Comic Market Watch 2022 -Multiverse Edition

A new saga for Marvel, a new direction for DC and the same wait in line behind them for the rest.

Salutations loyal readers! It has been a journey to get here, so let’s not waste any time. A delayed and never released Comic Market Watch 2021 means this edition will be twice as long and have more to cover so let’s dive right in. Like the Multiverse, we will travel first to the past, then the present, then the future, of the TV/streaming series- then the features. This edition will cover Marvel’s significant comic properties that should be payed attention to in Phases 4, 5 & 6, so here we go!

The Past

It was 2019. Marvel had just revealed its lineup for Phase 4, hearts and minds were filled with wonder after they had experienced the greatest decade in the history of filmmaking. No studio had done what Marvel had done and there was a lot of skepticism among doubters if they could repeat their success, let alone live up to the bar they set themselves. Among Marvelites, there was only a hunger and thirst for more.

The shows and films were many and it’s quite an achievement to think at how many projects were lined up in front of us and how many were knocked out of the park. They announced WandaVisionLokiFalcon & Winter SoldierWhat ifHawkeyeMoon Knight, Black WindowThor Love & ThunderMultiverse of MadnessEternalsShang ChiBlack Panther 2, Blade & Fantastic Four and all but 2 have been yet to be put into production. Most have been released to high reviews and love from fans or are awaiting to be released and each and every one has had an effect on the comic market. In fact, they are the comic market. There is nothing else that is driving the comic market more than ties to features or TV releases, especially for Marvel. For every publisher, for every writer or creator, the goal and dream is to now have your book be the one that is either used as a reference or have a script based on for a Hollywood project. And Hollywood is looking, desperately for anything that could mean a hit for them on the big screen or any of the multitude of streaming services that have now become available. Comic collectors have noticed and have been taking advantage.

Since 2012 the comic market has been in a slow and steady climb until it reached overdrive right before 2019 with the release of the final Avengers film. Soon after things settled as everyone was waiting for what was Marvel’s next move. All collectors have had their fingers on the mouse triggers taking advantage of the lull in films to scoop the comic that could possibly be the next big key during phase 4. The smart ones got in early and were able to pick up books at an affordable price before the premiere of WandaVision. There wasn’t much intel on how the show would play out so it was a good educated guess as to which keys to target. Eventually the winners that came out in the end were:

1. West Coast Avengers #45 (1989) – First appearance of White Vision didn’t necessarily go through the roof but the character still remains out there which means this book is still alive. If he appears in any future Avengers (which he will) this book while gain in value.

2. Fantastic Four #94 (1961) – First Appearance of Agatha Harkness was a big winner. This silver age key tripled in price and is now as powerful as the Darkhold itself. Still way below value, it will no doubt double or maybe triple again upon the premiere of her show. Watch out for future Phase 4, 5, & 6 side actors who give masterful audience grabbing performances. If their characters survive, they’ll have a chance for a spin-off. See Echo.

3. The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16 (1982) – The first appearance of Monica Rambeau was and still is grossly undervalued and I’m not going to waste time venturing into the politics of why. This book should be commanding 10 times it’s value but like others, Captain Marvel related comics continue struggling to really set a high price on the market. There is a lot of agro hate against the series but that just means that there is opportunity for Ms. Marvel lovers of any incarnation. With the boost from the Disney+ series and an upcoming Phase 5 feature, any and all Captain Marvel comics will be a smart investment. Sooner or later the haters are going to be left out as Marvel/Disney is determined to establish more female characters.

Falcon and Winter Soldier had its moments and overall was a well received show, yet two things ultimately struck me. One you can tell Marvel was going to take baby steps to finding their own voice that treads the line of darker content and that which is still family friendly or accessible to all audiences. The second thing struck me was the lack of attention most keys associated with this show received, as well as the limited amount that ultimately survived to be real collectors items worth keeping in your box. Aside from the obvious major keys that are out of the grasp of the average collector, these books were the only ones worth still keeping an eye on.

