Hot 10

🏅#10 on the Hot 10

THIS WEEK’S RECORD-BREAKING SALES [Previous High In Brackets]

CALERO VARIANT 9.8 sold for $500 [$400 in 2018] +25%

NEWSSTAND 9.6 sold for $800 [$660 in 2023] +21%

NEWSSTAND 9.4 sold for $597 [$400 in 2025] +49%

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

9.8 sold for $690 vs the average $526 (+31%)

5 copies outsold the average

9.6 sold for $415 vs the average $358 (+16%)

9.2 sold for $340 vs the average $270 (+26%)

NEWSSTAND 9.8 sold for $1,700 vs the average $1,339 (+27%)

NEWSSTAND 9.2 sold for $325 vs the average $294 (+11%)

Spider-Noir debuted on Prime Video on May 27, 2026, and currently sits at a 91% critic score and 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes

The season finale ended on an open note, making it likely that a second season announcement will arrive in the coming weeks

This is the second consecutive week and second overall week that Spider-Man Noir #1 has ranked on the Key Collector Comics Hot 10

🏅#9 on the Hot 10

THIS WEEK’S RECORD-BREAKING SALES [Previous High In Brackets]

8.5 sold for $1,195 [$875 in 2021] +37%

8.0 sold for $879 [$749 in 2022] +17%

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

7.5 sold for $650 vs the average $571 (+14%)

6.5 sold for $300 vs the average $247 (+21%)

6.0 sold for $297 vs the average $221 (+34%)

4.5 sold for $150 vs the average $134 (+12%)

Another notable sale this week was Magnus Robot Fighter #1 (1963), which recorded a high sale of $2,300 for a 9.0, exceeding its twelve-month average of $1,400 by an impressive 64%

So why are collectors suddenly paying attention to Gold Key characters? Last week, Bleeding Cool reported that Robert Kirkman and Skybound Entertainment are expected to begin publishing the classic Gold Key properties Magnus Robot Fighter, Doctor Solar, and Turok under what is believed to be a licensing agreement rather than an outright acquisition of the intellectual property

These characters have a long publishing history, originating at Gold Key Comics before being revitalized by Valiant Comics in the early 1990s and later appearing through Dark Horse and Dynamite

Kirkman and Image have already demonstrated their ability to breathe new life into legacy brands through the successful launch of the Energon Universe, which united Transformers and G.I. Joe (M.A.S.K. will be folded into the universe with a debut issue going on sale this week)

While Skybound's plans for the Gold Key characters remain unknown, speculation is already building that the publisher could create a new shared universe designed to modernize the properties for a new generation of readers

This marks the first time Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom #1 has ranked on the Key Collector Comics Hot 10

🏅#8 on the Hot 10

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

9.8 sold for $3,416 vs the average $2,827 (+21%)

8 copies outsold the average

9.6 sold for $1,060 vs the average $758 (+40%)

7 copies outsold the average

9.4 sold for $700 vs the average $489 (+43%)

9.2 sold for $500 vs the average $395 (+27%)

9.0 sold for $380 vs the average $351 (+8%)

8.5 sold for $325 vs the average $265 (+23%)

8.0 sold for $300 vs the average $241 (+24%)

7.0 sold for $248 vs the average $196 (+27%)

6.5 sold for $266 vs the average $188 (+41%)

5.5 sold for $170 vs the average $161 (+6%)

Normally, one might assume that The Mandalorian and Grogu, as the next major chapter in Star Wars lore, would be driving interest in Star Wars collectibles

In this case, that assumption is likely incorrect

Instead, something far more unusual has captured the attention of Star Wars fans, LEGO collectors, hobbyists across multiple collecting categories, and just about anyone susceptible to the pull of nostalgia

For those unaware of the Bricks & Minifigs controversy, here is a simplified, bullet point overview of the scandal as far as we understand it:

Collector, Bryan Mansell, consigned a large LEGO Star Wars collection (reported at roughly $100,000–$200,000 in value) to a Bricks & Minifigs franchise in Oregon in 2023

After the store changed ownership and corporate became involved, Mansell alleged that a substantial portion of the collection was never returned and that he was not properly compensated

Bricks & Minifigs(sometimes referred to as BAM) has denied wrongdoing and argues the dispute stems from agreements involving the former franchise owner rather than the franchisor itself

The story exploded online after YouTuber Reckless Ben published investigative videos about the dispute

The controversy expanded beyond the original collection dispute and led to lawsuits, police interactions, protests, review bombing of stores, and widespread social media attention

Some independent franchise locations reported harassment despite having no involvement in the Oregon dispute

A lawsuit has since been filed by BAM Franchising against Reckless Ben and others connected to the viral investigation

