Not all movers and shakers are affecting things in a positive way. Where you have the hot issues taking flight in the sales department, something has to take a backseat. The index is based on the real-time sales volume straight from eBay, and these are the five issues that lost the most ground based on the 10-day market watch.
THE COLDEST COMICS
91. HULK #1 (-68)
If you’re going to take a fall, you might as well make it the biggest drop of the week. Hulk #1 did just that, taking the top spot (or bottom, depending on how you look at it) after spinning out on the final turn. Don’t worry, investors; this one will regroup and get its act together in a matter of days.
Practically since the beginning of the MCU 15 years ago, comic readers have wanted to see Red Hulk get his live-action spotlight. When William Hurt appeared in The Incredible Hulk as Thunderbolt Ross, theories of how Marvel Studios could give him his gamma-powered alter ego soon followed. After over a decade of waiting, the word on the internet is that Harrison Ford, taking over for the Thunderbolt Ross role from the late Hurt, will give audiences just that in Captain America: Brave New World. Sure, it’s not a Hulk movie, but we’ll take what we can get.
All that Cap 4 speculation immediately sent Hulk #1 to the top of the sales charts. Technically, this isn’t his first appearance. While he is front and center on the cover art, he didn’t appear in an actual story until the following issue. In the collecting world, it’s all about the impressive first covers, and Hulk #1 gets the nod over Hulk #2 for that reason.
Following the normal ebbs and flows of the market, Hulk #1 has gone up and down the Hottest Comics rankings over the past several months. With so many other keys to get buyers excited, it’s understandable that they take a break from Red Hulk now and again. Inevitably, it will return to glory, so hold the line.
85. SPIDER-WOMAN #1 (-50)
It was not a good week for Spider-Woman keys. Whether it was Jessica Drew or Julia Carpenter, buyers were having none of the first two Spider-Women. That’s okay because there’s too much potential for either character on screens big and small. This is merely a temporary hiccup.
A pregnant Jessica riding a motorcycle was a hit with fans as she debuted in Across the Spider-Verse. Thanks to the Spider-Verse films’ huge successes, a Spider-Woman spinoff is in the works. It is unclear whether that will star Jessica or perhaps Gwen, who referred to herself as Spider-Woman during the movie. For that matter, it could feature Julia. At this point, there’s no way of knowing which characters will be in the movie.
There’s also the prospect of Jessica getting her silver screen debut in the Sony-verse. Since Silk has a series on the way, who’s to say Spider-Woman won’t be next in line for a show or feature film? That will push Jessica Drew’s first solo comic back into the spotlight in due time.
64. MARVEL SUPER-HEROES SECRET WARS #7 (-33)
Speaking of Julia Carpenter, her first appearance has been a constant in the Hottest Comics rankings. The chances of seeing her on the silver screen in some fashion is high, and that has made Secret Wars #7 a prime target for about a year now. There’s no reason to think it will drop off the grid anytime soon, but it has seen its better weeks.
This time around, SW #7 lost over 30 positions and fell outside the top 50 best sellers. Similar to Spider-Woman #1, there’s no reason to panic. Julia, complete with comics-accurate black costume, made a cameo in Across the Spider-Verse, and she could appear in the Spider-Woman animated movie. She’s also been rumored to appear in Sony’s Madame Web flick. After all, Julia was the second Madame Web in the comics, so there’s ample speculation that she will be featured on the silver screen.
The world would appear to be Julia’s oyster with two chances to make it into a movie. Once either of those roles is confirmed, it will bring SW #7 back into prominence.
84. NOVA #1 (-33)
The Man Called Nova is no stranger to the Coldest Comics. There’s been a steady stream of MCU rumors and gossip surrounding the character since basically Guardians of the Galaxy. Nine years later, there are still no definite plans that have been made public. Because of that, it’s left buyers not knowing whether to stock up or wait, and that leads Nova #1 all across the Hottest Comics index.
Soon after James Gunn introduced the Nova Corps in GOTG, comic readers began predicting when the last Nova member would arrive. After Thanos decimated them offscreen ahead of Infinity War, that seemingly had the pieces in motion to bring Nova to Endgame, but he’s still on the shelf.
For the past year, there’s been speculation that he’s on the slate for either Phase Five or Six. Last year, the rumor was that he’s getting a movie, but that prognosis changed to a Disney Plus series in February. At this point, who knows what the plan is for Nova? That is why buyers are quick to put his first appearance on the back burner.
49. UNCANNY X-MEN #130 NEWSSTAND (-27)
Not even Taylor Swift can hold comic buyers’ attention for long. Recently, word spread that she would fulfill Swifties’ X-Men fantasies and don the roller skates and disco suit to play Dazzler in Deadpool 3, thus bringing the six-year-old gossip full circle. Similar to all those Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness rumors, there are too many speculative cameos to squeeze into a two-hour movie. Several of the celebrity appearances will fall to the wayside, and that could include Swift’s Dazzler. Neither Swift nor Marvel Studios have commented on the gossip, so it may be just that — gossip.
That being said, it’s not a shock to see those Dazzler keys taking a dip this week. After weeks of all things Dazzler climbing the sales charts, prices were at a premium. Since nothing has been confirmed or even hinted at regarding Swift in Deadpool 3, it’s natural for buyers to lean away from her keys until further notice, given the inflated values. Of all those pricey comics, the UXM #130 newsstand edition is the most expensive, which explains why it took the biggest tumble.
For those new to the game, what makes newsstands so expensive is a combination of availability and quality. They were sold wherever you would find books and magazines, like a supermarket or a chain bookstore. Most of those stocking the shelves and racks weren’t collectors, and they didn’t handle the comics delicately. That makes it tough to find near-mint issues that would grade 9.8. Since the newsstands generally had smaller print runs, getting your hands on a coveted first appearance makes those twice as rare. Put it together, and you have the recipe for high prices.
While the newsstand led the charge, it wasn’t alone. The direct edition UXM #130 is still inside the top 20 best sellers, but it still managed to lose 11 spots. The first self-titled Dazzler comic, Dazzler #1, dropped 19 positions and fell outside the top 50. Until there’s more indication that Swift will actually appear in Deadpool 3, these issues will likely keep diving, but I don’t see them leaving the Hottest Comics altogether. That would come if it’s confirmed the character will not appear in the movie. At this point, paying high prices for any of these comics is rolling the dice, so proceed with caution.
