When it comes to first appearances, people tend to forget that covers count as well. There are many cover first appearances that go unnoticed or forgotten by collectors. Sometimes they are overlooked because there isn’t much information on them. Well, thanks to a great GoCollect subscriber I have all that information here for you.

 

Avengers Annual #10 – First Cover Appearance of Mystique

Avengers Annual #10 is known as the first appearance of Rogue. However, it is also the first cover appearance of our favorite shape-shifting mutant, Mystique. Also known as Raven Darkholme, Mystique has had a very complex history within Marvel. She first appeared with her characteristic blue skin in Ms. Marvel #18 in 1978. She has been a member of multiple organizations, been married to many notable mutants, and is the mother of Nightcrawler.

This book has an FMV of $825 in a 9.8. However, if you drop down a few grades you can find a great 9.0 for $100 or less. With all the buzz on the X-Men, this is a book you absolutely want to add to your collection. As I said, this isn’t just Mystique’s first cover appearance but also the first appearance of Rogue.

 

Doctor Strange #175 – First Cover Appearance of Clea

Many do not know who Clea is. She is the wife of our beloved Dr. Strange. Clea made her first appearance in Strange Tales #126 but wasn’t named till Strange Tales #146. She also happens to be the niece of the dreaded Dormammu, yes the same one Dr. Strange fought in the movie. However, Doctor Strange #175 shows the first time she ever appeared on a cover. *Thank you to some amazing readers for helping me obtain the correct information!*

Well with this book I have good and bad news. The bad news is that there are only 168 copies listed in the CGC census. The good is you can snag one in a 9.2 for under $100.  Makes it a very easy grab!

 

 

Avengers #83 – First Cover Appearance of Valkyrie

Avengers #83 is her cover appearance as well as her first appearance. However, she appears as a disguise used by Enchantress. The Valkyrie is an impressive warrior who served Odin as the leader of his shield-maidens. After Thor lost his way in the MCU, he made her Queen of Asgard. What many may not know is that she is also a founding member of the Secret Avengers. Depending on what route Feige takes with the MCU, we can see her play an integral part down the line, making this issue increase in value.

The FMV of 9.8 is quite up there at $2,900. However, you can find a nice 8.0 for about $140. You should start looking for deals quickly though before any more news drops and this book dives into the Red Ocean.

 

Comics Journal #58 – First Cover Appearance of Elektra

Elektra has been making news lately, especially once Daredevil #25 dropped. There is a huge group of people pleading to have the Daredevil show return. It might just happen, considering that Charlie Cox might be reprising his role in the new Spider-Man movie. If the show is brought back, there are chances that Elektra will don the Daredevil outfit for the great story arc. If so this is one of the books you may want, alongside Daredevil #168, her first full appearance in a comic.

I could not find Comics Journal #58 on our database but they are being sold on eBay. There you will find a few copies being sold for less than $100, with the majority being sold for around $30. However, if you want an Elektra key book go for Daredevil #168 since that is her first full appearance and wanted more by collectors.

 

Thor #165 – First Cover Appearance of HIM a.k.a. Adam Warlock

HIM was engineered to be the perfect specimen of a human. However, sensing his creators wanted to use him for evil, he fought back. With no concept of how to interact with people or beings, he kidnapped and tried to mate with Lady Sif. Thor being angry about the kidnapping beat HIM to near death. Needing to recover, HIM entered his cocoon. This is when he was reborn and named Adam Warlock by the High Evolutionary. We got a glimpse of his cocoon at the end of the Guardians of the Galaxy 2 being held by Ayesha.

The cover of Thor#165  has HIM front and center with a great black background. It is one of the more desired issues when it comes to Adam Warlock. A copy of this issue in a 9.8 has an FMV of $22,000. That’s out of my league, but you can find a nice copy in an 8.0 for under $600. That is a huge difference in price and value.

Bottom Line

While first appearances have reached beyond the grasp of collectors, first covers are still affordable. I say take a look and take a chance. These can be worth the investment down the line, especially since some of them are also the character's first appearance in general.  What do you think about first appearances on covers? Are you a fan of them? Let me know below!

I also want to give credit to Fred who's GoCollect handle is BugBear40K. He asked a  great question and helped tremendously on this project.

Till Next Time, Happy Hunting!

 

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