The MCU gossip never sleeps, and the latest scuttlebutt claims that Marvel Studios is ready to cast its very own Man of Steel knockoff. Debuting in 1969, this was Stan Lee’s way of showing the world that the Avengers were the premiere team in all of Silver Age comics. He cooked up his own version of the Justice League of America and slapped the Squadron Sinister (and later, the Squadron Supreme) into a brief Marvel tale. Over the years, the team has gained its own following, and it’s helped keep Hyperion and the gang in the spotlight for decades.
This is not the first time there have been rumors of Hyperion joining the MCU. Just last year, there was speculation that he was being cast for Loki season two, and that could still be on the table even if he appears in Thunderbolts.
There are plenty of clues pointing to him joining the MCU, and we may first meet him in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. After all, in his comic origins, Hyperion believes he came from the Microverse, a location that will be central to the plot of the third Ant-Man film. Don’t forget that he has ties to the Thunderbolts, so that only strengthens his case.
It never hurts the MCU's chances when Marvel Comics suddenly thrust a character back into the spotlight. Just last year, Squadron Supreme and Blade starred in the second iteration of Heroes Reborn. Could that be the writing on the wall? We shall see. In the meantime, here are some keys to wet your whistle.
AVENGERS #69
In fine comic book tradition, the Squadron Sinister made their debut in a cameo at the tail end of Avengers #69. While another version of the team would appear later, most collectors still look at this as Hyperion’s first appearance. Since Marvel is reportedly looking for an “evil Superman,” then this would be the most likely version to be featured in Thunderbolts.
For the time being, this is still an affordable issue. The highest grade sold over the past 30 days, the 8.5, has averaged $390. Of course, it was bringing nearly $700 this time last year. The last time a 9.8 traded hands online was in February 2021, and that copy sold for $4,800.
AVENGERS #70
The first time readers saw Hyperion and his golden diaper in all its glory was in Avengers #70. As an added bonus, it’s also the evil team’s first cover art, which is always a plus for collectors. Between both factors, it makes this issue a prime target among speculators.
There hasn’t been anything above a 7.0 to trade hands online, and it’s been selling for $125 as of late. At the top of the heap, the graded 9.8 last sold for over $4k in August. Prior to that, it had been closer to the $1,000-$1,500 range.
AVENGERS #85
Depending on how Marvel wants to swing the story, this could become a hot issue. After the Avengers fought the Squadron Sinister, they met the heroic versions of Hyperion and the rest of Squadron Supreme in Avengers #85. With all the Multiversal variants skirting around the MCU, it would be logical to assume a good Hyperion would arrive to save the day in full Superman fashion.
Few 9.8s have been sold online over the years. In fact, just three have swapped owners in the past 10 years; one brought $627 in 2012 before two crossed the $5k mark between August and September of this year.
DON’T BE SO SURE…
Sure, everyone assumes that Hyperion is the cryptic “evil Superman” Marvel Studios is looking to cast for Thunderbolts. As outlined above, the clues add up. Still, I’m not so sure. In fact, there’s a much better character who could fit that description with direct ties to the Thunderbolts: Sentry. But that’s a topic for a separate blog.
