Lethal Protector proved to be a big seller while an old NES 8-bit favorite made the Hottest Comics. It’s time for the Comic Trends and Oddball of the week.

It took nearly 30 years to do it, but more than just two issues of Venom: Lethal Protector have finally gotten hot. After the first movie premiered, the first and fourth issues picked up because of Riot’s first appearance. The other comics in the series got some attention from the film as well, but they did not truly take off. That has suddenly changed.

What is the deal? For one Venom has another movie on the way, and that will surely help all his key issues get a boost. The other factor is the “King in Black” crossover event that has only recently wrapped. With the focus on not just Knull but all the symbiotes that have ever existed in the Marvel Universe, it helped put attention on the other issues of Lethal Protector. Here's more about this week's comic trends.

2. VENOM: LETHAL PROTECTOR #1 (+8)

Venom: Lethal Protector #1 has always been a popular issue among Venom collectors. Now that everyone’s favorite symbiote has entered the mainstream through his solo movie and with Donny Cates finally giving him a series worth reading, this issue is being pursued by more than just the Venom faithful. This week, it reached as high as the second-most traded comic on eBay for the past week.

48. VENOM: LETHAL PROTECTOR #4 (+204)

As I mentioned earlier, Venom: Lethal Protector #4  has been popular for the past couple of years thanks to the success of the Venom movie. While I don’t expect we will see Riot again on the big screen, fans were waiting for him and the other symbiotes introduced in this issue as “the King in Black” reached its finale. Whether or not fans still care after-the-fact will be the real test.

49. VENOM: LETHAL PROTECTOR #5 (+917)

Venom: Lethal Protector #5 drudges up the old debate about cameo versus the full first appearance. Lethal Protector #4 has traditionally been the most sought-after key, but Riot, Phage, Agony, Scream, and Lasher only appeared in a cameo as part of that issue. Then came Lethal Protector #5, and readers were treated to the full look at all five characters as they tormented Venom and Spider-Man. It got some love this week as buyers helped it move up over 900 positions in the rankings and nearly landed it on the Hottest Comics movers and shakers list.

130. VENOM: LETHAL PROTECTOR #2 (+343)

This is where we start seeing the impact of “King in Black” on all the lesser Venom keys. Apart from being one of the first solo Venom comics, there is nothing about Lethal Protector #2 that even makes it a key issue other than the cool cover art. Still, it bounced back by almost 350 positions in a week’s time, so that is a good indication as to how popular this has all made Venom.

ODDBALL OF THE WEEK AWARD!

732. LEGEND OF ZELDA #1 (+267)

It is not just those kids’ cartoon comics that are getting more attention. Now the old video game comics that were obviously aimed at a much younger audience are picking up steam as well. Here we have the first issue from the acclaimed NES video game series, the Legend of Zelda. These old NES comics are seriously collectible, too. A 9.8 Legend of Zelda #1 sold for $900 earlier this month.

What did you think of this week's take on Comic Trends? Let us know in the comments!

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