Among all the Black Panther and Lobo speculation, collectors were scooping up Gambit’s key issues this week.

It’s time again to take a closer look at the Hottest Comics index. Like any good analysts, we are looking for patterns and standouts among the 100 best-selling comics on eBay. The data is updated daily, so the numbers change rapidly. Still, taking a quick inventory and doing an inspection can lead you to what could be the next collecting wave. 

This week, buyers were all over the X-Men’s ragin’ cajun. 

5. UNCANNY X-MEN #266 (+14)

Collectors and investors were aiming for Gambit keys. At the top of the list is his first full (and first cover) appearance in UXM #266 with that incredible Andy Kubert artwork.

The fan-favorite character is a shoo-in for the MCU when the X-Men finally arrive on the silver screen, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a spinoff franchise of his own, given his popularity. That’s exactly why collectors won’t let this issue fall off the radar.

68. X-MEN ANNUAL #14 (+21)

Speaking of Gambit, that interest in his early appearances spread to his true debut in X-Men Annual #14. This issue has long been the focus of debate within the collecting world. Although CGC notates UXM #266 as the first full appearance, with Annual #14 getting the dubious “cameo” distinction, many fans argue that it’s more than that.

Here, we see Gambit in full on multiple pages, which should get the distinction of being his one and only first appearance. On the bright side, that makes X-Men Annual #14 a fairly low-risk investment.

56. IRON MAN #1 (+16)

For weeks, those Wakanda Forever keys have dominated the Hottest Comics blogs, including Trending Comics. With the movie introducing Riri Williams into the MCU fold, it’s no surprise that all things Ironheart have been on the move. As a result, the trickle-down effect filtered into one of Tony Stark’s most popular key issues in Iron Man #1.

The debut issue of his first self-titled series has been a go-to for Silver Age Iron Man collectors, and it’s no doubt feeling the love in the wake of the latest Black Panther film.

77. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #41 (NEW TO THE LIST)

Classic Silver Age keys come and go in the Hottest Comics, so seeing Rhino’s first appearance step into the 77th spot isn’t a shock. Whether or not it stays on the index will be the more telling sign.

With Sony giving the green light to so many Spider-Man shows and movies, we are bound to see Rhino in some shape or form. If he gets to play a starring role, that will have serious speculation implications.

86. HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #1 RABBIT COMICS EDITION B (NEW TO THE LIST)

Things have been relatively quiet on this front as of late, so I was surprised to see a House of Slaughter #1 appear in the top-100 best sellers. This could be a preemptive strike sort of move. Netflix has a live-action Something Is Killing the Children series in development, though no news has been reported as of late.

To the best of my knowledge, the show is still on the way, and it could very well spawn a House of Slaughter spinoff, which would boost this particular key.

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