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.

Batman #4

Organized crime in Gotham City has become really, really organized!

 As Bruce Wayne investigates the Crown of Storms, Batman pursues Anarky and discovers a criminal conspiracy hiding in plain sight that will change the game for crime and criminals in Gotham City… and the world!

This issue marks the first appearance of a character called Minotaur, who, presumably, is the fella on the cover with the Squid Games VIP mask and all the extra fingers. 

Batman, first appearance … this issue has a lot going for it, but I have questions. Does Minotaur have four thumbs and no pinky? What the hell is up with that hand? Is this AI? Someone help me out here. 

Batman #4- Cover B Jim Lee Variant

This open order cover is one of the dopest I have ever seen. 

Spider-Man Noir #3

Haunted! Gwen Stacy takes the investigation of her father’s death into her own hands — and sets out to unmask Spider-Man! Meanwhile, Spider-Man Noir’s got another new rogue on his hands — meet Plasma-Man!

Spider-Man Noir continues to deliver with its grayscale/red accented covers. This one leans hard into the noir aspect with strong visuals. Inside, you’ll find the first appearance of a villain called Plasma-Man.

Spider-Man Noir #3- 1:25 Nogi San Variant

The A cover is strong, but this incentive variant is near perfect. The black and white, minimalist design tells a story, while leaving plenty of open space for remarque and signatures.

Wiccan: Witches’ Road #1

Something Wiccan this way comes! A dark, macabre adventure awaits down the Witches’ Road that will reshape Wiccan — and the magical fabric of the Marvel Universe — forever… Wiccan and Hulkling arrive back on Earth, but nothing is ever easy for Marvel’s favorite (former) space emperors! 

Wiccan kicks off a new series with the introduction of a new villain.

Hulk: Smash Everything #1

A GUARANTEED SMASH HIT!!! Is Hulk really the strongest there is? Sure, he’s stronger than most PEOPLE… but is he really stronger than EVERYTHING? Dinosaurs? Planets? Gravity? Cosmic forces??? Find out here because when we say Hulk takes on all-comers in this new miniseries, we really mean it!!! 

Nothing groundbreaking here. Just Hulk doing what Hulk does best across a five-issue miniseries. Sometimes you just want to see shit get smashed.

Doctor Strange #1

Stephen Strange, stranded! After becoming Sorcerer Supreme of Asgard, Strange lost his chance at redemption — and revenge against Doom — when Loki murdered Thor, cutting Midgard off from the other nine realms. With no way home and few allies remaining in Asgard, Strange travels to Alfheim to investigate an emerging crisis.

This issue sees a first team appearance of the Royal Family of Heaven and the first appearance of Vrybodin, a dark elvish sorcerer. I don’t understand what Strange is doing headlining a Thor series, but I guess we’ll see.

Ultimate Universe: Two Years In #1

ALL PATHS LEAD TO ENDGAME! In preparation for the Maker’s return in ULTIMATE ENDGAME, the Ultimate Guardians have been travelling all across time and space, recruiting members new and old… Travel across all the corners of the Ultimate Universe! Don’t miss the dawn of many new characters, including Ultimate Daredevil!

The solicit promises the introduction of Ultimate Daredevil, who will likely not be Matt Murdock. 

Venom #252

The rumors are true! Venom has a brand-new red-and-blue suit – and a brand new name to go with it! How will the people of New York react when they find out that the city’s newest Spider-Man is the SYMBIOTE they love to loathe? Luke Cage and Otto Octavius are ready to debate the matter — with their fists! 

This issue features the origin of the All-Newer Venom, the character seen on the cover. Wicked suit, and that cat’s muscles have muscles. Regardless of the content within, this cover should get some attention.

Venom #252- Big Time Collectibles/ Comic Inspiration SGCC 2025 Mico Suayan Virgin Variant

Another retailer exclusive caught my attention this week. That doesn’t seem to be the same Symbiote we see on the main cover, but a classic Jekyll/Hyde dynamic between Venom and Spider-Man. This one is for Singapore Comic Con this weekend. If you happen to find yourself at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center this weekend, grab one for me, would you?