Random Key Comics: Hidden Gems and Firsts

Welcome, comic aficionados, to another thrilling edition of InvestComics’ Thursday Random Key Comics blog! Today, we’re diving into the back-issue bins to unearth some gems that have either skyrocketed in value or are just waiting for the speculative market to catch on. So, dust off your polybags and let’s get speculative!

Click on ANY Red-Highlighted LINKS/Comic Covers to BUY/BID from ALL available eBay sellers now.
*This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #226 (1977): The Dazzling Debut of Dawnstar!
Ah, 1977—a time when disco was king, and DC Comics thought, “Hey, let’s introduce a Native American superheroine with wings!” Enter Dawnstar, hailing from the planet Starhaven, colonized by—you guessed it—abducted Native Americans.

Created by writer Paul Levitz and artist Mike Grell, Dawnstar’s first appearance in this issue has become a must-have for Legion completists and fans of culturally sensitive character origins. With her tracking abilities and flight, she’s a standout addition to the Legion of Super-Heroes, even if her backstory raises a few eyebrows today.

All-Star Squadron #25 (1983): Infinity Inc. Assembles!
In 1983, DC decided that the Justice Society of America’s offspring needed their own team—because why not? Thus, Infinity Inc. was born in “All-Star Squadron” #25.
This issue marks the first appearances of several legacy characters:

• Silver Scarab (Hector Hall): Son of Hawkman and Hawkgirl.
• Jade: Daughter of Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern.
• Obsidian: Jade’s twin brother, because every superhero team needs some family drama.
• Nuklon: Later known as Atom Smasher, because “Nuklon” just wasn’t cutting it.
• Northwind: A character so memorable, you’ll need to Google him.

With Roy Thomas at the writing helm and Jerry Ordway on art, this issue is a collector’s dream—or nightmare, depending on your stance on superhero nepotism.

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser #1 (1989): Pinhead’s Puzzling Cover Debut
In 1989, Marvel’s Epic Comics imprint decided to dip its toes into the horror genre with “Clive Barker’s Hellraiser.” The first issue features the inaugural cover appearance of Pinhead, the Cenobite with a flair for acupuncture. While Pinhead graces the cover, he doesn’t make an in-story appearance until issue #2. Nevertheless, this issue is a must-have for horror aficionados and fans of ’80s comic experiments.

Thunderbolts #4 (1997): Jolt’s Electrifying Entrance
Ah, the ’90s—a decade of pouches, oversized guns, and new superheroes with attitude. Enter Jolt (Hallie Takahama), who makes her first full appearance in “Thunderbolts” #4.
Written by Kurt Busiek and penciled by Mark Bagley, this issue introduces us to Jolt, a teenage superhero who brings some much-needed youthful energy to the team. As the Thunderbolts navigate their dual identities as heroes and villains, Jolt’s addition adds complexity—and another action figure opportunity.

Marvel Comics Presents #172 (1995): Lunatik’s Lackluster Launch
In 1995, Marvel introduced Lunatik, an interstellar mercenary with a penchant for chaos, in “Marvel Comics Presents” #172.
Created by Keith Giffen and Lovern Kindzierski, Lunatik’s debut is a satirical take on the anti-hero craze of the ’90s. Despite the character’s potential, Lunatik remains a footnote in Marvel history, making this issue a quirky addition to any collection.

There you have it, folks—a whirlwind tour of key issues that have either made their mark or are still waiting for their moment in the speculative spotlight. Whether you’re looking to invest or just impress your local comic shop owner with your encyclopedic knowledge, these issues are worth a second glance.

Visit our Hot New Comics from last week right HERE
The Best new comic book covers from last week right HERE
2025 comic book movies will make or break the industry. Find out how and why HERE

Support our site’s maintenance with a donation. Any contribution is deeply appreciated. Thank you!
InvestComics; PO Box 22621, West Palm Beach FL 33416

Please Click
to Pay with Paypal

Please Click
to Pay with Cashapp

Please Scan or Click
to Pay with Venmo

Click & Pay to
investcomics@gmail.com

Disclaimer: InvestComics/Trending Pop Culture is a website created for entertainment purposes only. We are not investment advisors, and the information provided in our articles should not be considered financial or investment advice. We do not take responsibility for any investment decisions made by our readers, and we cannot be held liable for any loss in value that may result from following our content. Market values are subject to change, and we have no control over the market’s fluctuations, whether they move up or down. By reading any article on our website, you agree that InvestComics/Trending Pop Culture is not responsible for any financial outcomes or losses that may occur as a result of your actions. We do not post photos or images with the intent to defraud, deface, or monetarily profit from the property. All photos, images, comic books, toys, and other forms of pop culture are displayed purely for entertainment purposes. Our use of such materials is intended to inform, engage, and entertain our audience in good faith and without any intention to cause harm or infringe upon the rights of others. No material, including but not limited to text, images, videos, or other content, shall be used, shared, copied, or profited from TrendingPopCulture.com or InvestComics.com, or from any social media posts or affiliated outlets, without the express written consent of the owner.