Collectors were aiming for more than just the more obvious picks. Sure, Dylan Brock and potential Into the Spider-Verse 2 characters are hot properties at the moment, especially with all the movie implications at Sony, but a couple of more obscure titles were shown some love as well.
Further down the list, Elfquest made its mark on the Hottest Comics after a lengthy absence. That’s not all. This week saw the resurgence of one of DC’s most underrated characters, the Phantom Stranger.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the Hottest Comics rankings and see what other stones we can overturn.
88. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #10 (+912)
The Spider-verse is picking up steam, and that interest is helping Spider-Punk gain more popularity. This week, the first appearance of this alternate Spider-Man in Amazing Spider-Man #10 moved up the ladder by more than 900 places.
Don’t look for Spider-Punk’s fame to wane quickly. He’s already got his own action figure, and there is a rumor that he will be featured in the Into the Spider-Verse sequel. If he is added to the movie, look for him to be the next breakout character.
11. VENOM #9 ANIMATION VARIANT (+221)
Between the Spider-verse keys regaining their momentum and Dylan Brock’s first appearances, it is no wonder this Venom #9 variant is getting its share of the spotlight. This Animation Variant has been one of the more popular editions of Venom #9 on the market for years, and now collectors are scouring the auction sites for it in droves. As an added bonus, you get Spider-Man Noir emblazoned on the cover. Though, Dylan Brock would be the obvious selling point with this particular issue.
409. SHOWCASE #80 (+590)
With the DCEU dipping further into their well of characters, I am surprised that we have not heard any new rumors about the Phantom Stranger. Like the majority of DC’s pantheon, the Phantom Stranger is a relic from the Golden Age. As a result, his earliest appearances are out of reach for many collectors. That would explain why his first Silver Age appearance in Showcase #80 was popular this week, gaining nearly 600 spots and nearly cracking the top 400.
Considering all the hype for horror comics these days, it feels like the perfect time to reintroduce the Phantom Stranger to DC readers.
510. ELFQUEST #1 (+490)
Elfquest #1 is a relic from the 1970s when the sword and sorcery wave was in full effect. Around the same time as Conan the Barbarian was in full swing at Marvel, WaRP Graphics brought to life Elfquest in 1978’s Fantasy Quarterly #1. The underground title would float from one company to another, with stints at Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse Comics.
Since so many comic properties are being adapted for streaming services, it would not be out of the question for Elfquest to be the next big thing.
ODDBALL OF THE WEEK
416. JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS #45 (+583)
Those nostalgic cartoon comics remain popular this week. Last time, it was The Ren & Stimpy Show, and this week an old Hanna-Barbera favorite comes back into the picture, Josie and the Pussycats. Of course, the group began as part of Archie Comics before transitioning to television screens. Still, it’s the cartoon that gave them mainstream attention.
Josie and the Pussycats #45 has the distinction of being the first appearance of the aforementioned Pussycats. Still, it stuck out like a sore thumb among all the superhero and horror comics.
