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 some of this week’s comics keys.

In no particular order, here they are:

Detective Comics #1101

Criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot. Batman has long depended on this mantra to uphold justice in Gotham City. But what if Gotham was a city devoid of fear? Would this lead to a city free of inhibitions or a populace driven suicidal by an inability to process mortal terror? To answer this question, the Dark Knight will embark on a harrowing adventure that must be seen to be believed!

This issue begins a new story arc, where we just might get the first cameo of The Lion (solicited for issue #1103 as Gotham’s newest villain).

Detective Comics #1101– Cover E 1:25 Stephanie Hans Variant

As far as incentive requirements go, 1:25 isn’t terrible, so this one will be more accessible than some, and just look at this cover. I’m not totally sold on the moon eye, but everything else is gorgeous.

Skinbreaker #1

Enor has led his tribe for many seasons, but his time as Chieftan is coming to an end. He wields the mighty SKINBREAKER, but at his age, he can barely lift it. Will Enor’s reluctant heir, Anok, take over before their world falls to ruin? As a bloody power struggle begins, an even bigger threat lurks in the darkness beyond their village.

It’s Kirkman. It’s a #1. People will buy.

Ultimate Hawkeye #1

Ultimate Hawkeye targets the maker! Spinning out of the ultimates, breakout hit character Hawkeye goes on a covert solo op that will have a massive impact on the future of the ultimate universe!

While Hawkeye isn’t the most popular character on the DC spinner rack, it’s an Ultimate title, and they’ve been knocking these things out of the park. I still hate that vertical sidehead, but they aren’t getting rid of it.

Ultimate Hawkeye #1– 1:25 David Mack Variant

Better. 

Battleworld #1

Heroes from across the Multiverse are thrown together on a patchwork world to engage in their own Secret Wars for the survival of their timelines! Who or what has created this Battleworld, and for what nefarious purpose? Enter Maestro. Is he friend, or foe?

In which, we get the debut of multiverse versions of Wasp, Spider-Man, and Captain Marvel.

Battleworld #1– 1:100 Leinil Francis Yu Virgin Variant

I know what you’re saying. This is just the virgin version of cover A. It sure is. And look how much cleaner it is. The focus completely changes when you get rid of that trade dressing, and a ‘meh’ cover becomes a super sexy collector piece.

 

Quik Stops #2

In this very special issue of Quick Stops, Kevin Smith pens a touching tribute to friend, collaborator, early architect of the Askewniverse, and the reason that Mallrats exists — the incomparable Shannen Doherty.

Join us as we honor our friend and costar with two stories — one about Shannen’s immaculate sense of humor, and the other a requiem for her character in Mallrats, Rene.

This is one of those issues that will be talked about for years to come. It gives a touching glimpse into the family atmosphere on both sides of the Askewniverse camera. 

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: The Sword of Flaws #1

When an ancient and evil artifact is unearthed from the depths, the Masters of the Universe will have to scour the land in search of this Preternian power… or risk it falling into the hands of their greatest enemies.

Freddie Williams II on a He-Man title? Say no more, fam.