We're #1: Taking a look at the hottest new first issue comic books for 9/16/2026

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?

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Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow's Hand #1

Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow's Hand #1 spins out of Absolute Catwoman to reveal the origin of the Absolute Universe’s Cassandra Cain, born from the bloody aftermath of the Joker’s devastating attack on the League of Assassins. With Lady Shiva and her daughter emerging from the wreckage, readers will discover how Cassandra became one of the world’s most formidable assassins and how her history became intertwined with Selina Kyle. As an origin story for a major new Absolute Universe interpretation of Cassandra Cain, this debut could establish important relationships, previously unseen history, and defining elements of the character’s mythology from the very beginning. With the spotlight firmly on Absolute Cassandra Cain and her connections to Lady Shiva, the Joker, and Catwoman, The Shadow's Hand #1 has strong potential to become a key issue for collectors. 🦇🥷⚔️🔥

Batman Day 2026: Batman of Two Worlds #1

Batman Day 2026: Batman of Two Worlds #1 brings together two dramatically different versions of the Dark Knight as Matt Fraction’s Batman crosses paths with Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman. This special one-shot creates a rare collision between DC’s main Batman mythology and the bold reinvention of Bruce Wayne from the Absolute Universe. First meetings between major alternate versions of iconic characters can carry added collector interest, especially if the encounter establishes new connections, revelations, or consequences between their respective worlds. As the first meeting of Fraction’s Dark Knight and Snyder’s Absolute Batman, this Batman Day special has strong potential to become a key issue for collectors. 🦇🌎⚡🔥

DNX #1

DNX #1 escalates the battle for mutantkind as the X-Men and 3K, each guided by a different heir to Xavier’s legacy, fight to determine whether the terrifying future witnessed in the Age of Revelation will be prevented or embraced. While Cyclops turns to the Fantastic Four in a desperate attempt to save one of his own, the White Beast prepares to unleash the dangerous X-Virus within a heavily populated area. The debut of the X-Virus and the growing conflict between Xavier’s competing successors could introduce major new threats, transformations, and lasting consequences for mutants and the wider Marvel Universe. With a potentially game-changing new virus at the center of the story and the future of mutant evolution hanging in the balance, DNX #1 has strong potential to become a key issue for collectors. 🧬❌☣️🔥

Exquisite Corpses: Fox Mask Killer #1

Exquisite Corpses: Fox Mask Killer #1 pulls back the mask on one of the most feared assassins in the Exquisite Corpses universe, revealing the tragic history behind the enigmatic Fox Mask Killer. Desperate to escape her deadly profession, she discovers that the only person capable of giving her a way out may be someone even more dangerous than herself. Creators Che Grayson, Adam Gorham, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey explore the origins and motivations of one of the franchise’s most recognizable killers, potentially revealing important details that reshape how readers view the character. Collectors should keep an eye on this issue, as an origin-focused spotlight on the Fox Mask Killer could gain greater significance if the character continues to emerge as a major player in the expanding Exquisite Corpses mythology. 🦊🔪🩸🔥

Marvel Mangaverse: Arcane Avengers #1

Marvel Mangaverse: Arcane Avengers #1 celebrates the Mangaverse’s 25th anniversary by transforming Winter Soldier into a reluctant sorcerer forced by the Ten Heads to lead Bloodline and Wiccan against an invasion of demonic yokai. Bucky Barnes sees the growing supernatural crisis as a possible opportunity to escape his captors, but the unexpected return of his childhood friend Hawkeye threatens to complicate everything. Ashley Allen and Mirka Andolfo introduce the Arcane Avengers concept while reimagining familiar Marvel heroes through a combination of magic, manga-inspired mythology, and alternate-universe storytelling. Collectors should keep an eye on this issue, as the debut of the Arcane Avengers and these new Mangaverse interpretations could gain greater significance if Marvel continues developing the team and its supernatural corner of the universe. 🪄⚔️👹🔥

Mark Spears Monsters: Black, White & Dead Edition #1

Mark Spears Monsters: Black, White & Dead Edition #1 celebrates the second anniversary of the original breakout issue with a special bloody monochrome presentation and matte cardstock covers timed to Monsters Day. Mark Spears’ monster-filled universe blends classic horror with an early-1980s setting as a retired Monster Slayer confronts an ancient evil, detectives investigate grisly murders, and a group of kids encounters something that should have stayed dead. With Monsters growing from Spears’ popular trading cards into a comic property and the creator gaining additional attention through projects like Spawn '77, this distinctive anniversary edition gives fans a new collectible version of the landmark first issue. Collectors should keep an eye on this issue, as its special format, anniversary significance, and the continued growth of Mark Spears’ profile could give this edition added appeal among Monsters fans. 💀🩸👹🔥

Creepshow #1

Creepshow #1 brings the Eisner Award-nominated horror anthology back for another round of nightmare fuel, once again delivering two twisted new stories from an impressive lineup of creators. Tyler Boss and Francesca Ciregia unleash a gruesome tale of feuding clown colleagues, while Lorenzo De Felici heads into cosmic-horror territory as a mysterious object from space begins wiping out humanity and a lone astronaut searches for answers. The combination of established Creepshow appeal, rotating creative talent, and completely different horror concepts gives this new first issue plenty to offer genre fans, but anthology books can sometimes be unpredictable on the collector market. Collectors may want to look into their crystal ball before buying this issue, as Creepshow #1 could be a boom-or-bust gamble depending on whether these stories, creators, or any breakout concepts generate lasting buzz beyond the initial horror audience. 🔮🤡🚀💀

The Big Shakedown #1

The Big Shakedown #1 transforms Los Angeles into a post-apocalyptic no man’s land after the devastating “Big One” convinces the government to abandon the city and everyone stubborn enough to remain behind. Five years later, struggling former P.I. Ester Blanco takes a missing-person case she hopes will finance her escape, only to uncover a dangerous network of cults, conspiracy, and corruption lurking beneath the ruins. Writers Jordan Blum and Tim Seeley join artist Scott Koblish for a sunbaked noir that mixes the mystery of Chinatown and The Long Goodbye with a pulpy vision of a shattered Los Angeles. Collectors may want to look into their crystal ball before buying this issue, as the creative team and distinctive premise offer plenty of upside, but an original noir series like The Big Shakedown could still be a boom-or-bust gamble depending on whether Ester’s mystery and its ruined-L.A. world generate lasting buzz. 🔮🌴🌆🔥

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.

These reviews and previews are for entertainment purposes only. We understand that you may not agree with our choices.

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