1. Strange Tales #159 (1967) – First appearance of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine still is not near the price it should be as it’s life cycle is starting to resemble first appearance of Baron Strucker. At this point only high grades are being sought out, while mids will remain floating on eBay until their priced the same as a low grade. On the upside the announcement of a Thunderbolts film may give this book more juice if Marvel decides to use Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the same way either Samuel L. Jackson was used or more closer how Viola Davis’ role in Suicide Squad. Just remember all these books live and die with the character.

From the personal collection

2. Captain America #323/354 – First appearance of John Walker/US Agent are two comics again grossly undervalued that have high potential to gain value. With a guaranteed appearance in the next Captain America film he almost assuredly will claim a casting spot in the Thunderbolts film. The characters could also see action in Secret Wars if Marvel decides. If that’s the case, the comics will only gain more value.

3. Captain America #25 (2014) – First appearance of Sam Wilson (Falcon) as Captain America, should’ve skyrocketed through the roof but it barely made any noise and is still in reach of an eBay click, often at under $50 for a NM copy. Do not sleep on this as Marvel is going to put Sam Wilson at the forefront of the next Avenger’s saga whether the haters like it or not. He is Captain America.

Loki is still arguably the hit of Phase 4 and is the first show to really lay the groundwork for the multiverse saga. With a season 2 already confirmed, Loki has claimed its throne as the centerpiece of Marvel’s Disney+ Universe. While the first appeached of Loki is not a comic we focus on because of its scarcity, rarity and price. there are a few gems that made it out of this. What will be interesting is how this show incorporates lesser tier characters we may not have ever heard of as well as elevate the overall collection of books that involve Kang the Conquer.

1. Avengers #8 (1964) – First appearance of Kang was probably the king of the keys to come out of Phase 4. A $30 book for low grades back in 2015 now commands half a K easily and is by far the most wanted key of the past, present and future. This will be the book to get through the entire saga same way first appearance of Thanos dominated every comic auction. What may seem as an out of reach key is actually still attainable for new collectors, it’s just going to cost you. But’s if there’s a big book a first timer could have in, it’s this one and that won’t last long.

Low grade price in 2015
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2. Dark Reign: Young Avengers #1 (2009) – First appearance of Sylvie Luston, the second Enchantress, is a virtual ghost book among collectors as the debate whether to exactly pin down what Female Loki’s or Lady Loki’s first appearance was, is still dividing bases. Ultimately this plus two other books, Thor Annual 18 (1992) & Thor #5 (2007) are going to be juggled through another season of Loki and maybe beyond. Again if the thespian grabs the fans and stays alive, they have a future in the MCU. Out of all three books DR:YA #1 bears the closest resemblance to that of the Sylvie that appears in Loki and the prices are now starting to dictate this. They will not last long especially if the character appears in another property.

3. The Mighty Thor #371 (1986) – First appearance of the TVA still scares me as a collectible but I think that’s because I betted on the first appearance of Damage Control being a sure hit. The difference between the two is that Damage Control started as just a side bit in Sony Spider-Man to eventually being further brought in as an antagonist in Ms. Marvel. It took that long to catch on. Loki on the other hand established the TVA as a character itself from the beginning and with Loki Season 2, Quantumania, and the Kang Dynasty all these properties have potential to tie the TVA in thus keeping the book alive. I don’t foresee this to go through the roof as a major key but it always will be a sellable and buyable book through the entire saga.

What If… was the sleeper series many even myself found themselves diverting attention from only to scramble back and check out what the hell we’d miss. A second season proves Marvel is starting to think about its animated future and it wants this series to always be pulling strings in the background. Not only has the Disney+ series made certain books bounce but the entire original What if? series has found itself in a good position to move up as its what if scenarios of the past are now becoming part of the Marvel Universes’ actual future. See Thor: Love & Thunder, What if Hulk was Smart, or What if Spider-Man joined the Fantastic Four, etc….

1. Captain Carter #1 (2022) – Not only did the series spawn a new comic and key character publication, it went on to directly effect (albeit in a brutal way) Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. The comic is still under the radar but if rumors of a solo film or series hold true, this comic will explode.

2. Ultimate Fantastic Four #22 (2005) – First full appearance of the Marvel Zombies is still low in price but that may soon change as DS: MoM brought the Sorcerer Supreme back from the dead (kind of). Marvel & Disney+ keep pointing to the Marvel Zombies so they either may appear again in Season 2 and even get their own series in a somewhat empty phase 6.

