We're #1: Taking a look at new first issue comic books for 1/21/2026
Weekly Comic Book First Look: Key Issue Potential or Back Issue Bin? We dissect new #1 releases, analyzing art, story, and market buzz to predict which comics could become hot collectibles and which might fade into obscurity. Perfect for comic book investors and speculators!
Key or Filler?
In the expansive universe of comic books, new titles are frequently released, each with the potential to captivate readers in unique ways. Today, we will present a curated list of upcoming first issue comic book titles that are stirring excitement in the community. Which new #1 issues will you be picking up this week?
DC K.O.: Green Lantern Galactic Slam #1
DC K.O.: Green Lantern Galactic Slam #1 follows Kyle Rayner as he is blasted across the stars and into a cosmic wrestling ring, inadvertently leading a cavalcade of interstellar brawlers like Omega Bam Man back to Earth’s high-stakes tournament. We think this has potential to become a key issue, as the introduction of various new brawlers to the DC K.O. roster alongside the potential first crossover appearance of the Omega Bam Man characters has high potential for key story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Rogue #1
Rogue #1 finds the titular mutant's idyllic life with Gambit shattered when a dark sin from her villainous past resurfaces, forcing her to confront the secrets held by Mystique and Destiny. We think this has potential to become a key issue, as the launch of a new solo series for an iconic character like Rogue that promises to redefine her origin and connection to major villains has high potential for key story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Psylocke: Ninja #1
Psylocke: Ninja #1 returns to a pivotal moment in Betsy Braddock's history to reveal the hidden sacrifices she made while serving as the Hand's ultimate weapon and her mysterious connection to the assassin Elektra. We think this has potential to become a key issue, as a new #1 from a superstar creative team for an iconic character like Psylocke that promises to reveal a "lost story" with ties to other major Marvel icons has high potential for key story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Inglorious X-Force #1
Inglorious X-Force #1 sees a memory-wiped Cable return from the future to lead a brutal new squad consisting of Hellverine, Archangel, and Boom-Boom on a high-stakes mission to stop a mysterious assassination. Collectors should keep a close eye on this issue, as any new #1 from a superstar creative team for an iconic franchise like X-Force, especially one that introduces a unique "Hellverine" team dynamic and a core mystery involving Cable's past, has high potential for story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Absolute Batman #1 (10th Printing)
Absolute Batman #1 (10th Printing) presents a radical modern reimagining of the Dark Knight by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta that strips Bruce Wayne of his mansion, wealth, and butler to reveal the raw power of the Absolute Batman. Collectors should keep a close eye on this issue, as any new #1 from a superstar creative team for an iconic character like Batman, especially one reaching a milestone 10th printing due to unprecedented market demand, has high potential for story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Bloodland #1
Bloodland #1 depicts a collapsing United States where a power-hungry president aligns with ancient vampires, forcing a vengeful veteran and a retired athlete to lead a desperate resistance for the nation's soul. Collectors should keep a close eye on this issue, as any new #1 from a superstar creative team for an ambitious 12-issue political horror epic, especially one reuniting acclaimed creators B. Clay Moore and Mack Chater, has high potential for story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Van Helsing: Throne of Blood #1
Van Helsing: Throne of Blood #1 follows Liesel Van Helsing into the bowels of New York City on a relentless hunt for the returned Dracula, only to discover a supernatural conspiracy that threatens the survival of all humanity. This debut issue is a true toss-up: the high-stakes confrontation between iconic rivals in a modern urban setting offers strong potential for a secondary market surge; however, as a character-driven title from an independent publisher in a genre saturated with vampire lore, its ability to achieve massive breakout success is far from certain. Collectors will need to look into their crystal ball to determine if this occult thriller becomes a transformative independent hit or remains a quiet, gothic bust, making this first issue a true collector's gamble.
Street Fighter Masters: Guile #1
Street Fighter Masters: Guile #1 finds the iconic American airman defending an experimental aircraft from the villainous Vortex Inc. and their formidable new lieutenant, the South African fighter Lwazi. This debut issue is a true toss-up: the first appearance of a brand-new fighter like Lwazi in the Street Fighter canon offers a specific hook for completionists; however, as a standalone one-shot for a character who has been featured in numerous previous volumes, its ability to maintain a high secondary market premium is far from certain. Collectors will need to look into their crystal ball to determine if this tactical strike becomes a celebrated character expansion or remains a quiet, one-and-done bust, making this first appearance a true collector's gamble.
Conclusion: Buy what makes you happy and have fun.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post regarding potential key issues and comic book values is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The opinions expressed are based on our analysis and observations, and should not be considered financial advice. The comic book market is highly speculative and volatile, and past performance is not indicative of future results. We strongly encourage readers to conduct their own thorough research and consult with qualified professionals before making any purchasing decisions. Comic book collecting should be enjoyed as a hobby, and any financial gains or losses are the sole responsibility of the individual.