Many allegations circulating online involve disputed claims and ongoing legal matters

no court has conclusively determined the core allegations regarding the collection itself

The controversy damaged trust within parts of the LEGO collecting community because it involves a high-value collection, questions about consignment practices, franchise oversight, and the treatment of collectors' property

This has garnered a lot of attention worldwide based on how this will play out and that it could happen to anyone in any hobby

🏅#7 on the Hot 10

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

9.0 sold for $4,043 vs the average $3,840 (+5%)

8.5 sold for $3,300 vs the average $3,090 (+7%)

6.5 sold for $1,962 vs the average $1,910 (+3%)

6.0 sold for $2,050 vs the average $1,793 (+14%)

5.0 sold for $1,626 vs the average $1,458 (+12%)

4.0 sold for $1,810 vs the average $1,250 (+45%)

This is the 13th time in 23 weeks of 2026 that Giant Size X-Men #1 ranked on the Hot 10

🏅#6 on the Hot 10

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

8.5 sold for $5,368 vs the average $3,324 (+61%)

7.5 sold for $2,300 vs the average $1,726 (+33%)

7.0 sold for $1,800 vs the average $1,472 (+22%)

6.5 sold for $1,220 vs the average $1,123 (+9%)

6.0 sold for $1,025 vs the average $941 (+9%)

5.5 sold for $999 vs the average $788 (+27%)

5.0 sold for $907 vs the average $712 (+27%)

4.5 sold for $611 vs the average $606 (+1%)

3.5 sold for $490 vs the average $458 (+7%)

This is the sixth time in 2026 that Kingpin’s first appearance ranked on the Hot 10

🏅#5 on the Hot 10

THIS WEEK’S RECORD-BREAKING SALES [Previous High In Brackets]

7.5 sold for $1,800 [$1,700 in Apr] +6%

3.5 sold for $508 [$500 in 2025] +2%

3.0 sold for $518 [$475 in 2025] +9%

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

9.0 sold for $3,660 vs the average $3,466 (+6%)

8.0 sold for $2,491 vs the average $1,845 (+35%)

7.0 sold for $1,400 vs the average $1,071 (+31%)

5.5 sold for $763 vs the average $707 (+8%)

4.0 sold for $655 vs the average $507 (+29%)

This is the third time in 2026 that Batman #227 ranked on the Hot 10 which is impressive for a book that receives collector attention solely for its cover art

🏅#4 on the Hot 10

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

9.0 sold for $9,150 vs the average $8,859 (+3%)

6.0 sold for $2,300 vs the average $2,296 (+0%)

3.0 sold for $1,066 vs the average $866 (+23%)

2.0 sold for $900 vs the average $606 (+49%)

GOLDEN RECORD REPRINT 6.5 sold for $350 vs the average $277 (+26%)

This is the third time in 2026 that Avengers #4 qualified for the Key Collector Comics Hot 10

Golden Record Reprint refers a series of reprints released in 1966 through the children’s label Golden Records (Simon & Schuster)

These comics were packaged with vinyl records that narrated the comic story, allowing kids to read along with the audio

What’s unique about the Golden Record reprints is that they were published so closely after the original which was not a common practice at that time as it is now

Other comics that have Golden Record reprints include:

Fantastic Four #1

Journey Into Mystery #83 (first appearance of Thor)

The Amazing Spider-Man #1

🏅#3 on the Hot 10

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

9.6 sold for $5,856 vs the average $5,817 (+1%)

9.4 sold for $4,500 vs the average $3,751 (+20%)

7.5 sold for $1,800 vs the average $1,592 (+13%)

7.0 sold for $1,700 vs the average $1,514 (+12%)

6.5 sold for $1,495 vs the average $1,297 (+15%)

6.0 sold for $1,350 vs the average $1,215 (+11%)

5.5 sold for $1,400 vs the average $1,107 (+26%)

5.0 sold for $1,100 vs the average $1,044 (+5%)

4.5 sold for $1,025 vs the average $957 (+7%)

3.5 sold for $975 vs the average $828 (+18%)

3.0 sold for $820 vs the average $798 (+3%)

FRONT COVER MISSING / INCOMPLETE 0.5 sold for $442 vs the average $350 (+26%)

In addition to these sales, this week produced a new all-time high sale for a MARK JEWELERS INSERT when a 9.2 sold for $4,750, rocketing past the previous $2,345 high from 2019 by +102%

This week marks the 17th time in 23 weeks that ASM #129 appeared on the Hot 10

🏅#2 on the Hot 10

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

9.8 sold for $7,500 vs the average $5,709 (+31%)

9.6 sold for $4,050 vs the average $3,017 (+34%)