3. Fantastic Four #13 (1963) – Similar to Kang, the Watcher lurks in the background and his first appearance is a great major key for a beginner to start a collection with. Right now he is just the host of What If?, but tomorrow, after this saga they will be one step closer to Original Sin. Though Marvel may not dive into that plot just yet I can see them doing it sooner rather than later because in a few years many of the major players will be that much older. Time will tell and so will the outcome of Avengers: Secret War, which could be a standalone, a sequel to Kang Dynasty or the platform that Marvel uses to dive into phase 7.

Hawkeye was another surprise series. Clint Barton’s popularity has always been and will always be attributed to the acting of Jeremy Renner who has molded the character and now owns the role. His first appearance was one of the few Avengers majors that people ignored because he just wasn’t as popular as the other characters, but now it’s quite difficult to attain the book as a poor beginner. Focus on the new era of characters Marvel is starting the lay the ground work for because they have to as actors get older and more interested in moving on from their super hero roles.

1. Young Avengers #1 (2005) A book that was under $10 for years is now the hottest new book of the New Modern Era (Pre Millennium Age, or before 2006/2012). It boasts the first appearance of five new young Avengers, including Kate Bishop, and now a CGC NM are asking close to $1000. With all the young heroes starting to pop up and 2 Avengers films in the works it will be interesting to see if Marvel decides to do a Young Avengers show on Disney+ especially as technology makes it even easier to film complex action scenes that use a high number of VFX shots. Remember Marvel Studios has already has the tech, now they are perfecting and streamlining it.

2. Hawkeye #1 (2012) -Not really a key for having a significant first appearance, as it is for being an issue that marks the post-modernization of Marvel Comics and the official start the Millennium Age. Though no official start date exists for the Millennium Age, by the time this was published, Marvel Studios had just released Avengers and the Infinity Saga had begun and we were well underway into a new age. This book was a rebooting of a classic side character who was made a main in the biggest movie Marvel had made yet and it was here where rumors of a solo film or tv series began.

3. Daredevil #9 (1999) – First appearance of Maya Lopez aka Echo, is one of the fastest rising comics of the current saga. It’s at the point where it is on the cusp of popping and breaking out to be a massive key. Now that the character has it’s own series plus ties to a new Daredevil reboot along with all the other old Netflix shows, it has to the potential to become a market breaker sooner rather than later.

Moon Knight was the only series announced after SDCC in 2019 and it too was another breakout hit. Oscar Isaac has become a fan favorite as a the new sci-fi action king and this series really showcased his range. I found myself completely forgetting about collecting and just enjoying the show for itself. Without a doubt we will see Moon Knight be a major player in the next phases. I could also see him appearing alongside Spider-Man and Punisher as they would team up regularly in the comics.

1. Marvel Spotlight #28 (1976) – Bronze Age issues are slowly becoming what Silver Age issues were at the start of all this and it’s a wise move to focus on this era. Soon these issues will all be difficult to collect and the Copper and Modern Age will be the only thing affordable to low level collectors. And even those ages are becoming difficult. This was a book that was ignored for years because it isn’t the first appearance of Moon Knight, but in his own solo story. The book also does boast a first appearance in that of Marlene Alraune/Fontaine, one of the characters Layla El-Faouly is based on.

2. The Invaders #23 (1977) – The first appearance of the other character El-Faouly is based on, the Scarlet Scarab, is in this issue where this incarnation is a villain The Invaders face, as well as a male. Phase 4 has had a few characters that were gender bent and this was probably one of the most successful. The character is sure to have a future appearance in the next season of Moon Knight and maybe even a guest star in another property. This issue may not garner a lot of profit but it will be a good sell during the phases as long as the character is not killed off.

3. Moon Knight #1 (1980) – The first solo series of Moon Knight was another long ignored issue that has now started to gain momentum as people seek out something more affordable than his first appearance and still feel like a classic collectible item. Modern books are still beautiful in their own right but there is something about the paper of the Bronze and Copper Age that makes them so much more different. People want that feel and smell which is why they turn to fist solo series, and first solo appearance when the can’t get that coveted Werewolf by Night #32. Luckily this issue has a first appearance in that of Khonshu, the Egyptian God of the moon that was also a breakout star on the show. His horror show antics gave the show a dark magical feel that fans came to love.

