Just like Linus explaining what Christmas is all about, I am here to give you the lowdown on the Hottest Comics. These rankings have nothing to do with fair market values—at least not directly. Gathered from eBay’s sales data, the comics are ranked according to their sales volume. That usually equates to either headline-making or cheaper spec finds getting the nod and climbing the ladder.
Here we have five issues that may not have caught your eye on the first glance, but you should be watching them all the same.
37. SECRET WARS II #3 (NEW TO THE LIST)
I knew the day was coming when this issue would make its way onto the Hottest Comics. Although Secret Wars #1 is considered The Beyonder’s first appearance, we don’t actually see him in that comic; he’s simply a voice emanating from a ball of light. It wasn’t until the SW sequel that we saw Beyonder’s physical form, thus making this an important key in his history.
Laurence Fishburne will voice the character for the cartoon series, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, but will he be involved in the live-action MCU? That’s the question of the day, and it seems collectors and investors are rolling the dice just in case it happens.
10. WOLVERINE #1 (+1)
If there is anyone who knows how to play the social media game, it’s Ryan Reynolds. He and Hugh Jackman are cleverly sprinkling Deadpool 3 breadcrumbs, and the fandom is gobbling them up. It’s great for sellers because it keeps Wolverine and his key issues in the spotlight.
This week, the kickoff issue for Wolvie’s first ongoing series was the recipient of said attention. If there’s any indication that Logan will don his pirate eyepatch, this issue will shoot to the top of the standings.
16. SPIDER-MAN 2099 #1 (+18)
For all of us ‘90s kids who’ve been hoarding those Spider-Man 2099 keys all these years, our time is now. With every new detail revealed about Across the Spider-Verse, buyers are more inclined to grab all the Miguel O’Hara keys they can find.
Although ASM #365 gets all the glory for being future Spidey’s first official appearance, how can you not fall in love with this cover art? It’s also printed on that gimmicky card stock that ‘90s comic collectors adore as an unnecessary but added bonus.
43. STAR WARS: HEIR TO THE EMPIRE #1 (NEW TO THE LIST)
This has been a favorite among Star Wars collectors since Grand Admiral Thrawn was first introduced to Disney’s SW canon in Star Wars: Rebels. Once he was mentioned in The Mandalorian and confirmed for Ahsoka, the speculation for Heir to the Empire #1 went through the roof.
As basically everything on the secondary market has done, the FMVs calmed down in 2022, so now is the best time in the past three years to invest if you’ve been on the fence.
46. ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1 (NEW TO THE LIST)
Miles’ first solo title may have dropped out of the top 100 for a spell, but it has come roaring back to life. Over on the Hottest Comics blog, his first appearance in Ultimate Fallout #4 made some hefty gains, so it’s no surprise that everyone’s second-favorite Miles key is getting noticed as well.
The closer we get to Across the Spider-Verse’s release date, the more popular this issue will get. What could defy the movie hype tradition of deflating FMVs soon after the film’s debut is his live-action appeal.
