Movie news remains the biggest factor in comic book collecting and speculation. Normally it’s those Marvel tidbits that keep the market on edge, but there’s been a change of pace this week. While the MCU is still creating waves, it’s DC’s Blue Beetle that’s making things interesting.
On that note, let’s take our weekly deeper dive into the Hottest Comics and see what is happening in the depths.
17. INFINITE CRISIS #5 JIM LEE VARIANT (+70)
A week after Blue Beetle’s theatrical debut, Infinite Crisis #5 has come roaring through the sales charts. Not long ago, this issue was struggling to stay inside the Hottest Comics. Leading into a movie premiere is usually when buyers are snagging all those key issues.
Blue Beetle’s jetlag raised red flags, but Jamie Reyes’ first appearance has set them ablaze as it rocketed up the index. If the usual movie hype pattern remains, we should see Infinite Crisis #5 cool off in the next week or so. For now, enjoy the ride.
21. TOXIC AVENGER #1 (NEW TO THE LIST)
Peter Dinklage has resurrected the Toxic Avenger in the film’s first image. Modern audiences are in love with self-aware B-movies so bad they are hilarious. Anyone who has seen the original Toxic Avenger from 1984 knows that one is closer to a C-movie, and this is the perfect time to bring the character back into the spotlight.
The image has been enough to propel Toxie’s first comic into the upper half of the Hottest Comics. Depending on how the movie is received, Toxic Avenger #1 could crack the top 10 down the line.
16. BATMAN: THE OFFICIAL MOTION PICTURE ADAPTATION (+4)
Will we see Michael Keaton return as Batman? His role in The Flash was a hit with audiences, and many fans are once again asking Warner Bros. to put him in a Batman Beyond movie as an older Bruce Wayne. That’s part of the reason this particular issue remains a hot seller this year.
The other part of the equation is the Keaton signing event recently announced through CGC. Pricey though it may be, autograph hunters were digging deep into their wallets for the presale. It sent many of them to eBay for high-grade copies of Batman: The Official Motion Picture Adaptation to have signed and slabbed.
84. TOMB OF DRACULA #1 (NEW TO THE LIST)
Dracula and Lilith are getting attention in the comics in light of the upcoming one-shot, What If…? Dark: Tomb of Dracula. There have been rumors that Marvel Studios wants him as Blade’s antagonist, which would explain the publisher’s sudden interest in Dracula and his daughter.
Here we have not only the first issue in the most recognizable of Marvel’s Bronze Age horror titles, but it’s Dracula’s debut for Marvel Comics.
100. FANTASTIC FOUR #112 (NEW TO THE LIST)
When it comes to collecting classic FF, it’s easy to be too laser-focused on the Silver Age. After all, Marvel was built on the FF’s popularity in the 1960s. So many significant characters and storylines were introduced during those years. Most of them are considered holy grails, and for good reason. However, don’t let those Bronze Age FF keys slip under your radar.
Once Thing is added to the MCU, the attention will turn to seeing the two powerhouses battle on the silver screen. For those not ready to part with the high prices of the first Hulk/Thing fight, FF #112 and its beautiful John Buscema cover art is a nice consolation prize.
