A curated blend of comic book speculation and trivia compiled by the owner of Key Collector Comics. FULL-ACCESS to Key Collector for $1.99 per month. Save 15% when you SUBSCRIBE for one year.
Clicking on the eBay link and making a purchase may result in this site earning a commission from the eBay Partner Network.
Key Facts
Origin of Galactus
Reprinted stories of Galactus's origin from various issues
Part of this issue is a retelling of Thor #169 when Galan becomes Galactus as his Universe is being destroyed by a 'plague'
Expanding on the event from Thor #169, the Sentience of the Universe speaks to Galan and absorbs him to be reborn later as Galactus
In Thor #5 (2020), the Black Winter claims to have spared Galan and created Galactus leading readers to believe the Sentience of the Universe, speaking but unseen, is also the Black Winter
Partial reprint of Fantastic Four #49, Thor #160, Thor #162 and Thor #167
Nick's Picks
A nice collected publication of Galactus's origin for a primer to the Fantastic Four: First Steps
Key Facts
Origin of Galactus
Reprinted stories of Galactus's origin from various issues
Part of this issue is a retelling of Thor #169 when Galan becomes Galactus as his Universe is being destroyed by a 'plague'
Expanding on the event from Thor #169, the Sentience of the Universe speaks to Galan and absorbs him to be reborn later as Galactus
In Thor #5 (2020), the Black Winter claims to have spared Galan and created Galactus leading readers to believe the Sentience of the Universe, speaking but unseen, is also the Black Winter
Partial reprint of Fantastic Four #49, Thor #160, Thor #162 and Thor #167
Nick's Picks
A nice collected publication of Galactus's origin for a primer to the Fantastic Four: First Steps
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Mr. Negative - face shown on a TV monitor
1st appearance of Overdrive
1st appearance of Jackpot, a geneticist and mother who received powers after being accidentally exposed to an experimental serum
Nick's Picks
In May 2020, a Jackpot movie was announced with Mark Guggenheim writing which will likely never happen but it is possible the character may have been salvaged for Spider-Man 4 with Sadie Sink in the role - Jean Grey and Mary Jane Watson from an alternate reality have been speculated online
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Mr. Negative - face shown on a TV monitor
1st appearance of Overdrive
1st appearance of Jackpot, a geneticist and mother who received powers after being accidentally exposed to an experimental serum
Nick's Picks
In May 2020, a Jackpot movie was announced with Mark Guggenheim writing which will likely never happen but it is possible the character may have been salvaged for Spider-Man 4 with Sadie Sink in the role - Jean Grey and Mary Jane Watson from an alternate reality have been speculated online
Key Facts
The first incursion occurs, the collision of alternate Universes with Earth being the point of impact resulting in the elimination of hundreds of thousands of multiverses
Nick's Picks
The following is a major ⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
A trusted source has divulged the following plot outline for the upcoming Avengers films (subject to change)
The film opens with Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor witnessing an incursion which wipes out Maguire's universe
Doctor Doom is introduced as a good guy but the incursions are happening as a result of him attempting to save his family or a member of his family
Doom has multiple masks that he wears and each one represents different aspects of his personality - there is a translucent one in addition to the classic titanium alloy mask
At some point, Captain America knocks Doom's mask off to reveal Tony Stark but in this reality, Doom is a descendent of Reed Richards
Captain America and Thor go on a quest to find Reed Richards to stop future incursions and Doom
*all of this information can and likely will change as the screenplay is further developed
Key Facts
The first incursion occurs, the collision of alternate Universes with Earth being the point of impact resulting in the elimination of hundreds of thousands of multiverses
Nick's Picks
The following is a major ⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
A trusted source has divulged the following plot outline for the upcoming Avengers films (subject to change)
The film opens with Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor witnessing an incursion which wipes out Maguire's universe
Doctor Doom is introduced as a good guy but the incursions are happening as a result of him attempting to save his family or a member of his family
Doom has multiple masks that he wears and each one represents different aspects of his personality - there is a translucent one in addition to the classic titanium alloy mask
At some point, Captain America knocks Doom's mask off to reveal Tony Stark but in this reality, Doom is a descendent of Reed Richards
Captain America and Thor go on a quest to find Reed Richards to stop future incursions and Doom
*all of this information can and likely will change as the screenplay is further developed
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Invincible, Mark Grayson in story
1st cameo appearance of Firebreather, later adapted into a Cartoon Network movie
