Remember that these rankings are not based on fair market values. The Hottest Comics are all about eBay sales volume for both raw and graded single issues. Despite a comic having record-breaking prices, it may not translate into a high number of sales, which is why some of the trendiest keys are not included in the Hottest Comics.
Where the Hottest Comics blog looks at the five biggest movers and shakers, the Coldest Comics takes a closer look at the issues that did the exact opposite. These are the five comics that lost the most positions since this time 30 days ago. Depending on the issue, it may or may not be cause for alarm. Here’s more.
86. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #101 (-50)
We all knew this was coming. After the dismal reception for Morbius, the market fallout was only a matter of time. Much of this is the typical trend for any movie, no matter how popular it may be. The hype leading to the theatrical release is what inflates those fair market values. They usually peak during the week of the movie and gradually fall afterward. It’s the excitement for the live-action debut that pumps those values to record-breaking levels, and that is precisely what happened in the case of ASM #101.
Initially, the Morbius movie appeared to be a hit with fans. Although critics speared it with horrible reviews, the audience ratings were decent. In the first week in theaters, Morbius was at the top of the box office results. From there, things went south. As word spread that the movie was an overall disappointing mess, moviegoers turned their noses up to Morbius. Before long, it vanished from theaters altogether.
While we are accustomed to seeing the sales figures drop for movie keys post-theatrical release, the negative reception for Morbius is amplifying that sales descent. It begins and ends with the Living Vampire’s first appearance in ASM #101. This week, it fell a whopping 50 positions, and it could very well be outside the top 100 in the coming days. On the bright side, that is curbing those inflated values.
Take the graded 9.0 for example. In January, a copy sold for a record $3,840. The most recent sale brought that figure down to $1,680 on May 22. Moving down the ladder, there is the 6.0. This grade had earned as much as $1,025 a year ago. Only days ago, it sold for $500, which is only $60 above its 2020 average. On the bright side, it makes for a buyer’s market, so any Morbius fans wanting an ASM #101 can find better deals these days.
73. ULTIMATE FALLOUT #4 SECOND PRINT (-43)
Speaking of fallout, the second print of Ultimate Fallout #4 found its way onto the Coldest Comics list. It’s not unusual for the various copies of UF #4 to be listed in the negative column. By no means is this an indication that Miles Morales’ first appearance is no longer a hot key issue. In terms of FMV, these have been climbing for the past couple of years. With Across the Spider-Verse on the horizon and the inevitable live-action debut, there’s no reason to shun Spider-Miles or any of his key issues. For at least this week, the second print took a breather and dropped by over 40 positions.
In the world of superhero cinema, news ages very quickly. The new animated trailer was released weeks ago, and that is ancient history in the fast-paced comic news cycle. As we get closer to the movie’s release date, those sales will rebound with higher price tags. If you have a copy, the best bet is to hold tight.
Where are those FMVs at the moment? The graded 9.8 has been holding steady in the $600 range for months now. That’s down from last year’s $664 average, but it’s nothing to worry about, at least not for sellers. Those values will inflate in due time.
45. NOVA #1 (-38)
What’s this? The first appearance of the Man Called Nova has slipped down the ladder and is barely clinging to the top 50. It was only weeks ago that Nova #1 was one of the hottest comics in all of collecting. Why would it take such a tumble?
Again, it all comes down to the news cycle. When Marvel confirmed the rumors that Nova would be starring in his own feature film, it sent his first appearance to record highs. Although the FMVs are still on an upward trajectory, buyers took a break at least for one week. With so much news and rumors flooding the internet practically by the day, it sends collectors and investors on new scavenger hunts each week. Until the next wave of Nova speculation hits, buyers are preoccupied with other keys.
The massive price tags for those Nova #1 higher grades don’t help the sales volume. While we haven’t seen any 9.8s trade hands this month, the 9.6 is making up for it. After averaging $620 for the last three months, May 23 saw one bring $782.28.
60. MARVEL SPOTLIGHT #28 (-34)
Like ASM #101, Moon Knight’s first solo story fell to the wayside this week. Similar to Morbius, it’s only natural for collectors to ease away from a character’s key issues after the movie or show has become old news. Now that Moon Knight’s first season has wrapped, buyers have plenty of other comics to chase while we wait for news of MK’s next live-action appearance. That is causing a sales drop for all things Moon Knight, including Marvel Spotlight #28.
Series like Marvel Spotlight and Special Marvel Edition were used as experiments in the Bronze Age. After guest-starring in Werewolf By Night, the editors decided to take a chance on Moon Knight in a solo title. Instead of committing to an MK series, they tested the waters with Marvel Spotlight #28. With all the attention on Marc Spector in the MCU, it has made this a much more coveted issue than ever before. Pairing those higher prices with no word on a second season on Disney+, it is a recipe for falling sales.
Prices are beginning to follow suit. Take the 9.6. From January to the first of April, every sale was for four figures. Beginning on April 12, the prices dipped below the $1k mark with a $790 sale. On May 1, another sold for $809, followed by the most recent sale when another 9.6 brought $613.37 on May 18.
67. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #375 (-34)
Once again, we’re talking about ASM #375. Whether it’s on the Hottest or Coldest Comics blog, ASM #375 finds its way into the conversation.
This issue marked the first appearance of Ann Weying, Eddie Brock’s ex-wife and the future She-Venom. Sony has featured her in both Venom movies already, and we caught a glimpse of her bonded to the symbiote in 2018’s Venom. Since then, fans have been waiting for her to fully embrace She-Venom for the big screen. That is what keeps this issue circulating in the top-100 Hottest Comics week after week.
On this occasion, ASM #375 took a dip in the rankings. This is not unexpected, seeing that Ann hasn’t been a major presence in the movies, and there’s no news on her involvement in the third Venom movie. Prices have taken a slight drop in the past year. The 12-month average stands at $176, but the latest sale was for $144 on May 24.
Keep up on the latest from the Movers & Shakers list!
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*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.
