The new generation is here, and Marvel is making sure there is no stopping that train. So we're going to examine which keys are making waves and which characters are on the rise. Right now is a perfect opportunity to step back from the spotlight characters, and take a look at some solid comics before they get too far out of reach.

In my previous New Generation article, I talked about Ironheart and Nova. Putting them in the "Gold" tier category. Right above them, we have the big players in the game at the moment, Miles and Kamala; in the "Gem" tier. Here are another two "Gold" tier heroes and their keys.

Kate Bishop

Hawkeye has always been a huge part of the Marvel saga, so the passing of the torch to Kate Bishop was a monumental moment. Her first appearance is in Young Avengers #1, which is a multi-key by itself. Besides being Kate's big break, this is also the first appearance of Patriot, Iron Lad, Hulkling, and Wiccan!

There are a couple of variants for this book, but they are mainly like ToyBiz variants and really doesn't change much on the cover. The Directors Cut does have a slight color variation, but it also includes extra content. The regular cover will run you about $70 - $100 right now, while the Directors Cut version is around $150.

Kate's next big moment is in Young Avengers #6, which is the first time that Kate dons the Hawkeye costume. We also have this as the first appearance of Cassie Lang as Stature, putting it at a double event key. While not as big as, say, a first cameo or appearance, event keys are tried and true for collecting. Young Avengers #6 can be a pretty cheap raw book; going for about $25. A slabbed 9.8 will run you around $200 though.

Young Avengers #9 is a great honorable mention here as well. As it is the first cover appearance of Kate in the Hawkeye outfit; finalizing her as this generation's archer-in-action. Currently, there really isn't much demand for this issue, so you can find it as cheap as $5 - $15 raw; 9.8's as little as $80. The cover art is really cool, and the whole of the Young Avengers series is worth reading. So really it becomes about how much Kate you want.

America Chavez

 

Vengeance #1 is a comic that has been a hot button for some time now. It is by no means cheap, but that doesn't mean it's not still a great pick; even at some of it's more current price points. This is the first appearance of America Chavez and is certainly a key that deserves the attention it's been getting.

There is a single variant for this comic, Vengeance #1 1:50. However, I think the variant for this book is already long gone for the vast majority of us. It leaped into the stratosphere the moment the original cover started getting love. Currently, a $900 minimum raw copy, I would say maybe just try for the regular cover.

Still attainable at $100 -$250 raw depending on grade. This title is still on the pricey side, but it is a very big key for America's collection line. A quick note about Vengeance #2, it is the second official appearance of America Chavez; and is still very cheap compared to its immediate predecessor. So if you're an "Every Appearance," collector this is another great stop on your tour.

The solo title for America Chavez is also in high demand right now. America #1 has seven different variants, including the Hip Hop Hamilton, Mckelvie color, and Mckelvie Black & White Sketch to name a few. With a couple second prints and most of the variants being lower printings, these variants have also been the talk of the town for a little while now. With some of the rage dying down a bit, this could be a perfect time to grab your favorite of the bunch.

Final Remarks:

Kate and America are already in full swing, but the demand for other higher tier books is replacing a lot of the heat for these two. There is always the chance to get in on lower grade copies of these titles. It's always nice to have a 9.8 in your collection, but don't pass up a good deal in search of the moon.