Justice League of America ##42
DC Comics • Justice League of America Vol. 1
Writer
Gardner Fox
Interior Artist
Mike Sekowsky
Cover Artist
Mike Sekowsky
Publication Date
February 1966
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The Justice League invites Metamorpho (Rex Mason) to join the team following his popularity in his own title. Metamorpho initially refuses the offer and is seen battling JLA members under the influence of the Unimaginable. Key characters include Superman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Metamorpho.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks along the edge. Some minor blunting at the top-left and bottom-left corners. Visible light creasing near the right edge. Slight surface wear/scuffing on the green background area. Staples show minor oxidation/wear but remain attached. Overall good color vibrancy.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $60 - $85 | Graded (CGC 7.0): $150 - $200
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw mid-grade copies range from $45 to $90. Higher-grade CGC 9.0+ copies have reached upwards of $400.
Grading Recommendation
Optional. While a 7.0 is a decent grade, the current market value of this specific silver-age issue may not justify the grading costs unless you intend to preserve it for a long-term collection. A professional clean and press might push it closer to a 7.5 or 8.0, which would increase the ROI.
Notable Features
First appearance of the Unimaginable. Metamorpho declines JLA membership. Classic Mike Sekowsky cover art. Silver Age DC 12-cent price variant.
Authentication Notes
The comic exhibits authentic 1960s newsprint characteristics. Cover gloss is consistent with DC's mid-60s production. Staples and paper aging are consistent with the 1966 publication date.