While the Spider-Verse reigned supreme over the Hottest Comics, it put several once-hot keys on the back burner.

For the first time in weeks, we have a new number one in the top 100 eBay best sellers. After the top-secret Spider-Man #7 variant held the spot for a time, Miguel O’Hara’s star-making role in Across the Spider-Verse elevated Spider-Man 2099 #1. Now, Miguel’s first self-titled comic rules the roost.

With all that attention on the Spider-Verse, there are several issues that took a backseat. However, any drop in popularity equals an opportunity for the shrewd buyer.

92. SPIDER-MAN #1 SECOND PRINT GOLD EDITION (-59)

We’ve gone a few weeks here at the Hottest/Coldest Comics blogs without mentioning too many Usual Suspects. They were back with a vengeance, and we have one of the most common sitting right atop the hill. Maybe it is a hill made of garbage (after all, this is the Coldest Comics), but it is a peak of some sort. 

Out of all the Spider-Man #1 variants, the gold edition tends to be among the most sought-after. This happens to be the second printing, so it has a smaller print run than the first batch. Of course, being one of the largest print runs in comics history, even the second wave was far from what we would refer to as small by today’s standards. This was the early 1990s when massive print runs were par for the course. 

One thing that never hurts a comic’s collectibility, no matter how common the issue might be, is stellar cover art. During the 1980s and ‘90s, no one outdid Todd McFarlane in that category. Among all his iconic work, Spider-Man #1 remains one of the most duplicated covers. Even the Toddfather himself has drawn Spawn in the classic Spidey pose, though the celebrity artist does tend to homage his own work quite a bit.

There is a rare gold Walmart edition floating around for those interested. The only thing separating the two is the barcode. Instead of a McFarlane-drawn Spidey head, there’s the NPC code in the bottom left corner since it was being sold at the retail giant. It would be prudent to check your long boxes and see if you just happen to own the Walmart copy. 

83. MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #72 (-49)

Wolverine keys have been hit or miss for the past couple of months. It seems that each week, a few will rise while others fall, and then they’ll swap places. In the case of the lesser expensive keys, these tend to experience the biggest swings in popularity. 

MCP #72 began the origin story of Wolverine and Weapon X. The mysterious Canadian super-soldier program was first mentioned in 1974 alongside Logan’s first appearances, but it wasn’t until this 1991 comic that the curtain was pulled back. Around this time, Wolverine’s origin was still a gray area for readers, so spotlighting how he was given an adamantium skeleton and trained to kill was certainly intriguing. I actually think he lost his edge when Marvel decided to give him an official backstory. He was more fun when he was a man of mystery.

We know Hugh Jackman is returning to the Wolverine role and bringing him to the MCU in Deadpool 3. What happens beyond that is in question. Will we get a new Wolverine actor? There were rumors not long ago that Marvel Studios wanted to tell Logan’s story as an anthology that would chronicle his time in Weapon X. No one has confirmed if that is or is not on the table, and it could impact this issue. 

99. STAR WARS #2 (-48)

For the record, SW #2 is Obi-Wan’s in-story debut. Yes, he appeared on the cover of SW #1, but he didn’t appear in the actual comics until the following issue. It also doesn’t hurt matters that it’s cheaper than the coveted first issue.

Could this be the first real indication that Star Wars is finally cooling down? The latest season of The Mandalorian may have dampened the flames a bit, considering the overall poor reception. Since that is the show that more or less rescued the Star Wars franchise after the sequel trilogy left fans shaking their heads, it would be the litmus test for the future in a galaxy far, far away. 

The most likely reason for Star Wars #2’s cooldown is Obi-Wan Kenobi. In April, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy made it clear that season two is not in development. Part of the reasoning behind that move could be that Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t the legendary show many had hoped for. Sure, it added to the Darth Vader mythos, but the silly antics and campy dialogue wasn’t received too well with most fans. After The Mandalorian season three, it could have buyers on the fence in regard to those once-hot Star Wars keys.

This issue will be a good gauge of things to come with the franchise. The next month will be interesting to see if it can rebound or if it will slip further down the ladder.

59. HULK #1 (-42)

It was only 10 days ago that Hulk #1 was inside the top 20 best-selling comics on eBay. Here it is, taking a mighty drop in the rankings. Many buyers will see this as an opportunity rather than a cause for alarm. 

This issue is so collectible due to Red Hulk appearing on the front. He wouldn’t debut in-story until the following issue, but Hulk #1 remains the bigger seller due to the cover. It’s a similar circumstance to Thor #1 with the Goddess of Thunder on the cover art despite the fact that she didn’t actually appear in the interior until later. We could even draw comparisons with Hulk #181 since Hulk #180 is Wolverine’s actual first appearance though we all know which comic gets the better publicity. 

There’s news coming from the Marvel camp that instead of Captain America: New World Order, the film has been retitled Captain America: Brave New World. CBR is reporting that the most recent poster art teases Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross’ transformation into Red Hulk. That speculation should be enough to entice buyers back on the bandwagon, and I expect Hulk #1 will rebound shortly because of just that. After all, fans have been anxiously awaiting Red Hulk to arrive in the MCU for several years, and a very possible clue to that should get things rolling in the right direction.

65. OMEGA MEN #3 (-41)

Speaking of opportunities and Usual Suspects, Omega Men #3 has reemerged as a mover and shaker this week. Whether it’s on the Hottest or Coldest blog, Lobo’s first appearance always manages to stir the pot in some regard. Buyers don’t know what to do with this issue, it seems, hence its rise and fall in the rankings practically by the day.

The big question mark lingering over Omega Men #3 is whether or not he will appear in live action. When James Gunn was announced as the co-chair of the rebranded DC Studios, one of the first things he did was post cryptic pictures of DC characters. There was Kingdom Come, Mister Terrific, and, of course, Lobo. The Main Man’s debut comic was catapulted to the top of the sales charts almost instantly. The problem was that when Gunn confirmed the first half of his Chapter One plans and projects, there was no mention of Lobo. That caused buyers to pull away from Omega Men #3 in favor of those keys with verified live-action tie-ins on the horizon. 

The thing to remember is that there is so much more up Gunn’s sleeves. He’s only revealed a fraction of what all he has planned for Chapter One let alone the entire story he’s telling. One way or another, Lobo will arrive in the DCU. Besides his popularity among comic readers, he is a perfect rated-R comedy act that Gunn loves. There is no way he leaves Lobo collecting dust. When that finally happens, expect Omega Men #3 to cut to the front of the line.

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