Fantastic Four #18
This book features the first appearance of Kl'rt, better known as the Super Skrull. The Super Skrull is a warrior given the combined powers of the Fantastic Four in order to defeat them. Though he has never truly succeeded, he has long been a thorn in the side of the FF and many other heroes. In more recent years, the character has undergone a heroic turn, helping to save the galaxy from grand menaces like the Annihilation Wave (Annihilation), Ultron Phalanx (Annihilation: Conquest), Builders (Infinity), Cotati (Empyre), and Dormammu (Last Annihilation / Guardians of the Galaxy).
There is a lot to love about Super Skrull as an investment opportunity. First off, his power set fits the MCU template of villains who are dark reflections of the heroes. Second, opportunities abound for his inclusion. While Secret Invasion is perhaps the most likely spot, the character could easily appear in Fantastic Four, The Marvels, or Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The lattermost film is particularly enticing, as it is already heavily rumored or confirmed to include many of the big players from Annihilation. Third, he is a phenomenally interesting character with decades of stories involving current and upcoming MCU stars. Finally, Super Skrull's heroic turn in recent years aligns fairly well with the MCU's more benevolent depiction of the Skrulls.
Graded Analysis: If you stick to grades 4.0 and above and have long-term patience, your chances of making money on this book are excellent. Prices have generally risen over the years and that is without meaningful MCU heat.
Astonishing X-Men #6
This sixth entry in Whedon and Cassaday's acclaimed Astonishing X-Men run has the first appearance of Abigail Brand. Brand is the half-human, half-alien mutant lead of S.W.O.R.D., the interstellar counterpart to S.H.I.E.L.D. Despite only existing for a few years, Brand has already developed into a phenomenally interesting, complex character. Her connection to S.W.O.R.D. makes her a natural candidate for not only Secret Invasion but all cosmic properties as well. Emilia Clarke is heavily rumored to be portraying Brand in Secret Invasion, but even if she is not, there are still many reasons to think this book will pay off long term.
Update: it was recently confirmed that Emilia Clarke will NOT be portraying Abigail Brand. Even so, I stand by the broader argument that there is an easy path to adaptation for this character. It just will not happen courtesy of Emilia is all.
Graded Analysis: This is a modern book with a high print run, so investors need to stick to 9.8s. Prices are down currently, but will likely rise again, especially as marketing for Secret Invasion ramp up.
Avengers #8
Avengers #8 contains the first appearance of Delroy Garrett Jr, who would eventually become 3-D Man. During the original Secret Invasion event, part of the dramatic tension was the inability to distinguish heroes from Skrulls. Only 3-D Man was able to see through the illusion, making him an important figure in foiling the Skrulls' plans. This is certainly a route that the Secret Invasion show could go, but Marvel could also just as easily come up with some sort of science Macguffin to accomplish this from a narrative perspective.
Graded Analysis: The lack of recent sales data, low profile of the character, and how easily his narrative role could be replaced leads me to believe that Avengers #8 is not a great graded investment. The character definitely has MCU potential, but investors would probably be better off sticking to raw copies.
