Top 10 Over-Priced DC Keys

[@kyleshea5626]

You're killing it with you're upload frequency. Loving all your content and I look forward to it everyday. Best way to grow your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@schwinnbike18]

Yes. Great content! No over-hype.

[@johnszymborski301]

Great video. Regarding Batman Damned, this book was never sent for a second print run to modify the artwork. The art itself was tweaked when the hardcover collected edition was released, so all copies of Batman Damned issue 1 will feature the infamous ‘bat-wang’.

[@noahidecomics]

There's big demand for Superman 75, Ratcatcher's daughter was in the Suicide Squad movie, Dark Knight comics hold their value, Simon Baz will be in the upcoming Green Lantern Corps TV series, Might not be arguing too much on the Catwoman but collectors probably love the cover a lot, it's the '2nd' Batman number 1 of the specific 'Batman' title, people want John Constantine quite a bit and he is popular in the mainstream and there are heaps of newsstand collectors (who these days will even pay more for a newsstand from the earlier 80s when they were more common - yeh I know - crazy), JLA is reasonably collectable, the Batwang sums it all up, and the Harley Quinn is undervalued if anything. In the end the Market decides the value regardless of people's opinion, and I think the prices are probably about right. The Market is never really wrong in it's opinions. Comics are never really undervalued or overvalued. The price is whether they buy it or not.

[@RPRsChannel]

*_Just a quick reminder on Newsstands and why they should be valued in a high grade:_* *_These newsstand books were violated. They were man-handled and child-handled. They were shipped poorly and tossed on the ground, they were bundled with twine; the twine ruined the spine, maybe 1 book in a large stack was a 9. Many books even had to be outside, in all kinds of weather. There even was a period the covers had the top half ripped off and sent in as a return and the rest of the book was thrown away._* *_I am also sure many newsstand were printed on another quality of paper(worse), but that part has been difficult to prove._* *_In the 1990's, newsstand books were worth less than a direct edition bought at a comic book store. I have tried to recall why, but I think it was because "barcodes are ugly". Back issues that were newsstand, were cheaper than direct editions. This is why I have close to 1,000 newsstand books. Back issues of newsstand books were much more often on sale than the direct editions, at comic book stores that had back issues for sale._* *_Fun fact: Back issues of raw Marvel Comics(US Editions)in the '90's in Norway(they were imported over) cost the same today as back then. The same books, the same price for them in 2022, raw off ebay._* *_$10 for a back issue in 1990 is the same as paying $23 in 2022. Only that same book still costs $10 raw off ebay, or at a store._*

[@frankieno-nose8447]

As a Harley Quinn collector I can say without a doubt she is the QUEEN of 1st appearances and variants! All of her books are at a high price and even a Cho cover can have you spending $20. It's exhausting!

[@thomassantiago4084]

You got me. I'm one of the ones who paid $30+ for a copy of the first Simon Baz appearance. When the Green Lantern HBO Max got announced, I just wanted onto the train! Oh well! The Adam Hughes Catwoman covers always vex me, especially the prices for high grade CGC slabs. But the better Batman investment is in a mid-grade raw silver age first appearance (which I did today when I grabbed Batman 171 at a good price on eBay!).

[@ComicBoomTube]

Catwoman #51 sold 22,673 issues in January 2006. I could not find any subsequent orders for this issue in subsequent months. The cover was popular as the number on the arrest card was the same as used in the TV show LOST. So it is not a high print run but not low either.

[@collinclinevell8740]

I totally agree with you! If the 1st anarchy is like a 10 dollar raw book the first rat catcher should NOT be a 20-50 dollar book! Next you should do top 10 under valued and over valued marvel books.

[@thomassantiago4084]

That's why I can never get excited about buying Tec 585. Great cover, but do I really love Ratcatcher? Nah, I don't. Lol.

