By Lefteros

[SPOILER WARNING] Know before you go! There are so many great selections this week and so many good books to choose from. We have a lot to break down and a lot to explain; I would like to reiterate that there will be SPOILERS AHEAD. You have been warned. Let’s get into it!

COVRPRICE TIP: Below are some of this week's releases sorted by the highest market value. If you visit the NEW RELEASE section, you can filter by "Est Value (Highest to Lowest)." Make sure to check it out before heading to your local comic shop. If you miss something, no worries! We have a DAY AFTER WEDNESDAY article every Thursday, highlighting the best new release trends. Don't forget to check in regularly to see the current Fair Market Value (FMV) with our handy dandy comic book price guide for each comic book.

OPEN ORDER SELECTIONS

ABSOLUTE POWER #1 COVER A DAN MORA | DC

The Absolute Power mainline crossover mini-series finally arrives this week. With the dynamic duo of Mark Waid and Dan Mora at the helm, I think we are in good hands. This series kicks off with the first full appearance of Task Force VII, so if you needed an excuse to check this out, that's a pretty good one!

ANNIHILATION 2099 #1 MAIN COVER NICK BRADSHAW | MARVEL

I have a good feeling about this mini-series by Steve Orlando that takes the 2099 Universe to the cosmic domain. Each issue introduces new characters and new takes on 2099 characters, and let me tell you, this one is a sleeper. As I said in the introduction, beware of spoilers, so here is a big one. Nova 2099, AKA The Last Nova, is none other than Wolverine 2099! That's right, Logan is Nova. Plus, we get some villains in this one that fans of Symbiote lore and Knull will love. If that wasn't enough, Dracula 2099 appears and creates a new team of 2099 vampires that we will likely be seeing more of soon. This series is off to a really good start!

MOON KNIGHT FIST OF KHONSHU #0 MAIN COVER E.M. GIST | MARVEL

You did not see this book on FOC because it had no FOC. Distributors sent out an email late last week saying this book was now printed, in stock, and ready to order. There is also a one-per-account promotional variant for this book, but more on that later. This issue serves as a prequel to the upcoming Moon Knight series that will feature Marc Spectre's return. That series won't be out until later this year, but I am glad to see Jed MacKay and Alessandro Cappuccio still at the helm. Worth noting there does appear to be a first appearance in this one. Contact your favorite comic shop if you want a copy; no telling how high or how low the supply is!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #70 COVER A AARON HAMMERSTROM | IDW PUBLISHING

Well, it turns out that this "new character," called the Phantom Rider, is none other than Sonic himself. Again, I warned you there would be spoilers. Don't worry, though; that is revealed right at the start of the book. Nonetheless, this is a wicked-looking mantle and costume for Sonic, and this cover is great. It's worth checking out if you're a fan!

SPIDER-MAN REIGN 2 #1 MAIN COVER KAARE ANDREWS | MARVEL

Where do we begin with this book? First, it turns out that this is not the Earth-70237 Black Cat, but Kitty-Kat; an all-new character with a likely relation to Earth-70237 Black Cat. Then, we get what is probably the most disturbing version of Kingpin imaginable. If that wasn't enough, we also get introduced to Earth-70237 Miles Morales, who does not seem quite like the Miles we know and love. Looks like Kaare Andrews is out to outdo himself with this sequel series, and he is off to a good start!

STAR WARS INQUISITORS #1 MAIN COVER NICK BRADSHAW | MARVEL

This is a great Star Wars comic that pretty much all Star Wars fans can enjoy. The story focuses on the Inquisitors being tasked with tracking down a Jedi Knight named Tensu Run, who has survived Order-66. There is a lot of dread in this issue, and I am not surprised by a writer like Rodney Barnes behind it. You may know him as the mastermind behind Killadelphia. We are also introduced to three additional characters, including Tensu Run's Master. In my opinion, this is peak Star Wars, and I can't wait for the next issue!

X-MEN BLOOD HUNT PSYLOCKE #1 MAIN COVER STEPHEN SEGOVIA | MARVEL

Let's take a moment to discuss what a great job Marvel has done with this Blood Hunt series. The Red Band Editions were a huge success, the creators behind these tie-ins have done a great job creating stories that add to the overall event, and the new characters have been great. Case and point this new character who is based on a Japanese urban legend. Kuchisake-Onna even has a DC Comics counterpart. While this is not a major first appearance, it is a cool one!

X-MEN FROM THE ASHES SAMPLER | MARVEL

Let the debate of whether preview comics are first appearances begin on this one. There is no doubt about it: this promotional preview features the first full appearance of Bronze. This is a new mutant that is part of the Exceptional X-Men roster. The pages she appears in are simply the first few pages of the upcoming Exceptional X-Men #1. It's worth asking your shop for a copy. I just wanted to note that the printing production quality and paper stock on this free preview is better than that of typical Marvel books. I would like to see that upgraded to this level as soon as possible!

COVER SELECTIONS

ABSOLUTE POWER #1 COVER J DANIEL SAMPERE UNLOCKABLE VARIANT | DC

This is the first of two Absolute Power variants with a bit of strings attached regarding how to preorder them. This variant, in particular, required shops to order more copies of this book than of a previous book. That was the only for it to be unlocked. After that, retailers could order as many as they wished. It may not be on every shelf this week, so if you want a copy, ask your shop!

ABSOLUTE POWER #1 COVER I WES CRAIG RAISED UV FOIL VARIANT | DC

Another book with some complications at FOC. Mainly, it was on FOC three weeks before all the other variants of this book. No doubt this Raised UV Foil Variant process requires additional production time. When looking at it in hand, you can see why. This looks incredible! It's way better than the typical Marvel and DC Comics foil variants we have been getting. Keep these coming, DC; I would love to see more art printed like this!

