Emilia Clark’s Secret Invasion casting has shoved Astonishing X-Men #6 into the spotlight. Meanwhile, a new Black Panther hero is getting a boost thanks to the Wakanda Forever hype.

It’s time for our deep dive into the Hottest Comics. This week, the MCU has once again proven to be the catalyst for the next wave of top sellers. Here’s a closer look at five that should have your attention. 

49. ASTONISHING X-MEN #6 (NEW TO THE LIST)

We finally know what role Emilia Clark will play in Secret Invasion. While it would have been amazing to see her as the Skrull Queen, she should make a decent Abigail Brand. To this point, that hasn’t been a major name in the Marvel-616, but her status should be changing soon.

Astonishing X-Men #6 not only marks her first full appearance, but it also saw the debut of what should be an important plot point for the Disney Plus show, the Sentient Worlds Observation and Response Department, better known as S.W.O.R.D. 

86. BLACK PANTHER, VOL. 8, #3 (NEW TO THE LIST)

Tosin Oduye created waves when he debuted earlier this year just in time for Black Panther’s 200th issue (which may or may not have been the 200th issue since Marvel Comics’ legacy numbering is sketchy at best). Is he part of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever? If he is, it’s a secret everyone is keeping to themselves. So far, Tosin can use his vibranium tattoos to channel its powers.

With so much attention on the Black Panther franchise, any new character is cause for speculation, what with Wakanda Forever and the BP spinoff series that’s still on the slate.

88. BATMAN: VENGEANCE OF BANE #1 (NEW TO THE LIST)

Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe is rapidly expanding. After the movie was a hit at the box office, Warner Bros. Discovery has greenlit his ideas to make spinoff movies and streaming series starring the Dark Knight’s rogue’s gallery. It paints a broad picture of Gotham City’s numerous villains. It also has many fans convinced that Bane will be reintroduced to moviegoers when the sequel film arrives.

Fans have speculated that he is the logical next step in Reeves’ universe, and the spinoffs could feature him in some capacity even if he’s not the star. It puts a premium on his first appearance in Vengeance of Bane #1.

92. NYX #3 (NEW TO THE LIST)

Yes, Hugh Jackman is bringing Wolverine to the MCU, but that doesn’t mean he will be the only Wolverine under the Marvel Studios banner. Although Ryan Reynolds assured audiences that Deadpool 3 won’t retcon the events of Logan, there’s still an open door for Laura Kinney to move from the Fox-verse into the MCU as well.

Even if there’s another origin story created for a new version of X-23, we’re bound to see her when the entire X-Men team arrives. For that matter, she could return in Deadpool 3.

97. X-MEN, VOL. 2, #2 (NEW TO THE LIST)

Every week, there are random entries that mostly defy all logic. Here we have 1991’s X-Men #2. Personally, I see this as a great pickup simply for the combination of Chris Claremont scripting and Jim Lee artwork.

Why would this issue suddenly make the top 100 comics? My best guess is that it’s the cameo of Omega Red in a casket that predates his official first appearance in X-Men #4. With the possibility of him appearing in Deadpool 3, it’s put an emphasis on his key issues, and that may include this one as well. Let the first appearance debate begin.

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