If you regularly read my blogs, you know that I typically encourage "buying the dip." I'd avoid buying issues like Nova #1 and Marvel Point One #1 now; instead, I'd wait several months until the news fades. We'll inevitably observe a lull in prices until we hear casting news, or receive an official announcement from Disney. That might be the time to buy those Nova keys. Most collectors have focused on the first appearances of Richard Ryder and Sam Alexander. There are a few other key issues related to Nova that are flying under the radar and haven't yet appeared on GoCollect's Hottest Comics list. We'll talk about a few of those below.

Foom #12: 1st Appearance of Nova (as a Preview)

The popularity of previews in Foom Magazine has grown in popularity among collectors.

For instance, Foom #10, which pre-dates Giant-Size X-Men #1 and contains the first appearance of Colossus, Storm, Nightcrawler, and Thunderbird on its cover, has jumped in value in recent years.

I think it's reasonable to believe that Foom #12, which features the very first appearance of Nova in a preview could also see its value increase. While Nova isn't featured on its cover, it is a double-key issue.

Not only does it feature the very first image of Nova, but it also features the first image of Ikaris, the Eternal.

Fantastic Four #205: 1st Appearance of the Nova Corps

It's almost a certainty that we'll see the Nova Corps again. The Corps played an important role during the climax of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1. Rhomann Dey, the leader of the Nova Corp, also played a prominent role. In the comics, Rhomann is mortally wounded in battle and then transferred his powers to Richard Ryder, the first Nova.

I think it's likely we'll see a similar story play out in the Nova Disney+ series. Offscreen, just prior to Avengers: Infinity War, we know that Thanos destroyed the Nova Corps and stole one of the Infinity Stones. I'd bet that we'll see Thanos mortally wound Rhomann and then Rhomann will transfer his power to Richard in the show.

This might make Fantastic Four #205, which contains the first appearance of the Nova Corps, a good spec book. This issue is very affordable. In fact, on April 1, one newsstand copy sold for just $5.24 on eBay. At this price point, this is a low-risk investment.

Nova #11: 1st Meeting between Richard Ryder & Sam Alexander

This is one comic I would NOT buy. Since Deadline published its exclusive about the Nova show on March 24, eighteen copies of this issue have sold on eBay through April 1.

I'm not investing my limited resources into Sam Alexander at this point. Disney wants to stretch out the MCU as long as it possibly can. This means characters like Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and others will pass their mantles onto other, younger characters over time. I'd bet that Disney will want to establish Richard Ryder, milk that character for as long as they can, and then have him pass the baton to Sam Alexander.

Are there other key issues related to Nova that you're investing (or not investing) in? Please let us know in the comments section below!

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not reflect investment advice on behalf of GoCollect.