[@robertt9342]

See, i think the value of Anarky is about where it should be. Many copies, not overly popular, but once a rumour starts it will spike for…. Reasons?. Rat catcher should be even less than Anarky.

[@pcantu3]

I agree on the Batman 1. Picked it up raw, missed the 9.8 in grading. Want to take another swing, but the raw copies are to expensive for such a low key.

[@robertt9342]

Saw a raw for $15. Probably end up a 9.4.

[@jamescriswell1505]

I can think of a lot of books that are over priced. I think that more variants and covid had a lot to do with it. I love your videos for the info you put out and it is nice to see DC get some love. Keep on looking.

[@robertt9342]

I think most “keys” are over priced.

[@Preston_Mitchell]

@@robertt9342 Definitely just because the first app. even tho a lot of the time their introductions aren’t great

[@robertt9342]

@@Preston_Mitchell . I agree. Also, much of the time it’s not even relevant for the character, so their first appearance means so much to people for….reasons…? This problem is made worse when most of these high priced “keys” are locked up like cards, so if they don’t happen to appear on the cover, why bother. Even look at villains. We aren’t talking about Joker or GreenGoblin or any thing so impactful, but characters like rat catcher?…what the hell. Don’t get me wrong, people can and should like what they like, and interact whatever way the want in the market, but the market’s obsession with every little key kind of makes it seem like the whole market is built on weak foundations. The only reason why some books keep going up is because have gone up before.

[@Preston_Mitchell]

@Robert T I agree for me the only things I really want is good story and great cover art. So if I’m gonna grade a book idc if it is a key if the cover is trash

[@RamManNo1]

@@robertt9342 Everything is a key now it seems, because of the movies and shows. Most should be $1 bin books. It’s a bubble that has to burst at some point.

[@Secretidentitycomics26]

I can agree with this list. The exception might be the Dark Knight Returns, but I get where you are coming from. Enjoy the channel. Look forward to more.

[@etrx87]

50 bucks for the Death of Superman is crazy. That book's is DC's equivalent of Spider-Man #1 from the 90s... they're everywhere

[@oxsolo]

In response to the swamp thing, I will never understand paying that much more for a newsstand edition over direct. I will always save my money and get a direct edition when I want a book.

[@timdanner2596]

Not much of a DC or Batman fan, so I was unaware that there was a comic in which Batman flashed his Batbeef. Learn something new every day, I guess.

[@Bogeyman8709]

As soon as I saw the Adam Hughes Catwoman mugshot I thought Detective Comics 880 (Jock Joker cover) would be right after that.

[@geekimusprime]

Batman 1 used to go for even more. I remember it was $100+ at one point.

[@benfox4263]

Another great one dude! Love that I always take so much away from these videos. Keep it coming!

[@samifan24]

The Batman 1 (2011) will always be special to me because it’s the book that brought me back to comics. I have a 9.8 and will always keep it for sentimental purposes.

[@jimbartram9331]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@chrisrichert9018]

Always watch you’re video no stop, always trying to catch up to you.. keep up the great work you do and thank you

[@BattleToabs1]

I've been really digging your videos! I like it when you don't agree with or like something. You will just say something like it's not your cup of tea instead of crapping all over it.

[@gardzy99]

Nice list....I got my Batman 1 for $30.....Canadian....happy with that

[@michaelandrewmeguizo834]

It one of my problem here aswell , over priced covers sometimes the jim lee one's , it hard trying to enjoy collecting when shops are over pricing comics , some of them would even hide the comic then bring them up again with much higher price, thats why i dont mind having low grades

[@thomassantiago4084]

Those Jim Lee Hush covers definitely not cheap.

[@charliedogg7683]

Hi James, another great video. The cost of Catwoman 51 surprised me too but it appears that a lot of comics with Adam Hughes covers attract a premium; interestingly, his interior art doesn't seem to be as much in demand. Paying a little more for a particular cover is valid I think (I've bought a few comics just for the cover) but ten times more than the same book with the regular cover? No thanks - wait for the trade and get all the covers reprinted in the back of the book. Looking forward to your Marvel videos.

