We're #1: Taking a look at new first issue comic books for 12/31/2025
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?
Ultimate Endgame #1
Ultimate Endgame #1 marks the cataclysmic conclusion to the Maker’s grand design as the heroes of the new Ultimate Universe finally unite for a desperate, final stand against the forces of the City. This has great potential to become a key issue, as any massive crossover event finale from a superstar creative team that fundamentally reshapes an entire line of Marvel titles, especially one as successful as the new Ultimate Universe, has high potential for key story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Sorcerer Supreme #1
Sorcerer Supreme #1 launches a bold new era for the Marvel Universe's magical defender as a mysterious new mystic rises to claim the mantle and defend Earth-616 from an encroaching extra-dimensional threat. This could become a key issue, as any new #1 from a superstar creative team for an iconic title like Sorcerer Supreme, especially one featuring a significant mantle shift and the potential debut of a new lead character, has high potential for key story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale #1
The mutant world faces its final judgment in X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale #1, a cataclysmic ending to the multiversal saga that determines the ultimate fate of the Revelation timeline. This could quickly become a key issue, as any massive crossover event finale from a superstar creative team for an iconic franchise like the X-Men, especially one that promises permanent status-quo changes and the potential first appearances of new Omega-level mutants, has high potential for key story developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories - The Bad Batch: Rogue Agents #1
Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories – The Bad Batch: Rogue Agents #1 follows Clone Force 99 as they embark on a high-stakes mission to rescue a mysterious political prisoner from an Imperial stronghold shortly after the rise of the Empire. Collectors should keep a close eye on this issue, as any new #1 featuring the first major comic book lead for a fan-favorite group like the Bad Batch, especially within the expanding Dark Horse Hyperspace Stories line, has high potential for key character developments and will be a sought-after collectible.
Harley Quinn X Elvira Cover ZD Blind Bag Variant #1
Harley Quinn X Elvira #1 brings together the Clown Princess of Crime and the Mistress of the Dark for a high-octane crossover that finds the duo navigating a supernatural mystery through the heart of the DC Universe. Collectors should keep a close eye on this Cover ZD Blind Bag Variant, as the extreme scarcity of "blind bag" incentives combined with the massive crossover appeal of two iconic pop-culture figures makes this specific edition a primary target for high-end speculators and completionists.
ThunderCats Ho!(liday) Special 2025 Cover D Blind Bag Variant #1
The ThunderCats celebrate the season of giving in the ThunderCats Ho!(liday) Special 2025 #1, a festive one-shot that finds the team defending Third Earth from a cold-hearted threat during their first holiday away from Thundera. Collectors should keep a close eye on this Cover D Blind Bag Variant, as the high demand for nostalgia-driven franchise specials combined with the extreme scarcity and "chase" nature of blind bag incentive covers makes this specific edition a primary target for high-end speculators and completionists.
Beelzebabes #1
Beelzebabes #1 introduces a group of rebellious teenage demons who escape the boredom of the underworld to start a punk rock band on Earth, only to find themselves hunted by both angelic bounty hunters and infernal creditors. This debut issue is a true toss-up: the high-energy "supernatural girl gang" aesthetic paired with a vibrant punk-rock attitude offers a fresh, trendy appeal that could ignite a massive cult following; however, as a brand-new IP from a small independent publisher in a market saturated with "demon-girl" tropes, its ability to achieve long-term market dominance is far from certain. Collectors will need to look into their crystal ball to determine if this loud, chaotic debut becomes the next viral indie sensation or ends up as a quiet, feedback-heavy bust, making this first issue a true collector's gamble.
Critterverse Presents #1
Critterverse Presents #1 launches an expansive new anthology series that showcases the untold stories of the animal kingdom’s most unlikely heroes, ranging from armored squirrels to cybernetic housecats. This debut issue is a true toss-up: the charming "talking animal" aesthetic paired with high-concept sci-fi themes offers a unique, all-ages appeal that could capture a massive crossover audience; however, as an anthology title from an emerging publisher, its ability to maintain consistent secondary market heat without a single core protagonist is a significant unknown. Collectors will need to look into their crystal ball to determine if this whimsical debut becomes a massive multiversal franchise or remains a quiet, forgotten bust, making this first issue 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.