Nick's Picks
With the popularity of Invincible it is a bit of a surprise that this issue hasn't seen much movement and with a definite season 4 of the series, the fanbase of this franchise will only get bigger (it took a couple of years for The Walking Dead to hit critical mass)
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Invincible, Mark Grayson in story
1st cameo appearance of Firebreather, later adapted into a Cartoon Network movie
Nick's Picks
With the popularity of Invincible it is a bit of a surprise that this issue hasn't seen much movement and with a definite season 4 of the series, the fanbase of this franchise will only get bigger (it took a couple of years for The Walking Dead to hit critical mass)
Key Facts
1st appearance of Paul, the husband of Mary Jane Watson
[January 2026 - a rumor suggests an actor that previously appeared in a Star Wars movie has been cast as the boyfriend of Mary Jane in Spider-Man: Brand New Day]
Nick's Picks
Many fans believe (or fear) that the identity of All-New Venom will be one of Spider-Man history's most hated character's, Paul Tobin though quite a few clues could be pointing to Mary Jane Watson especially considering her Jackpot powers
Key Facts
1st appearance of Paul, the husband of Mary Jane Watson
[January 2026 - a rumor suggests an actor that previously appeared in a Star Wars movie has been cast as the boyfriend of Mary Jane in Spider-Man: Brand New Day]
Nick's Picks
Many fans believe (or fear) that the identity of All-New Venom will be one of Spider-Man history's most hated character's, Paul Tobin though quite a few clues could be pointing to Mary Jane Watson especially considering her Jackpot powers
Key Facts
1st appearance of Billie Morales as a baby, the sister of Miles Morales
Nick's Picks
The sister of Miles Morales will be front and center in the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion five-issue series coming this June
Key Facts
1st appearance of Billie Morales as a baby, the sister of Miles Morales
Nick's Picks
The sister of Miles Morales will be front and center in the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion five-issue series coming this June
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz
Nick's Picks
There aren't too many variants that feature Ivan Kragoff aka Red Ghost (the character John Malkovich could be playing in Fantastic Four: First Steps) but there is this one from a classic artist in an issue that introduces Eddie Brock's son, Dylan in full
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz
Nick's Picks
There aren't too many variants that feature Ivan Kragoff aka Red Ghost (the character John Malkovich could be playing in Fantastic Four: First Steps) but there is this one from a classic artist in an issue that introduces Eddie Brock's son, Dylan in full
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz featuring H.E.R.B.I.E.
Nick's Picks
Similarly Sienkiewicz's H.E.R.B.I.E. variant
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz featuring H.E.R.B.I.E.
Nick's Picks
Similarly Sienkiewicz's H.E.R.B.I.E. variant
Marvel ⋅ 1992
Key Facts
1st appearance of Maestro, a future version of the Hulk
1st appearance of Janis, the granddaughter of Rick Jones
Nick's Picks
Will a World War Hulk movie ever see the light of day? Possibly and if so, a post-apocalyptic version of a calculatingly evil Hulk could make the cut in live-action
Key Facts
1st appearance of Maestro, a future version of the Hulk
1st appearance of Janis, the granddaughter of Rick Jones
Nick's Picks
Will a World War Hulk movie ever see the light of day? Possibly and if so, a post-apocalyptic version of a calculatingly evil Hulk could make the cut in live-action
International ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 1990
Key Facts
French-Canadian edition
Edmonton Oilers hockey jersey honoring Wayne Gretzky's number 99
Nick's Picks
This variant was recently submitted to our COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS (icon in the lower right corner of the app) which is a fun collectible for fans of McFarlane, Wayne Gretzky and/or Canada
Add issues, creator credits and other info to the database using the simple, user-friendly COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Key Facts
French-Canadian edition
Edmonton Oilers hockey jersey honoring Wayne Gretzky's number 99
Nick's Picks
This variant was recently submitted to our COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS (icon in the lower right corner of the app) which is a fun collectible for fans of McFarlane, Wayne Gretzky and/or Canada
Add issues, creator credits and other info to the database using the simple, user-friendly COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Key Facts
1st appearance of Air-Walker, replaced the Silver Surfer to serve as herald to Galactus
Nick's Picks
I would love to see multiple Heralds in live-action including Air-Walker who would be a frightening character to behold, walking through the sky surrounded by flames - Terrax and Firelord would also suffice
See more of Galactus's envoys in the HERALDS category
Key Facts
1st appearance of Air-Walker, replaced the Silver Surfer to serve as herald to Galactus
Nick's Picks
