The top-10 Hottest Comics saw plenty of upheavals this week, and a popular independent comic is making its way up the ladder. This is weekly speculation so if you've missed them check them out!
Movie and television news drive the speculation market more than any other force, and this week’s sales reflect that. However, it is not just the MCU and the DCEU giving issues the rub. The Mandalorian’s second season and Transformer’s Netflix rebirth are giving speculators a couple of issues to ponder as well.
On that note, here are eight issues that made eye-catching moves on the Hottest Comics index.
HOTTEST COMICS BIGGEST MOVERS
Anytime an iconic Frank Miller story gets attention, it is a good day. This issue began the epic “Batman: Year One” story that brought the Caped Crusader’s origin into the 1980s. It also reimagined Catwoman’s roots as well, making both characters as dark and gritty as only Miller can give us. Will Matt Reeves pull from Year One for his interpretation of Batman and Catwoman? We can only hope.
You have to be a serious Star Wars fan to know why this issue is popular. It features the first appearance of Lumiya Figurehead, also known as Shira Elan Colla Brie, who would become a Sith in the comics. Will we see Lumiya Figurehead in The Mandalorian? There has been speculation as to whom the hooded woman is in the season two trailer, and it could be Lumiya/Shira. That would explain this issue’s skyrocketing popularity.
Just like Star Wars, Transformers is a franchise that refuses to die. The war between the Autobots and Decepticons may wax and wane with fans, but it always finds a way to return to the mainstream and capture the attention of the masses. The new Netflix animated series has been a hit with audiences, and there is a new movie on the slate for 2022. Put that together, and it makes sense why speculators are once again jumping on board the Transformers bandwagon (which probably changes into a dinosaur-robot cassette tape or something).
Not since it was brand new in 1992 has this issue gotten so much love. After its debut, BSOTB #1 fell into obscurity along with so many of the abundant Batman titles. Yet here we have it not only climbing a significant number of positions, but it has cracked the top 20. Sales prices correlate with this renewed popularity. Since the end of September, the 9.8 has routinely sold for $75-$80, but the past two sales have been for $110 and $95, both on October 3.
What makes this issue so special? It is the first appearance of Gotham’s notorious serial killer, Victor Zsasz. In August, it was announced that he would be featured in the CW’s Batwoman series, and many are wondering if he will make an appearance in The Batman.
When it comes to Bronze Age goodness, this comic has it all. Not only is it the first Marvel Comic featuring Conan and all his barbaric fantasy violence, but it featured the all-star creative team of Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith. Anytime you put those two together, it is bound to become a classic. This issue did not disappoint.
Conan #1 got a huge boost last year when Marvel announced it would be publishing Conan’s latest comics. That sent collectors running for the first issue from the Bronze Age title. Since then, the Cimmerian has even found his way into the Marvel 616 Universe and was put in the Savage Avengers.
Why is this issue suddenly jumping back into the top-50 Hottest Comics? The latest news is that Conan will be getting his own Netflix series. That has been enough to drive sales, and it will get even more attention when Netflix makes casting announcements.
HOTTEST COMICS OTHER BIG MOVERS
While the first appearance of Lobo does not have the overall gains compared to others on today’s list, it is worth noting Omega Men #3’s progress because of its overall ranking. Only two weeks ago, this issue was losing money, but I suspected that would change. I was not expecting a change so suddenly. When a comic in the top 20 moves 11 positions into the top five, that is the equivalent of over 200 spots for a comic outside the top 100.
What this shows is how popular Lobo is with DC fans. There is not much happening with Lobo in the DCEU, but the word online is that Michael Bay is in talks to bring the “main man” to the big screen. Considering Lobo’s tongue-in-cheek humor and Bay’s excessive explosions (and sunset backdrops), this could make for box office gold.
This has been one of the hotter comics of 2020. We can attribute that to the oversaturation of new characters from Marvel and DC because this issue has plenty of fresh faces. With so many characters being introduced in one issue, it is no wonder speculators are keeping the fires lit beneath this one. Since Disney+ has been adding so many new series to its subscription service, there is a possibility that Strange Academy could be included in some capacity. That would push this comic into the top five, no question.
A week ago, this issue saw a dip in overall sales, but it rebounded in a hurry. Like Omega Men #3, Strange Academy’s catapult into the top 10 after being ranked 115 is like any other comic gaining twice as many positions. Will it stay in the top 10 next week? My inclination is no, but we have to wait and see.
The rumor mill has been circulating around this issue since the series was first announced. While nothing has been confirmed, the word from the beginning has been that Something is Killing the Children has movie or series appeal. When it comes to Image titles, speculators are forever searching for the next The Walking Dead. Of course, many new series get the next-TWD treatment, such as Redneck did three years ago. Here we are, still waiting for that franchise to spawn a television series. It goes to show that nothing is certain until the cameras start rolling.
