Secret Wars was trending across the secondary market and the Punisher’s first appearance is on the verge of another spike. Let's take a look at this week's Trending Comics!

We are weeks removed from Marvel Studios’ earth-shattering San Diego Comic-Con panel, and we are still feeling the effects in the collecting world. Buyers were on the lookout for any of the Secret Wars keys from the original 1984-85 series, starting with this perennial favorite.

1. MARVEL SUPER-HEROES’ SECRET WARS #8 (+2)

The speculation is strong with this one. After Marvel Studios announced that Avengers: Secret Wars will be the conclusion of Phase 6 and The Multiverse Saga, buyers took to eBay for the most popular Secret Wars comic of them all, issue #8.

This comic has long been a favorite among Spider-Man collectors as it was the debut of his black costume. The bigger picture was that the alien symbiote would become a character who rival Spidey’s popularity, Venom.

With a piece of the symbiote existing in the MCU thanks to the Spider-Man: No Way Home post-credits scene, the sixth Avengers movie gives collectors even more reason to stockpile this famous key.

17. THE SANDMAN #1 (+22)

It may not occupy the number one spot in this week’s Hottest Comics, but Neil Gaiman’s Sandman is perhaps the hottest trending comic character on social media this week. Make no mistake, he is not a superhero, although he does exist in the DC superhero canon. However, his popular Netflix series is not an official part of the DCEU.

The closest to a DC regular that we have is Johanna Constantine, who is a distant relative of the more famous John Constantine. At any rate, the show has been a massive hit for Netflix, and all things Sandman are surging as a result.

36. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #129 (+13)

Apparently, Rosario Dawson spoiled the surprise of Jon Bernthal’s Punisher return. At C2E2, Dawson was answering fan questions during a panel, and she let slip that she will reprise her role as Claire Temple for a new Punisher live-action series. 

Not surprisingly, that sent collectors straight to eBay. ASM #129 has long been a holy grail, and buyers always put this issue high on their wish lists. Most MCU fans have predicted that Bernthal would return to the role, and there have been plenty of rumors on that topic. Having Dawson seemingly confirm that a new Disney+ Punisher series is in order will keep Frank Castle’s first appearance on the move.

73. SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK #1 (NEW TO THE LIST)

Until lately, fans were lukewarm on She-Hulk: Attorney at Law to say the least. The much-criticized CGI for Jennifer in her six-foot-seven-inch green form was noticeably lacking in the first trailer. The newest trailers have showcased a slight improvement on the She-Hulk model, though it is still looking a bit like Shrek. 

What has delighted audiences is the addition of Charlie Cox in his full Daredevil gear. The most recent footage gave a quick glimpse at DD. It makes sense that he would be in the show, given that Matt Murdock is an attorney as well. The DD buzz has been enough to generate more excitement for the show, and it’s helping Sensational She-Hulk #1 climb the Hottest Comics ladder.

91. STAR WARS: HEIR OF THE EMPIRE #1 (NEW TO THE LIST)

Rounding out today’s list is a frequent flier on the Hottest Comics, Star Wars: Heir to the Empire #1. Adapted from the first Star Wars novels after Return of the Jedi, this issue saw the debut of Admiral Thrawn. The villain has appeared in the animated Star Wars: Rebels, but he is set to make his live-action premiere in Ashoka. That is sending collectors on a mission to track down Heir to the Empire #1, and that was enough to put it back into eBay’s top 100 best-selling comics.

Keep up on ALL the Trending Comics!

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