[@rafebennett8021]

I knew you’d put Batman #1 (2011) on there. It’s crazy how some peoples decisions to over pay can change the whole FMV for that book! In all honesty, I stay away from over priced books anyway so I don’t really care if someone prices them high as I just don’t go near them. Appreciate the vid and keep on hunting😎😎✌️

[@rafebennett8021]

To over pay for *any* book, I mean, can change the FMV

[@philcamacho127]

Best on your soon 20K subscriber milestone! Well deserve bro and I'm glad to be a paid subscriber seeing terrific content as this vid and the other on undervalued DC books! 👍👊

[@calebleland8390]

I got my copy of New 52 at Free Comic Book Day, and I'm still hoping they use Baz in the upcoming show, because I need to see more books in my collection get bigger. Unfortunately, I didn't actually collect the New 52 run of Batman. I did read my buddy's copies of the trade paperbacks, and that story was fire. But I do have to agree with you, definitely overpriced. But if Reeves utilizes the Court of Owls in his films, it could go for much more. Awesome video, James!

[@Fatbond0007]

Yeah, can't imagine what the prices will go to if the court of owls are going to be in the next batman film.

[@mth80555]

Loving these lists!!!!

[@markmarshall5441]

I believe The Dark Knight Returns was supposed to be mail order only as advertised in the comics at the time. But it was available in comic shops also when it came out. I ordered it trough the mail and then wss surprised to see it in comics shops before receiving mine in the mail.

[@markmarshall5441]

Actually I just checked the original ad and it says 1200 sets available through subscription and would not be available at newsstands. So I guess it was intended to be shipped to comic shops.

[@Rsuave84]

Thanks for the info!

[@rubennieves8248]

Awesome job buddy keep up the great work

[@kervjkls]

Hey Brother,... Awesome vids and content as usual... But wanted to ask real quick... I noticed you didn't signify why the Batman 1 was priced where it was.. (kinda surprised lol). First copy & first appearance of the court of owls? Again, great content

[@spoolen787]

Great list thank you. Power girls 27 should also be on this list and maybe Zantann 16.

[@thomaslatimer571]

Very good list I love a lot of these books but I totally agree with your list.

[@craigbraman8]

I'd like to thank you for all the knowledge you share with us in ALL your videos!! Do you have any advice on how I can sell my comic collection? It's a small collection ( 2 long boxes and 3 short) Its mostly Marvel (X-Factor run *1-30, wolverine run *1-35, 90's X-Men run *1-50 , lethal Protector 1-6 some uncanny keys, tons of ASM , low grade Batman 171) Thanks for your time and thoughts

[@corso_kid]

You should do image and marvel as well, great idea you had

[@johncummings9621]

That Catwoman cover is gorgeous though.

[@rayengstrom1905]

Great list!

[@casino_comics]

I have most of those in the raw condition. Got them when they came out.

[@josealfonsosocorro7387]

I do agree that there are overpriced books but I can't really judge them as it really would just depend on the customer if they will buy on it but nonetheless I agree. And I did just get my first CGC Slabbed Book! New Mutants 98 - 9.2 Grade. Early Birthday gift for myself and I got it for a good deal too!

[@salmack8842]

I actually have some on the list 4 Batman number 1... one of The Dark Knight Returns..Harley Quinn 1-6 and another number 1....great show.

[@danielnicola1602]

A slightly different take on Dark Knight Returns is that this icon straddles into many different groups of collectors and also appeals strongly to the casual and collector for a summer groups. It has been consistently desirable since release and pretty much at this price adjusted for inflation. In general, you are spot on about the mass printed and the highly collected, conserved books , particularly square bound and heavy stock sitting in storage units by the short box waiting for the light of day.

[@michaelsharkey4255]

I absolutely love the Catwoman 51 cover. It’s just so damn good. I would assume if there are limited copies available the price would go up.

