It’s time for more Undervalued and Overlooked Comics, where we identify a few issues each week that could be overlooked, undervalued, or both and may be worth considering for your collection. This time, we’re looking at Copper Age comics. Let’s get started.

First Art Adams Artwork

In 1984, Marvel writer Ann Nocenti sat down with a then 19-year-old Art Adams to explain her ideas for a mini-series, an idea that had been passed on by every other artist she had presented it to. The rest, as they say, is history.

The release of Longshot #1 catapulted Adams into comic book fame and he has become known as one of the top cover artists in the decades since.

There are 2,071 graded copies of Longshot #1 in the CGC census. An appreciable number, and one that likely disqualifies this as an overlooked comic. However, it has been perpetually undervalued. Other than the recent boom ending in 2022 and a boom in 2014 for this book, Longshot #1 has been a cheap buy.

The most recent sale of a 9.8 in the July 11 Heritage auction was for just $192, the first time it’s fallen below $200 since November 2020. If you’re able to find a key issue like this at 2020 prices, you need to jump on it.

An All-New Justice League

With Crisis on Infinite Earths and all its ramifications, DC in 1987 did the unthinkable and ended the long-running Justice League of America. The replacement started with Justice League #1 by writers Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis and art by newcomer Kevin Maguire. A popular artist ever since – particularly for his “good girl” cover art - you would think that his first big break and the first issue of a Justice League series would go for top dollar. Alas, that’s not the case.

There are 1,072 graded copies with a 30-day average price for a 9.8 of $143. The 30-day low, however, is just $75. If you can find a copy of this Copper Age classic for that cheap, well, you don’t need me to tell you what to do.

Mister X

When most collectors hear the letter ‘X’ mentioned in regard to any comic, they immediately think of the X-Men. However, in 1984 book and music album cover designer Dean Motter had his futuristic hard-boiled detective comic, Mister X #1, published by Vortex Comics.

With a cover by Paul Rivoche and interior artwork by the Hernandez brothers, Mister X was easily one of the best independent comics produced in the 1980s. Sales were never all that high for the title, but it was beloved by its small fan base. Like many independent comics from 40 years ago it’s been nearly forgotten in the present-day collecting environment.

There are only 19 graded copies of Mister X #1 in the CGC census. Of those graded copies, only three have sold. One was a 9.8 going for $150 in a December 2021 eBay sale. The most recent was a 9.4 selling for just $30 on June 27. You owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this first issue, as well as other issues, if for nothing other than the amazing covers.

Do you think Longshot #1, Justice League #1, and Mister X #1 are undervalued, overlooked, or both?  Let us know below.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.