SPIDER-MAN REIGN 2 #1 KAARE ANDREWS VARIANT | MARVEL

If you're into Kitty-Kat, the Main Cover or the 1:25 on which she is depicted may be the way to go, but if you're into Earth-70237 Miles, this is your variant. As you can see, this is an homage to the first issue of the first series, but it only features buffed-up and old Miles Morales instead of Old Man Parker. It's a great cover that looks even better in print!

SPIDER-MAN REIGN 2 #1 SKOTTIE YOUNG VARIANT | MARVEL

Finally, if you were on the fence about picking this one up and you're a Skottie fan, prepare to be sold. Spidey variants by Skottie Young generally hold decent value, especially when he nails them like this one. It's safe to call this a must-grab for Skottie fans!

INCENTIVE SELECTIONS

MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS #7 FACSIMILE EDITION JUNGGEUN VOON 1:25 INCENTIVE VARIANT | MARVEL

These Facsimile Edition 1:25s continue to do very well on release, even when they have Retailer Exclusive Variants attached. This is a prime example. 616 Comics sold 29 copies of this on eBay for only $12, but those copies have since dried up. Now, the cheapest listing is for $50 or more. Watching where this is when the dust settles later this week will be interesting!

MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #22 ROSE BESCH 1:50 INCENTIVE VIRGIN VARIANT | MARVEL

This is not my favorite Rose Besch cover by a long shot, but her fans and Miles fans are nothing if not completionists. So far the high sale for this on eBay has been for $50, and there is even a new listing available for just $35. Somehow I don't think that will last long. With no Exclusive Variants, a little bit of demand can send this one trending over ratio. Let's see what happens!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #70 NATHALIE FOURDRAINE 1:10 INCENTIVE VARIANT | IDW PUBLISHING

This little 1:10 has already seen a high eBay sale of $35. I like Cover A more, but I am not surprised Sonic fans all want a copy of this one. Phantom Rider looks pretty wicked if you ask me. This may be a book you can score at your favorite shop closer to the ratio price, but as it stands, copies are looking scarce on eBay. If you want a copy, I will keep an eye on new eBay listings leading up to NCBD. I can see some copies going for $10 before release!

SPIDER-MAN REIGN 2 #1 LESLEY LEIRIX LI 1:25 INCENTIVE VARIANT | MARVEL

If you're into Earth-70237 Kitty-Kat, then this is the variant you want for this book. The 1:100 is doing well, but that is a virgin version of the Main Cover that features Earth-70237 Spidey. It is impressive to see this one holding strong at $30, seeing as it is not a high ratio. I managed to read this book, and Kitty-Kat is pretty cool. Some positive buzz could see this one doing well this week!

STAR WARS INQUISITORS #1 ALEX MALEEV 1:25 INCENTIVE VARIANT | MARVEL

Star Wars books that have multiple first appearances and only one 1:25 incentive usually see that incentive doing pretty well. This one looks like it has that potential. First, it's a great cover by Alex Maleev, but beyond that, there don't seem to be too many copies on eBay. Star Wars books are kind of cold right now, and that $5.99 cover price probably deterred some shops from reaching them. This is a great story, and I can see fans getting excited once they read it. Just a couple of sales can see this incentive gain momentum. Currently, copies are going for just over $30 on eBay, so it may be a decent time to scoop one up!

LATER PRINTING SELECTIONS

FALLING IN LOVE ON THE PATH TO HELL# 1 2ND PRINT GARRY BROWN | IMAGE

I typically do not love simple recolor later printings. I mean, give us some new cover art to get excited about, at least. However, this red version of the first printing cover is straight-up striking. This is a great read, too, so if you missed the first printing, this is a good way to jump on!

REDCOAT #1 3RD PRINT BRYAN HITCH | IMAGE

The Ghost Machine Universe is one of the best things going in comic books right now. Right up there with the Energon Universe. That's why these later printings of the first issues seem so worthwhile. I am not sure what the print run will end up being on these, but with no incentives and two previous printings, something tells me they can't be too high. I am confident in this property, so picking up a couple of these is a no-brainer for me!

ROOK EXODUS #1 3RD PRINT JASON FABOK | IMAGE

Same deal here, only this series is my favorite Ghost Machine title. Everything about this title is top-notch, so if you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, this is your chance. Beyond that, as with Redcoat, I think these later printings have a ton of long-term upside!

SPECIAL VARIANT SELECTIONS

MOON KNIGHT FIST OF KHONSHU #0 ALESSANDRO CAPPUCCIO SURPRISE VARIANT | MARVEL

A surprise variant for a surprise comic book, why not? This is a great cover by long-standing Moon Knight artist Alessandro Cappuccio, who also did the interiors for this book. This series is a prequel for the upcoming series, and it has been selling on eBay for $50 and has had some early auctions hit higher numbers.

What I want to talk about is how these are produced and distributed. They are polybagged and shipped out in soft mailers. This is a nice gesture by Marvel to offer up shops a free collectible to sell and make some extra money, but they are arriving wrecked. Full of dents and color rubs and several non-pressable defects. I think we can all agree that these should not be polybagged and simply be included with orders, just like any other book. Hopefully, Marvel will catch on!

That's it for this week, folks! I told you in the introduction that this week's NCBD would be great. Also, in case you were wondering, things do not go up next week. We have X-Men #1 and TMNT #1, which both come with a bunch of other goodies. What a great summer for new comic book collectors. Happy hunting!

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