Collector Keys Corner — Collectible Comics To Look Out For This Week

Welcome back to Collector Keys Corner! There are basically two kinds of people buying comics. Those who read them, and those who collect them. There is quite a bit of overlap between the two groups, but comics consumers generally lean hard one way or the other. This column is aimed at the collectors, highlighting this week’s comics keys.

Nightwing #130

Nightwing finds himself thrust into the unlikely role of mentor to an aspiring hero with incredible power. But is the city of Bludhaven big enough for the both of them?

This is an interesting issue because DC is teasing the possible appearance of Nightwing Prime (Bryce Moran) as Nightwing’s protege.

Nightwing #130- Cover B Jorge Fornés Variant

I talk about a lot of incentive covers because of their manufactured rarity, so I really wanted to highlight a cool open order cover. This cover is deceptively simple, but it calls back to the old gumshoe serials, which is brilliant for a Bat-family cover. Simple, clean, but unmistakable in intent. 

Marvel / DC: Deadpool / Batman #1

Wade Wilson has been hired for a job in Gotham City, but will the World’s Greatest Detective help him or destroy him? The main story starring Deadpool and Batman will be written by Zeb Wells and drawn by industry superstar Greg Capullo.

The one-shot will also feature additional backup stories spotlighting other exciting Marvel and DC team-ups from a lineup of all-star talent, including Daredevil and GREEN ARROW by Kevin Smith and Adam Kubert, Captain America and Wonder Woman by Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson, and Jeff the Land Shark and Krypto by Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru.

The last time Marvel and DC partnered up in a meaningful way was Amalgam comics in 1996-1997. I feel the need to point out this is an anthology, not a series or a mini, but it’s still a cool pickup.

Marvel / DC: Deadpool / Batman #1- 1:200 Greg Capullo Sketch Virgin Variant

Two hundred copies of a single title is a huge order, so this incentive variant will be incredibly rare. This is the sketch that was inked and colored for the Capullo A cover. I love how raw it is. Comparing this cover to the A cover, you can see how much the inker and colorist add to a finished piece. Very cool pickup for the rarity alone. It also happens to be drawn by one of the definitive Batman artists of all time.

Deadpool / Wolverine #9 

The Horsemen of Apocalypse! The shocking reveal of the summer pays off as Wolverine and Deadpool serve as horsemen of the mutant apocalypse! If you missed this revelation, time to catch up here with issue #9!

This issue features the first appearance of ‘Legacy 2.0-powered Wolverine’ according to Marvel’s solicit.

Wonder Woman #25

After days of searching through a mouse-infested world, Wonder Woman finally locates the lost Etta Candy and fugitive Amazon Emilie. Little does she know, they are hiding a tiny harbinger of death who will change Diana’s fate forever! You won’t want to miss the first appearance of the Matriarch in this oversize anniversary issue that will set the stage for all Wonder Woman stories to come!

Another first appearance. This one is called the Matriarch. She’s apparently a harbinger of death

Street Sharks #1

The first Street Sharks comic in more than 20 years brings you extreme stories and a fintastic time! 

The four Bolton Brothers were happy playing sports and meeting babes. But when a run-in with a mad scientist turned them into giant sharks, they only got cooler!

Kick some serious fin with Ripster, the great white head of the pack; Streex, the rollerblading ladies’ man (er, ladies’ SHARK); Jab, the hammerhead who loooves using his noggin; and Big Slammu, the whale shark with the whale-sized muscles, on their newest adventure! 

They’ll need all the help they can get to stop their arch nemesis, Dr. Piranoid, from developing… THE PERFECT PREDATOR! Little do they know, it’s already too late to stop the grossest monster they’ve ever fought from being born!

Those Saturday morning cartoons from the early 90s are super hot right now. IDW has the license for Street Sharks for at least a three-issue mini. It may be a longer run, but I only see solicits up through issue #3. I really, really wanted a cool variant for this one, but they all pretty much look exactly like this, with the Sharks rushing toward the viewer, ready to fight. That’s definitely on brand, but I would have liked to see more variety in the offerings. 

I’ll leave you with this video of a young Dominic Toretto, playing with Street Sharks action figures at Toy Fair 1994.