Ironheart is coming to the MCU, and that sent collectors on a scavenger hunt for her first appearance. Meanwhile, Adam Warlock's keys are trending deeper in the Hottest Comics index.
It was a big week in the Hottest Comics rankings. The top 10 was in disarray in the aftermath of live-action news and rumors from both Marvel Studios and DC Comics. One of the biggest changes came from Ironheart herself, Riri Williams. The polarizing Brian Michael Bendis creation held two spots in the top-10 Hottest Comics this week, combining for nearly 1,000 leaps up the ladder.
Remember that the Hottest Comics index is based on eBay sales of graded comics for the past week. This is not an examination of fair market values, but rather a look at which comics were selling the most over that span. The fun part is looking for sales patterns. On that note, get out your magnifying glasses, and let's do some inspecting.
IRONHEART
Speculators flooded eBay with Riri Williams keys. Ever since Disney/Marvel Studios confirmed that Ironheart will indeed get her own live-action series, she has been a hot character. Of course, rumors of her entering the MCU had been flying for over a year, but now that it is official, those keys will reach a new level.
4. INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #9 (+716)
Riri’s first full appearance in Invincible Iron Man #9 lit up the rankings this week. It carried enough momentum to jump over 700 positions to crack the top five. With her upcoming live-action debut on the slate, there will be no slowing down when it comes to price inflation, either. If you have not gotten your copy, it may already be too late.
9. INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #9 AOA VARIANT (+264)
This key did not need another reason to get more expensive, so now a near-mint-plus grade is virtually out of reach for most buyers. After all, the last sale for a 9.8 was for $1,300. On the bright side, a 9.6 is less than half that price, and a copy at that grade last sold for $710, so get one quickly before it reaches the $1k mark.
WARLOCK
Is the writing on the wall for Adam Warlock to finally make his MCU debut now that the Fantastic Four are on the way? It would seem that collectors are gearing up for that moment. Three of Warlock’s key issues were in the top 150 Hottest Comics with two making sizeable gains, and that trend should continue into the new year.
31. FANTASTIC FOUR #67 (-2)
Granted, this issue lost two spots over the past week, but the fact remains that it is still high on the Hottest Comics rankings.
This is typically Warlock’s most expensive key issue, even though his cameo is incredibly brief. Back in those days, he was simply known as HIM, and this was the culmination of months of teasing directed at his cocoon, which was an Easter Egg in Guardians of the Galaxy.
103. THE MIGHTY THOR #166 (+347)
After HIM made his first full appearance an issue prior, readers would see his second full appearance in Thor #166. It is curious that his second full appearance outsold the first, but this is only for a single week. In the long run, the Mighty Thor #165 is the better investment, but Warlock collectors will want this piece to the puzzle, no doubt.
108. MARVEL PREMIERE #1 (+377)
Tagging along with Warlock's other keys was Marvel Premiere #1. After traversing the Silver Age as HIM, he was finally given a proper name and costume in the Bronze Age. This gave us the birth of Warlock in MP #1, who would be christened “Adam” an issue later.
