Essential Comics for 12/18/24: Key Issues, First Appearances & Collector Picks

This week’s comics are packed with potential for collectors, fans, and speculators. Whether it’s first appearances, new suits, or mythological overhauls, these issues are loaded with moments that could become significant down the line. Don’t miss out on these InvestComics Hot Picks.

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In Daredevil #16, Matt Murdock wrestles with literal manifestations of the seven deadly sins. His fractured soul has left him vulnerable, and not all demons are eager to be exorcised. With a classified cover adding to the mystery, this issue is bound to catch speculators’ eyes. What secrets lie in its pages? That’s for you—and the market—to decide. The Ultimate Spider-Man #12 features a festive cover, but don’t let the holiday cheer fool you. Six of Spider-Man’s deadliest foes crash the party, leaving Peter Parker to deal with anything but a silent night. What makes this issue even more intriguing is the first appearance of a brand-new green-and-red Spider suit, designed for the season but destined to be a collectible. Meanwhile, Spawn: Deadly Tales of the Gunslinger #1 delivers a deep dive into one of Spawn’s most enigmatic characters. Gunslinger Spawn’s full origin story unfolds in this series, taking readers back to his Old West roots. Written by Jimmy Palmiotti with stunning visuals by Patrik Reynolds, this brutal and bloody tale is perfect for both longtime Spawn fans and new readers looking to explore the franchise’s darker side. DC introduces Challengers of the Unknown #1, a science-fiction epic spinning out of Absolute Power and DC All-In Special. This newly reformed team—Ace Morgan, June Robbins, Prof Haley, Red Ryan, and Rocky Davis—joins forces with the Justice League to repair a universe fractured by time rifts. But as they face off against a foe with ties to their past, the stakes reach cosmic proportions. In Action Comics #1080, the House of El stands firm against an onslaught of Phantom Zone prisoners. Superman’s showdown against this interstellar threat could be the fight to end all fights, but the real emotional core comes from Supergirl’s desperate attempt to save the universe. The penultimate chapter in this weekly series promises action and drama in spades, making it a key issue for collectors. New Gods #1 reshapes the mythology of the DC Universe with a creative team powerhouse: Ram V and Evan Cagle. As the death of an old god ripples through the cosmos, new players and conflicts emerge, including Scott Free and Big Barda grappling with parenthood amidst the chaos. This first issue is not just a new chapter for the New Gods—it’s a cosmic event in its own right. 

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The Alligator Loki Holiday Special #1 is the mischievous gift you didn’t know you needed this season. Alligator Loki, the most chaotic reptilian anti-hero of the Marvel Universe, spreads holiday cheer—or havoc—across the multiverse. With appearances from the X-Men, Young Avengers, and even a symbiote or two, this issue is packed with hilarity and heart. Plus, it includes issues #13-24 of the hit Alligator Loki Infinity Comic in print for the first time. This special edition might just be your next quirky collectible, especially with its spotlight on Loki’s most bizarre variant yet. Conquest 2099 #5 brings us a terrifying vision of Dracula commanding the Death Spider Fleet—because apparently, regular bats weren’t menacing enough. As Spider-Man, Logan, and the galaxy’s finest face this arachnid armageddon, the issue marks the first appearance of Madame Web 2099, an intriguing twist on the iconic clairvoyant. Add in Silver Surfer as Dracula’s unlikely foil, and you have a must-read for fans of Marvel’s darker corners and future timelines. Things get seriously infernal in Hellverine #1, the first ongoing series for Marvel’s most demonic mash-up character. Wolverine, possessed by the demon Bagra-Ghul, is now Hellverine—a clawed inferno of fury and redemption. With Akihiro resurrected and Doctor Strange stepping in to help, this series dives deep into the moral complexities of containing literal inner demons. Written by Benjamin Percy and featuring art from Raffaele Ienco, this debut sets up a fiery saga for collectors and fans alike. Over at DC, Absolute Batman #3 keeps the momentum going with more twists and alliances. Batman and Alfred’s uneasy partnership faces its biggest test yet as Black Mask introduces a host of new villains into Gotham’s chaos. Adding to the intrigue is a game-changing revelation about Bruce Wayne’s past that could redefine his role as Gotham’s protector. Every issue of this series has been a hit with speculators, and this one is no exception. Deadpool #9 gives us Ellie, the new mercenary in town, filling her dad’s oversized, blood-soaked shoes. But her debut isn’t without chaos: she faces off against none other than M.O.D.O.K., whose big head is matched only by his big plans for destruction. As Ellie carves out her place in the merc world, this issue serves as a pivotal moment for Deadpool fans—and speculators banking on the next generation of anti-heroes. Marvel’s timeline guardians return in TVA #1, and this time they’re bringing the multiverse’s misfits with them. Captain Peggy Carter, Gambit, and Spider-Gwen (whose universe may or may not have been destroyed) form an unlikely team of timeline enforcers. Katharyn Blair’s storytelling paired with Pere Pérez’s dynamic art makes this comic a standout. Will it redefine the Time Variance Authority’s place in Marvel lore? Possibly—and you might want to snag a copy before collectors go full TVA themselves. G.I. Joe #2 continues the series’ explosive revival under Image Comics. Cobra Commander unveils his Valkyries, an elite new unit with deadly precision. As the Joes scramble to thwart Cobra’s plans, the series cements itself as a must-collect for fans of military action and nostalgic throwbacks alike.

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