The up and coming, New Generation of Marvel heroes has been a very fun ride so far. The new characters, new enemies, and new situations have all been a blast to read. Which is, in turn, putting more comics in the hands of new and old collectors alike. Hawkeye (2015) is the first solo series for Kate Bishop. The series really sets focus on Kate and her transition into hero-hood, introducing some strange, though lovable, new characters. So let's get into some more Kate Bishop Keys!
Hawkeye #1 (2016)
The first issue of Kate Bishop's solo series is a great pick for speculation. We've seen comics before with things like America #1, where the solo series can hop up from demand alone. This combined with the fact that Kate is coming to Disney+ in the near future is moving this character and her keys into a nice position. One where her demand is coming, but the train hasn't quite left. A great spot to hop on if you haven't already.
This first issue also features a new character into the mix, Alloy. Ramone Watts is a mutant known as Alloy, who becomes heavily involved with some of the crew from the series. She initially rents Kate a building for her base of operations, then later becomes romantically involved with America Chavez. With a whopping 26 appearances in the mainstream comics, Alloy could easily become a character we see in this new show.
There are two major variants of this comic to be on the lookout for. The first is the Aja Variant, featuring Kate on a Vespa, knocking an arrow to her bow. This is a 1:25 variant with a very cool art style, that has really become popular only recently. We're seeing this variant anywhere between $60 and $90 right now, depending on grade.
The second cover to look for is the Sauvage Variant. Another very nicely drawn 1:25 variant for this first issue. This one is also around the $40 to $80 marker. A 9.8 running in the $400 range. Both are on the rarer side of variants for this first cover. There is also the Romero 1:10 Design variant that is normally on the cheaper side, near $40 - $50 if you're wanting something just a tad easier to find.
Hawkeye #2 (2016)
The second issue in the series is another key to keep an eye on. This is the first appearance of Jonny Watts, also known as Fuse. While the younger brother of Alloy isn't quite powered up through this series, he does go on to be a very big character in West Coast Avengers as well as a romantic interest for Kate, which is a solid lead when talking about supporting characters for TV shows.
Jonny has made quite a name for himself in both Hawkeye and West Coast Avengers. So it's very likely he will make an appearance alongside Alloy in the new show. How big of an impact these characters will make is yet to be seen. However, they are mutants, and could easily make a very big splash if they are portrayed and utilized well.
The Romero 1:25 Variant has started to make some headway in the last week or so. This is a beautiful headshot of Kate, drawn in a similar way to the inner artwork. Currently sitting around the $50 - $70, this could be that gem grab once Fuse gets more traction. Or enters the Disney+ show.
Hawkeye #1 (2012)
Alright, moving back a little further we have Hawkeye #1 (2012). This is the series with the ultimate arrow slinging duo paired up, Clint Barton and Kate Bishop. This issue is the first appearance of both The Tracksuit Mafia AND Lucky The Pizza Dog, giving us a dual key in this issue.
Back in January, there were a couple of rumors that The Tracksuit Mafia and Lucky will both appear in the upcoming show. The validity of these rumors remains to be seen. However, this issue is easily found at $10 - $25 in high-grade quality. Be sure to notate which print you're buying as there are five.
There are two rather nice looking variants for this first issue as well. The first is the Granov 1:25 Variant, currently running near the $40 mark for a raw copy, and $150 - $180 for a 9.8 slab. The second is the Spider-Man 50th Anniversary 1:10 Variant showcasing Spider-man and The Tracksuit Mafia on the front. This cover is much more affordable at about $70 for a 9.8 CGC.
Final Remarks:
Kate Bishop has plenty of great keys in these two series. And honestly, they're a lot of fun to read. So snapping one or more of these up early could save you from chasing them later. Both Fuse and Alloy are huge supporting characters in the 2016 series. Either of these characters could hit a new stride if we see them in the upcoming show. As for Lucky and Tracksuit Mafia, they could be a nice swing bet should rumor hold up. Regardless, these covers are awesome and are worth a second glance.