[@KnowYourMarvelNews]

Man, I remember going to C2E2 the year the New 52 dropped and they had hundreds upon hundreds of all the different #1s from the New 52. Left with one of each title, and I think around 20 of Batman #1 because they were all free at the DC booth and they didn’t have a limit. Got rid of most for .50 each at a garage sale, but looked up the price for Batman a few weeks ago and wish I hadn’t 😂 crazy overpriced for basically being just a minor key

[@Bam123412]

Great video and pretty much agree with the findings except...JLA 1..$15 is hardly a huge price for a this book, especially when you consider the price point of some random 1:25 variants or even annuals/specials etc at higher price points.

[@seankandalis3140]

Have to agree on all…see many of these on WhatNot all the time bringing those prices…especially the death of Superman story line…guess it goes back to “if you know, you know…”

[@alexanderneumann3579]

Very insightful

[@virtualrealityfitness283]

I’m not a seller and more of a marvel fan but I have the Dark Knight run it’s awsome!

[@nickg8717]

The shop I’ve been going to for years has a half of a short box of Superman 75 for $5 each.

[@supermanfan369]

I got the New 52 FCBD for $2 last week. There's no way I'd pay $30 for it.

[@philayling4398]

GREAT LIST GO PHILS

[@RPRsChannel]

*_Cat Woman no.51 has estimated sales of 22,673 books._*

[@Jagdosh]

As you've said supply and demand. The 2021 Suicide Squad movie is probably the reason Ratcatcher goes for so much. Fair point for the Dark Knight Returns, but I think there's a show coming out based on the story line not sure if that's influenced recent prices much. Also, the DK cover is a classic.

[@thomassantiago4084]

Also, once that DKR cover gets indents in it or scratches or bent corners, those are never pressing out. First, cardstock covers are sort of unpressable for most defects/indents. Second, nobody will press the book, period, because of the glue on squarebound books. So, the price on high grade copies is somewhat warranted, in my opinion!

[@robertt9342]

But Rat catcher was just used in a backstory. Rat catcher in the movie was the daughter. It’s not even clear that the father was truly like the “rat catcher” from the books. The price is way way to high

[@Boxingbear]

I find Superman 75s in the $2 bin all the time and I still dont pick them up for resale unless they are NM. If I see more than one or two color breaking spine ticks - I wont even pay 2 bucks for it lol The only one I disagree with you about is the 1st John Constantine.. that is a boss book. Yeah, the newsstand 9.8 for 8k seems crazy though. But otherwise, it deserves to be a high priced book. I would pay $40 for a Harley Quinn #1. But no more. As for the New 52 Batman #1- I agree it is overpriced at $50 but it makes me happy just the same because I bought it for cover, and I loved the Court Of Owls storyline ! I've already socked away a few copies of 6&7, even got a 2nd print of each as well just because I love the damn story so much. This was the best original story arc to be introduced in the Batman mythos in a very long time. And I definitely see it making its way to either the small screen ( which is more likely because it would work better being introduced and developed over several HBO shows ) or the big screen - or perhaps both. Anyways, always like to hear your perspective man. Thanks !

[@otakutourguide]

That catwoman cover is $$$ must-have

[@pulsarstargrave256]

I don't know about other people or CGC but I would think a news stand issue in Fine to Very Fine condition would be "valuable" on par with or maybe slightly more than the direct sales version. Why? Because in comic shops, the store owners stack them neatly and will give a customer the "evil eye" if they messed up their stock! In some grocery stores or news stands, comics were treated with semi contempt by the staff and customers alike! I even remember seeing one lazy dolt bending the top portions of comics downward to see what was behind each book! Any comic that could survive that kind of abusive environment in near pristine condition is WORTH the loot!

