Hot Picks for NCBD: Key Issues, Bold Firsts, and Speculative Gems – 5/21/24

Hot Picks for NCBD: Key Issues, Bold Firsts, and Speculative Gems – 5/21/24.
These comics are scheduled for release on May 21, 2025. As of now, we are not aware of any delays and cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen changes.

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Hot Picks for NCBD: Key Issues, Bold Firsts, and Speculative Gems – 5/21/24.
There’s a smell in the air—it’s not just fresh ink and glossy covers. It’s speculation season again, folks. First appearances, unexpected team-ups, secret origins, forgotten heroes crawling out of the long box… and of course, the looming threat of the “prestige format” becoming the new standard. (Collectors, your bags and boards aren’t ready.) This week’s batch of new comics is loaded with possibilities—some might end up in the dollar bins, others could become your next CGC brag piece. Let’s dig into the standouts that have comic collectors whispering, “Should I buy two?”

Starting with Last Flight Out of Wichita #1, DSTLRY steps into the ‘70s crime noir arena and does not pull punches. B. Clay Moore and Mack Chater don’t just flirt with gritty drama—they dive headfirst into mob shootouts, morally bankrupt decisions, and what could easily become the Fargo of indie comics. Two Vietnam vets, broke and desperate, stumble into a storm of Kansas City crime syndicates—including the very real and very deadly Purple Capsule Gang. DSTLRY isn’t shy with this launch either—prestige format, thick paper, wraparound cover with spot gloss… they know collectors are watching. And for good reason. This series could sneak into some serious aftermarket buzz if it catches heat early. Detective Comics #1097 throws Gotham into another downward spiral, because it’s Tuesday and that’s just what Gotham does. Batman is mentally and emotionally gutted after Asema’s chaos, and now he’s up against a future-obsessed group targeting his inner circle. The phrase “personal revelations” practically screams retcon or hidden backstory twist. And those are gold to collectors if they stick. Keep an eye on whether this issue reveals anything major about Batman’s past or introduces a key antagonist with future plans. The Thing #1 gives Ben Grimm the solo spotlight again, and this time, he’s punching his way through New York’s worst. Writer Tony Fleecs (yes, Stray Dogs Fleecs) and artist Leonard Kirk throw Ben into a manhunt gone wrong, unraveling childhood ties and blasting through bounty hunters. This isn’t just another clobber-fest—it’s a gritty, street-level brawl wrapped in emotion and memory. And if there’s any hint of a new villain or previously unknown figure from Ben’s past? Watch this one carefully. The Ever-Lovin’ Blue-Eyed Thing might just stomp his way into collectors’ pull lists. The Vision & The Scarlet Witch #1 practically demands attention. It’s a 50th anniversary of their wedding, but this is not a happy reunion. Vision is dying (again), and Wanda goes to magical extremes to save him—because that’s always worked out well for her, right? Meanwhile, mysterious doors are appearing across the planet promising miracles—and if that doesn’t scream “first appearance of a cosmic threat,” then you’re not paying attention. These doors could be the next Krakoan-style plot device Marvel uses to launch half a dozen new stories. First issue, big anniversary, and mystical plot? This is where speculation lives. Speaking of dangerous reunions, Hulk & Doctor Strange #1 pairs the green rage machine with the master of the mystic arts. J. Michael Straczynski and Germán Peralta throw us back to the origin days of Hulk, but with a time-bending twist. Add in May Parker and Agatha Harkness (yes, seriously) in the backup and this book is basically Marvel roulette. Any of these threads could lead to new character reveals or continuity shuffles. Hulk’s psyche is fertile ground, and Doctor Strange is wielding more magic than ever. This could be a sleeper hit if Marvel seeds future events here. Then there’s Spider-Man & Wolverine #1, which has “chaotic energy” written all over it. Logan and Peter Parker teaming up should be illegal in at least seven states due to property damage alone. But here they are, caught in a plot too big for either one—likely involving a new enemy who needs two fan-favorites to stop. These odd-couple crossovers can hit big when done right, especially if the villain or threat ends up sticking around. If this is a first appearance situation, or even an early clue to a summer event, this comic could gain steam quickly. Superman Unlimited #1 is Dan Slott’s grand entrance into DC’s Superman mythos, and he’s not easing in. An asteroid the size of Metropolis threatens Earth, but it’s what’s inside that glowing green rock that changes everything. Rafael Albuquerque’s art brings kinetic energy to every punch, and if Slott is really laying down long-term seeds, this could be the beginning of something massive. A new Kryptonian enemy? A green-glowing threat that rivals Kryptonite? Watch this one for first appearances and Slott’s trademark slow-burn plotting. Superior Avengers #2 ramps up the Doom-led team’s mission as they take on Diablo, one of the Fantastic Four’s nastiest and least utilized villains. This team didn’t form by accident, and if Doom is involved, it’s never a side story. Who are these heroes? Where did they come from? If any of them are new characters (or alternate versions with staying power), this issue could start becoming collectible fast—especially if Doom’s real goal becomes clear. And finally, Whatever Happened To The Crimson Justice #1 enters the chat with a grim smirk. Red Alert signals. Old-school heroes vanish in a hospital fire. A sidekick gone missing. A villain returned from the dead. This book has every trope of classic superhero mystery—and somehow it works. Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda craft a sharp, five-issue mini that asks the question, “What happens when the symbol disappears?” If Crimson Justice or Dr. Mayhem gets reintroduced in a way that sticks, or if we find out this book ties into a larger universe? That speculative needle will start moving.

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