9.0 sold for $3,090 vs the average $2,019 (+53%)

LIMITED EDITION 9.8 sold for $750 vs the average $530 (+42%)

LIMITED EDITION 9.6 sold for $479 vs the average $398 (+20%)

A 9.4 sale of $3,700 set a new record over last month’s $3,050 high sale by +21%

This marks the ninth week in 2026 that Invincible #1 has qualified for the Key Collector Comics Hot 10

9.8 sales are on pace to deliver a record year not only in price performance but also in the number of copies changing hands

The following figures represent the number of 9.8 sales each year and their average sale price: 2005: 4 sales ($150)

2006: 2 sales ($180)

2008: 2 sales ($500)

2009: 16 sales ($260)

2010: 12 sales ($260)

2011: 5 sales ($275)

2012: 15 sales ($400)

2013: 10 sales ($325)

2014: 10 sales ($375)

2015: 7 sales ($550)

2016: 6 sales ($775)

2017: 15 sales ($800)

2018: 20 sales ($900)

2019: 19 sales ($950)

2020: 30 sales ($1,250)

2021: 31 sales ($3,400)

2022: 15 sales ($3,000)

2023: 28 sales ($3,500)

2024: 19 sales ($3,500)

2025: 34 sales ($4,500)

2026: 22 sales ($6,500)

At its current pace, Invincible #1 is projected to surpass 40 units of 9.8 this year and could approach 50 by year end

An even more impressive statistic is the movement of the rolling twelve-month average sale price, which began the year at $4,600 and has since climbed to $5,700, a gain of more than $1,000 supported by a substantial volume of transactions

The book reached a new milestone at the beginning of May when a 9.8 crossed the $7,000 threshold for the first time

Since then, five additional copies have sold for more than $7,000 and no 9.8 has sold below that mark since May 1

If demand continues at its current pace, Invincible #1 could finish 2026 with 9.8 copies commanding a consistent premium of $8,000+

There are 564 copies graded 9.8 as reported by the CGC Population Report

🏅#1 on the Hot 10

Transactions from this week that sold for higher than the previous twelve-month average:

9.8 sold for $67,100 vs the average $61,116 (+10%)

9.0 sold for $6,710 vs the average $6,087 (+10%)

8.5 sold for $5,399 vs the average $4,733 (+14%)

8.0 sold for $5,368 vs the average $4,236 (+27%)

7.5 sold for $3,800 vs the average $3,701 (+3%)

7.0 sold for $3,782 vs the average $3,392 (+11%)

6.0 sold for $3,304 vs the average $2,688 (+23%)

4.5 sold for $2,300 vs the average $2,196 (+5%)

4.0 sold for $2,459 vs the average $1,996 (+23%)

This marks the 15th week out of 23 that Wolverine’s first full appearance has ranked on the Key Collector Comics Hot 10 and the seventh time it has claimed the top spot, establishing itself as a serious Key of the Year contender alongside Invincible #1 and ASM #129, which occupy the #2 and #3 positions this week

The staggering $67,000 sale of a 9.8 is the highest recorded sale of the grade in 2026 across four transactions

The last time a 9.8 sold for higher was in November 2025 for $72,000

Hulk #181 began a markedly significant rise in value in 2018 when the average 9.8 sale jumped from $18,000 to $28,000

This was followed by another $5,000 increase in 2019 and yet another in 2020

The market then accelerated dramatically from 2020 to 2021 as the average sale surged $25,000 to reach $70,000

Some skepticism toward 2021's results is understandable, as the year's four sales were split between two transactions near $50,000 and two others at $85,000 later in the year

Critics have argued that influential market participants helped drive unprecedented price inflation in Blue-Chip Key Issues as the hobby entered a historic secondary market boom that affected both vintage and modern comics

In 2022, seven 9.8 copies sold for an average of $100,000, representing another $30,000 increase over the $70,000 from 2021

It can be assumed that investors and investor groups began to shift their attention away from comics in 2023 when five sales averaged roughly $70,000, effectively erasing that pandemic-era premium

Even so, Wolverine’s first appearance has demonstrated remarkable long-term strength, with 9.8 values more than tripling in a relatively short period

In 2017, eight copies in 9.8 sold for an average of $18,500 compared to an average of approximately $65,000 across seven sales in 2025

The broader takeaway is that even if influential players helped accelerate value growth in major key issues during the Covid-era speculation boom, the market has since undergone a meaningful correction

While some observers continue to characterize the comic book hobby as struggling in the aftermath, Hulk #181 stands as one of many examples showing that significant, sustainable value remains intact and that buyers are still willing to commit substantial money to elite books at today's prices