[@Atomic_Comic512]

I’m still trying to get N52 Batman 1 because I really enjoyed the store but I refuse to pay more than $20 for it

[@robertweikel5796]

Idk where you find these books for these amounts but I've never charged these amounts for these books.

[@jhalscott]

The most over-priced by far is Detective Comics 880. It's a super cool Jock cover, but 9.8 are insanely priced. It's a book bought just for the cover.

[@18pth]

Interesting list. It’s interesting to see the other side of dc, since their books are way more reasonably priced then marvel books. Gotta disagree with the Batman damned though. Favourite key in my collection lol.

[@thomassantiago4084]

Lee Bermejo's work on that book was sublime. I've been collecting many of his covers on Detective because I can't get enough.

[@KirstenRoberts]

I remember hunting for Harley Quinn #1. Not sure who is paying 80$ for it, got mine for 30$, and I think its in pretty decent condition. Batman Adventures #12, now that goes for a pretty penny 😆. But that price at least makes sense

[@ozl8259]

The rat catcher one blew up because of the James Gunn suicide squad reboot

[@PhantomBugler]

I'm questioning whether one of the comics on this list that I have is truly overvalued. I have a raw JLA#1 in pretty sharp condition, but its a newsstand edition. Memory is fuzzy but I believe I picked it up at a B Daltons or a Waldenbooks back in the day. Being a newsstand book from '97, I wonder if that would make it something worth holding on to...

[@TheEman11910]

When I was first starting out buying comics for a pc, I got had on eBay for a black polybagged death of superman for like 80 bucks. I’m okay with it now because it’s an unopened one and I’m not likely to ever get rid of it but still I totally overplayed

[@BamfBifPow]

Well, this is the list I own the most of which probably says something. I think I have 7 variations of Superman 75 haha

[@EndofDays213]

I kinda understand why newer comics go for a lot. It’s kinda like new camaro vs a Miata one of them is going to be more valuable than the other in the future.. it’s still baffling but idk 🤷‍♂️ markets are hard to predict.

[@markmarshall5441]

Another great video!! I have about half of these. I agree most are overpriced.

[@fanglord13]

Catwoman 51 is the Adam Hughes effect, some of his stuff commands dumb money. Most of it is awesome, but still holding out for a copy of this for less than $100 Swamp thing 37 is 100% overpriced! His first cameo in Swamp Thing 25 is a good bet/underpriced. The Batawang/Little Bruce comic is definitely for the niche collector and sure is silly priced.

[@CBs_Bill_from_Montana]

I still want a Dark Knight returns in 9.8 but I won’t get it until I get a fair price. Why does everyone overpay?

[@noyanhilmi1361]

In my experience every DK Returns I find there’s always at least 1 bad defect on it. Still looking for a clean raw copy - maybe I should look in your hood! 😂

[@valarmorghulis9988]

Well pricing is a complex topic. Where I live you pay extra just because american comic books are rare in general, which totally sucks but what can you do

[@jerrysmith9555]

Show me a comic not overpriced at LCS on the most part. But I get it overhead, costs, employees. It’s tough out there.

[@arthurtripp6922]

AS FOR UNDERATED. BOOK ADVENTURE COMIC WITH DEATH OF GOLDEN AGE BATMAN, OR FIRST HUNTERES, HOW ABOUT THE REPRINTS OF SILVER AGE HEROS FLASH,GREEN LANTERN OR JUSTICE LEAGUE TRY AND FIND THEM.

[@drewskiee9254]

King Shark for the win. 🤘🤘

[@bat2275]

I've got a minty copy of the first detective comics ratcatcher and my copy is the super scarce newsstand Canadian price variant. I can't get $45 for this thing. You got to figure it's worth at least that much. But nobody's buying these days

[@robertt9342]

Why is is it worth more than $10-15? It’s a nothing key.