I would love to see multiple Heralds in live-action including Air-Walker who would be a frightening character to behold, walking through the sky surrounded by flames - Terrax and Firelord would also suffice
See more of Galactus's envoys in the HERALDS category
Nick's Picks
A cool cover selected intended to promote our ABSOLUTE INTRODUCTIONS Category that was requested and to welcome Category suggestions or anything else to [email protected]
Nick's Picks
A cool cover selected intended to promote our ABSOLUTE INTRODUCTIONS Category that was requested and to welcome Category suggestions or anything else to [email protected]
Nick's Picks
Viking Venom first appears in this issue and will reappear in the upcoming Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse series (May 14)
Nick's Picks
Viking Venom first appears in this issue and will reappear in the upcoming Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse series (May 14)
Key Facts
Debut of new power, Ghost Rider summons a motorcycle from hellfire
2nd full appearance of Son of Satan
Nick's Picks
Fans of Ghost Rider may not know that the Spirit of Vengeance did not come fully equipped with a flaming bike to match the skull
Key Facts
Debut of new power, Ghost Rider summons a motorcycle from hellfire
2nd full appearance of Son of Satan
Nick's Picks
Fans of Ghost Rider may not know that the Spirit of Vengeance did not come fully equipped with a flaming bike to match the skull
Key Facts
1st team appearance of Excalibur: Captain Britain, Meggan, Rachel Summers as Phoenix, Kitty Pryde, Lockheed, Nightcrawler
Back cover appearance of Widget who is later introduced in Excalibur #1 Note: there are two first print versions: the version pictured here is more scarce and doesn't display a price on the cover. The other shows a price of $3.25
Everything $3.50 and above are later printings
Nick's Picks
Excalibur is a team that invokes the nostalgia of comic collecting during the Copper Age and very likely will see some kind of adaptation in the future whether it is animated or live-action
Key Facts
1st team appearance of Excalibur: Captain Britain, Meggan, Rachel Summers as Phoenix, Kitty Pryde, Lockheed, Nightcrawler
Back cover appearance of Widget who is later introduced in Excalibur #1 Note: there are two first print versions: the version pictured here is more scarce and doesn't display a price on the cover. The other shows a price of $3.25
Everything $3.50 and above are later printings
Nick's Picks
Excalibur is a team that invokes the nostalgia of comic collecting during the Copper Age and very likely will see some kind of adaptation in the future whether it is animated or live-action
Key Facts
1st appearance of Streaky the Supercat
Nick's Picks
Krypto is already a hit so why not introduce Streaky in the Supergirl movie
Key Facts
1st appearance of Streaky the Supercat
Nick's Picks
Krypto is already a hit so why not introduce Streaky in the Supergirl movie
Devil's Due Publishing ⋅ 2004
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Pythona and Nemesis Enforcer, high ranking members of the ancient Cobra-La civilization - characters first introduced in G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987)
Nick's Picks
80s nostalgia seems to be the theme for this Nick's Picks and those of you who loved the very memorable and quotable animated movie know the incredible impact of Cobra-La who took way too long to be introduced in comics but are fortunately already part of the new Image Energon Universe
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Pythona and Nemesis Enforcer, high ranking members of the ancient Cobra-La civilization - characters first introduced in G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987)
Nick's Picks
80s nostalgia seems to be the theme for this Nick's Picks and those of you who loved the very memorable and quotable animated movie know the incredible impact of Cobra-La who took way too long to be introduced in comics but are fortunately already part of the new Image Energon Universe
Key Facts
Introduction of Lex Luthor's Warsuit
Nick's Picks
The iconic suit really should be honored on-screen
Key Facts
Introduction of Lex Luthor's Warsuit
Nick's Picks
The iconic suit really should be honored on-screen
Key Facts
Images of the Hulk in the upper-left logo box create a flip-book beginning with this issue and ending with issue #300
Nick's Picks
A fun Easter Egg in the corner box that begins on this issue's cover creates a flip-book animation of the Hulk dropping his beaker and tearing off his lab coat that ends with issue #300 - tap cover to view all corner boxes
Key Facts
Images of the Hulk in the upper-left logo box create a flip-book beginning with this issue and ending with issue #300
Nick's Picks
A fun Easter Egg in the corner box that begins on this issue's cover creates a flip-book animation of the Hulk dropping his beaker and tearing off his lab coat that ends with issue #300 - tap cover to view all corner boxes
Adjust Your Filters To See More Comics!
By default Key Collector searches for Standard Cover Key Issues.
Adjust the "Variants" search filter above for additional content:
- Variant Covers ([[totalVariants]])
At Key Collector, our primary focus is on unearthing those rare Standard Cover Key Issues for you. However, the world of comic collectibles is vast and varied. We want to make sure you have the tools to explore it all!