WEEK BEFORE WEDNESDAY - 19th FEB
- David Edwards
- Feb 7
- 4 min read
What does February 19th have in store for trending comics? No one knows for sure, but let’s dive in.
With Megacon just a week behind us, some comics from the event are still making waves in the market.
AFTERMARKET TREND
SPAWN #360 MEGACON EXCLUSIVE BRETT BOOTH SKETCH VARIANT MCFARLANE (LTD 1500)
Spawn remains a fan favorite and has been trending on the aftermarket for weeks. Brett Booth created this variant, inspired by the 1:50 virgin edition for Megacom, and it has been a major success.
Fantastic Four #1 (1961) – This is where it all began. The issue introduces the origin story of the Fantastic Four and marks the birth of the entire Marvel Universe.
Fantastic Four #48-50 (1966) – The Galactus Saga – A pivotal three-issue storyline that brings the cosmic threat of Galactus and the debut of the Silver Surfer (#48), cementing the FF’s status as Marvel’s premier cosmic explorers.
Fantastic Four: Life Story – A unique take on the team’s history, this series chronicles their journey in real-time, spanning from the 1960s to the present. The first issue, set in the '60s, aligns with speculation that the upcoming MCU Fantastic Four film may take inspiration from this era.
All of these come with a hefty price tag, making it a less-than-ideal time to buy but a great opportunity to sell. However, you can still enjoy them through a Marvel Digital Subscription.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ASM #258
Amazing Spider-Man #252, #298, #299, and #300, are key issues marking Venom’s introduction, are currently trending. Meanwhile, with the Fantastic Four gaining traction and a new Spider-Man movie in the works, Amazing Spider-Man #258 could be a smart pick. This issue features Spider-Man’s shocking discovery that the black suit is alive, aka Venom, and his subsequent imprisonment, setting the stage for Venom’s revenge in ASM #300. Often overlooked, this book remains relatively affordable compared to other key issues.
MAGIC: THE GATHERING - THE SHADOW MAGE
This 1990s comic, built on the foundations of the supporting card games, was largely overlooked in the comic world. However, with Hasbro announcing support for a movie or TV series, it has been resurrected, like Magic. If you're looking to buy this comic, it originally came in a plastic cover with a card, and that’s what you should be looking for.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1 COVER A
This comic is still in demand and can be picked up for cover price. Now, I’m not saying it will ever reach Absolute Batman levels, but it offers a fresh origin story that’s genuinely well done. With new Superman movies on the horizon, collectors will be looking to catch up on missed issues. Plus, given how often Superman stories get reimagined, it’s only a matter of time before elements from this run make their way to the big screen.
RELEASES 12-19th FEB TO GET IN ON.
DOOM ACADEMY #1 (RYAN BROWN)
With the Fortnite crossover, Robert Downey Jr. playing Doom, and the end of Blood. Doom is going big with One World Under Doom and now Doom Academy. With large print runs, the variants are ones to watch, and I particularly like this one. The incentive variants, along with the limited prints, could be the way to go here, as there are virgin editions of the cover below..
One of the biggest comics of the year, this is a must-have for any collector or fan. If you didn’t pick up issue #1, now is the time to grab it . With issue #2 on the horizon, the momentum is only building, and this series is shaping up to be a major event in the comic world. The story, artwork, and hype surrounding it make it an essential addition to any collection.
ONE WORLD UNDER DOOM #1
This was in last week but It’s the Year of Doom, and these comics are bound to be incredibly popular. While the main issues will have high print runs, the incentive variants are likely the ones to watch, just like Doom Academy for serious collectors. With the hype surrounding this series, there’s no doubt these books will sell out quickly.
THE LOOSE END #1 (HACK COVER)
This looks like an intriguing comic a down-on-their-luck writer is tasked with killing a Hollywood executive. I also like the Quentin Tarantino-style cover, reminiscent of Reservoir Dogs. It promises to be an interesting read, though I’m not sure if it will be a big return investment or a collector’s gem. Still, I am looking forward to reading it.
EDDIE BROCK CARNAGE #1
You can never go wrong with Carnage and Venom, visually stunning with consistently thrilling storylines. The idea of Eddie Brock merging with Carnage adds an exciting twist, and it has the potential to shake up the symbiote lore in a big way. I wouldn’t be surprised if this storyline makes its way into a future Marvel movie.
That wraps up my top ten picks for the week! Whether you're hunting for key issues, rare variants, or the next big spec book, there’s plenty to keep an eye on.
Stay tuned to 98Comics.com for more insights, reviews, and collecting tips.
