What are the Hottest Comics? This is an index of the 100 best-selling single issues across the most famous auction site in all the internet, eBay. The list is based on sales volume rather than final sale prices, so fair market value is not part of this equation.
At the top of the heap for the second week in a row is 1980’s Moon Knight #1. No doubt the latest trailer for his upcoming Disney+ series is steering that particular ship. Behind MK #1, we have 1991’s X-Men #1, which has gained seven positions to challenge for the number one ranking over the past 30 days.
No question, those top spots are the attention grabbers, but it pays to look closer at the rankings. Further down the ladder, you will find the real movers and shakers of the Hottest Comics, and those are the issues that gained the most positions in the last month.
Without further adieu, let’s take a look at this week’s five hottest issues.
44. NEW TEEN TITANS ANNUAL #2 (+56)
The Peacemaker finale has come and gone, but the buzz for the show’s breakout oddball continues to win over fans. The second Vigilante, Adrian Chase, survived the last episode (you can never be sure who will be alive at the end of a James Gunn project), and word has spread that the streaming series will return for a second season. As much as audiences enjoyed John Cena’s portrayal of the morally misdirected Peacemaker, they are more excited for Vigilante to make his triumphant return.
New Teen Titans Annual #2 is the main focus for Vigilante collectors everywhere, but it is not a first appearance. The Vigilante moniker debuted in 1942 when the cowboy Greg Saunders first used the name in Action Comics #42. After comic fans lost interest in heroic cowboys, the title fell into obscurity until the 1980s when the idea was dusted off and given a modern retelling. This time, Adrian Chase would fill the Vigilante shoes, and he debuted sans costume in 1982’s New Teen Titans #23. Before Adrian appeared in New Teen Titans Annual #2, he was spotted wearing the Vigilante uniform in a cameo appearance in 1983’s New Teen Titans #35.
If Titans Annual #2 isn’t a first appearance, why are collectors buying it in bulk? Why is it one of this week's hottest comics? It is recognized as the second Vigilante’s first cover appearance, and that makes all the difference. Earlier this week, the graded 9.8 reached a record-high $431 on February 20. Meanwhile, raw copies have sold for as much as $70 since Monday.
46. STRANGE ACADEMY #1 (+51)
There are so many rumors for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that it has become, well, maddening. No doubt, Kevin Feige and the rest of the Marvel Studios crew are having fun, dangling more and more carrots ahead of the movie’s May release. Besides the Super Bowl trailer that has upended the comic community, there is a new poster with clues mixed into the shattered glass artwork.
With so many rumors about characters appearing in MOM, there’s one obvious choice that isn’t getting much speculation, the Strange Academy. Think of this as Marvel’s Hogwarts where the Sorcerer Supreme is training the next generation of magicians (am I the only one who reads the word “magicians” and instantly hears the opening notes to “Final Countdown?”). Considering the amount of gossip for MOM, it’s a wonder that Strange Academy isn’t getting more attention.
Ten characters made their first appearances in the 2020 issue, and it has been a hot seller ever since. Like any other comic, Strange Academy #1 will have its ebbs and flows, but the sheer volume of firsts contained in that issue have kept it in good standing with collectors. As it were, the standard edition graded at a 9.8 has been earning $400 as of late, which ties last year’s record high. That mark was surpassed earlier this year when one copy sold for $499 on January 19.
49. STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC #1 (+34)
Speaking of first appearances with mainstream appeal, I present to you Star Wars: the High Republic #1. Last year, Disney tasked Marvel with creating a new era of Star Wars. Set before the events of the Skywalker saga, High Republic features loads of fan service and callbacks while introducing new stories and characters. Yoda, the ageless wonder of the Jedi, is involved to make the connection between the comics and the movies, but the series has taken on a life of its own.
It’s a safe bet to assume that the characters and events of the High Republic are on the corporate radar. After Disney+ rejuvenated the Star Wars franchise, there is little doubt that the stars of High Republic will get their day in live-action. That is fueling speculation for High Republic #1, which featured the debuts of six new characters.
Despite the numerous reasons to want this issue, prices are down so far in 2022. A year ago, the graded 9.8 standard edition sold for a record $210. Two months into ‘22, there has not been a sale over $123 across 98 online transactions. On the plus side, this makes for reasonable values for a modern Star Wars key with a strong upside in a time when almost every other SW book has gone through the roof.
55. THE NICE HOUSE ON THE LAKE #1 (+31)
Rounding out this week’s top-five movers and shakers are two horror comics from the current master of the comic book macabre, James Tynion IV. First on the list is The Nice House on the Lake. This has been a great success story for DC’s Black Label imprint, which focuses on more adult storytelling apart from DC’s main titles. This particular alien-invasion, apocalyptic tale has been captivating audiences since the first issue, and many believe it has movie or streaming series appeal. It doesn’t hurt that it is in the WarnerMedia family that includes HBO Max.
At the moment, getting your hands on a first print Nice House #1 is easy. Being a DC imprint, there were ample copies printed, and the market was flooded with them. That is helping to keep the prices reasonable. The last time a graded 9.8 traded hands online, it sold for $70 on Monday. Past that, most copies have been in the $50-$60 range so far this year.
36. SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #1 EIGHTH PRINTING (+24)
Before Tynion became the master of modern horror comics and an indy darling, he made a name for himself at DC with a lauded Batman run in 2020. As successful as he was at creating superhero stories, the game changed for him when Something Is Killing the Children #1 reached local comic shops.
The popularity of SIKTC has become something of a phenomenon in itself, and it has propelled Tynion to the top of the comic writing ladder. Since then, he has unveiled The Department of Truth, Nice House on the Lake, and an SIKTC spinoff, The House of Slaughter. It all comes back to that breakout performance with SIKTC #1.
To say SIKTC #1 has been popular is an understatement. The comic was in such demand that it has spawned eight printings. With each printing come higher secondary market values. Those early printings have become so expensive that it is likely fueling the speculation for the later print runs.
Currently, the first print of SIKTC #1 averages more than $900 for a graded 9.8. The second print has a 90-day FMV of $449, and the third print will easily cost you over $250 if not more than $300. That makes the eighth print more tempting, seeing as you can have a graded 9.8 copy for around $50.
What books did you expect to see on this week's Hottest comics list? Let us know in the comments!
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