Ms. Marvel was probably the real sleeper of Phase 4. Not many people have given the show a chance and it clearly is suffering from lack of respect from a certain part of the fandom. The show itself excels on every plateau and it’s a real shame people still are afraid to try other cultures. The good thing is that the show is so good that eventually word of mouth will get more and more people to watch the show especially the more elevated part of the fanbase who is seeking something other than the main players. The show feels exactly like what Sony wanted to do with Spider-Man and seeing it makes me more want for the web head to come home.

1. All-New Marvel Point One #1 (2014) – The first appearance of Kamala Khan as Ms. Marvel is the real comic to collect even as many scramble to get her unnamed cameo in Captain Marvel #14. I’ve shifted my mentality that if the full appearance is available spend your time and money getting that. While Khan’s first appearance was a hot issue its price kind of dropped once the show came out. Which asks what did fans expect?

2. Ms. Marvel #17 (2014) – Though this is a cover price book now there is a potential for its price to rise 5x with it being the first meeting between Kamala Khan and Carol Danvers. It’s a great low cost spec book now that should easily start selling for $20 once The Marvels film gets closer to release. You’re not looking for this thing to go to$200, just $20, or $40 bucks which is a significant increase when currently it goes for under $10.

3. All-New, All-Different Avengers #3 (2016) – Another creeper issue is the when Khan first joins the Avengers which is a sure bet for the future of Marvel. Look for her to be a huge piece in the Kang Dynasty or Secret Wars just like Spider-Man was as this book rises with her popularity. Low cost now, it is a low risk buy that could have a big payout. Plus, it’s an Alex Ross cover.

The Present

She-Hulk is the last series of Phase 4 (non special) and premieres this August. There is still a lot to learn but from the looks, it will be an ambitious take and evolution in VFX. With all the time Marvel has had to perfect Hulk and its visual effects, they are now able to use the same technology on tv shows. That’s an incredible leap from the classic Incredible Hulk TV show with Lou Ferrigno from back in the day. The deeper the MCU gets the more fans will have to reeducate new comers and younger fans who are drowning in VFX and have developed a keen eye for detail because they play video games the rest of the time. This is where Marvel’s expertise and dominance comes into play because their ability to put together amazing teams of writers and directors that help make a show be entertaining.

1. She-Hulk #1 (1980) – No longer a back bin comic the long ignored first appearance of She-Hulk and first solo series comic is the double whammy collectors always look for. This book hits a ton of notes with it also being an iconic first cover appearance. As soon as the show was officially announced this jumped from being a $10 eBay buy to a $100+ buy for a VF and above. The show will give it a bump but expect it rise with her second appearance which may be an Avengers film followed by Fantastic Four. Also don’t forget her connection to the TVA. A very strong book for the future.

2. Tales to Astonish #90 (1967) – First appearance of Abomination has popped up on the collector radar once again but this time it is here to stay. Under the guidance of a more seasoned Marvel Studios the character is sure to get a bump now that he’s set to appear on She-Hulk. It’s rare to find a first appearance from the Silver Age that is still under $100 for mid grade low VF quality comic. That window is nearly closed and will be in the coming weeks as the character makes his debut on Disney+.

3. The Incredible Hulk #377 (1991) – First appearance of Professor Hulk has a few comics attached and while I was tempted to put Hulk #156 as the first appearance of Smart Hulk, that is also the first appearance of Kylar who is rumored to be appearing in the next Ant Man as a second villain. Rumors say the character will face Khan and if that’s the case it will be a short lived appearance. We’ve seen this comic try and gain steam ever since Avengers: Endgame so it’s a good cheap buy now that could gain profit in the next coming weeks. Also it’s iconic cover will also capture eyes of collectors seeking iconic cover issues of the like.

In the next part of the Comic Market Watch, I will cover the past films of Phase 4 and what’s to come for both TV & Film, including Phases 5 & 6.