aim at Flashpoint #1. There’s no denying the impact this famed story had on The Flash, though it’s more subtle than Flashpoint fans may have wanted. However, the film does leave basically every DC storyline - whether it’s comics, shows, or movies - on the table for future plans.
The movie interest has been a boon for the graded 9.8 values. Over the past 90 days, it’s averaged $267.
BATMAN: THE OFFICIAL MOTION PICTURE ADAPTATION PRESTIGE FORMAT
Miller may have been the star of the movie, but Keaton stole the show. Without spoiling anything, The Flash gave Tim Burton’s Batman a fitting conclusion in what had Dark Knight Returns vibes with an aging Bruce Wayne suiting up for one last adventure. The nostalgia is enough to push the 1989 Batman movie adaptation up the sales charts.
While there are multiple editions, the prestige format has been the most popular by far, and the graded 9.8 has earned as much as $205 this month.
ACTION COMICS #252
Another Flash scene stealer is Supergirl. Sash Calle’s version of Kara Zor-El is a no-nonsense character that removed any lingering memories of her previous live-action incarnations. Gunn has a Supergirl movie on the slate, and Calle proved that she should be in the mix to return to the role.
Although The Flash's Kara has the look of Superman’s daughter from the Injustice comics, the movie attention will inspire collectors to track down a Silver Age classic, Action Comics #252. Supergirl’s first appearance has sold for as much as $3,400 for a graded 5.0.