[@loganwilt9070]

great content

[@berkfamily54]

I love dc keys! It’s Morphin time

[@leeniren3706]

I don’t know about that swamp thing book newsStand additions were touched by kids on those roller display shelves and got beat up pretty badly. Even though it was mid 80s and the ratio was pretty close they still got beat up and I think Mike deserve a higher price

[@beermarshal2070]

Gotta disagree a little with you on TDKR #1. Is it a *little* overvalued? Perhaps, I'm not an expert enough on pricing to say. But it's historical importance in terms of changing the direction of superhero comics is equaled only by some of Alan Moore's work at the time - so I think it would always command a premium. As far as condition - no, you don't see too many low grade copies, but I'm not sure it's that easy to find in really, really high grade either. The thick stock is a good thing for preservation no doubt, but if you read it a couple of times you're going to have inevitable spine creasing on any squarebound book, and in fact I think it's more noticeable here than on, say, the typical squarebound annuals of the 60s-80s, because the stiffer cover makes reading without bending it at all very difficult. I should know, I have a copy bought the day it came out - I only read it 2-3 times, and I was very careful, but there's no way it's close to a 9.8 anymore despite being in mylar for almost 40 years and only touched maybe twice since it came out. It's just about impossible to read that series without creasing them. I'd guess all my issues are in the 8-9.2 range; I think to have a 9.6 or better it'd have to be unread.

[@thomassantiago4084]

Not to mention, you can't really press soft/squarebound books because of the glue on the spine melting and ruining the pages.

[@bigjax731]

Good stuff

[@whatsonehteshaamgulamsmind2885]

Man I got that Superman #75 death of superman 1st print for $1 in a dollar bin. Noway it's $50.

[@unrulysimian3897]

I'll *never* understand paying more for a bar code. 🕶

[@nelsonrodriguez5451]

Just got Harley Quinn 1 (2000) crisp copy at a garage sale $5.

[@mikegonzalez503]

Cool video.

[@tumatodude9900]

Cool vid!

[@KimNguyen-zm7gi]

How would you choose? Buy a key or cover/artist? Good data and save you money.

[@robertt9342]

The rat catcher jumped because of suicide squad, but that was the daughter of rat catcher… so it really is overpriced.

[@MPScrimshaw]

I've picked up dead of superman issues for like...$1-$2

[@buraddorun3043]

Maybe people spending $200 on Catwoman 51 are hoping for winning LOtto ticket numbers or a SecreT island vacation.

[@Brojas3190]

A comic book shop here has that Batman 1 for $80. Ridiculous.

[@SequentialGeek]

Y'know you got a lot of good info. You do come across cheese tho' some times not all the time, but you are practicing yr 'crowd control' n body language n s'it, so I respect that... LOL! Naw, you a'ite, my nerd. You used to do radio, rite, did you ever have a radio show all about comics?

[@SequentialGeek]

I know this is not about DC, but got any opinions you may want to express on whether the Marvel Milestone comics from the early 1990's are over-priced, or not? Do you see any potential in any kind of reprints, perhaps? -Thanks

[@odinknowsbest]

Love the vid

[@josephbaffi639]

them ghost riders you got from me are going up i found 21 more lol

[@dougkiesel6392]

Ratcatcher I said peacemaker. I meant suicide squad whom featured also peace maker.

[@joeythestuntmaster6210]

Interesting list, but you haven’t convinced of every issue on the list, especially Batman #1 & Harley Quinn #1. Collectors always want first issues of ongoing titles.

[@robertt9342]

At least quite a bit of value of Harley Quinn 1 and Batman 1 are driven by actual collectors. The market tends to be driven by speculation and fomo, not desire for acquisition.

[@bigkmart6902]

Damn comic book inflation !!

[@cowbelltv4865]

Great list! So many overpriced books but some fun books, none the less

[@jasonradtke5273]

I still complain about the Batman 1 new 52 price. Batman 713 final issue of original run not really worth anything but way lower print run.

[@sefu37]

I admit. I paid a ton for Dark Knight Returns

[@TheMisfits7783]

You can do this all year with marvel