We're #1: Taking a look at new first issue comic books for 11/19/2025
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?
DC/Marvel: Batman/Deadpool #1
DC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool #1 is an unprecedented, over-sized one-shot featuring a main story by Grant Morrison and Dan Mora where the two title characters confront a threat that questions their very existence as fictional constructs. This comic is an instant key issue because it represents the first major DC/Marvel crossover in decades, and it contains five total stories featuring dream team-ups like Constantine/Doctor Strange and Nightwing/Wolverine, all delivered by a who's who of superstar creative talent.
X-Men of Apocalypse #1
X-Men of Apocalypse #1 launches a new, horrifying series set in the Age of Revelation, revealing a world where the mutants of Krakoa have been subjugated, and only a desperate team of survivors, led by Rogue and Gambit, can stop Apocalypse's new war. This issue is a prime key book for speculators because it features the first appearance of three new, radical X-Men character designs for Rogue, Gambit, and Apocalypse, and serves as a foundational chapter in the next major X-Men crossover event.
Spawn: The Dark Ages #1
Acclaimed writer and artist Liam Sharp reimagines a haunting era in Spawn: The Dark Ages #1, a six-issue miniseries set in the collapse of post-Roman Britain where King Aurelianus must forge an alliance with the Devil's Spawn, Erlking Ulegrave, to stand against an ancient darkness. Collectors should keep a close eye on this issue, as this highly-anticipated return to a fan-favorite Spawn era features highly collectible incentive variants, including a rare 1:250 cover that blends art from Liam Sharp and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane.
Nova: Centurion #1
Nova: Centurion #1 is the launch of an all-new ongoing series from writer Jed MacKay and artist Álvaro López that finds Richard Rider working as a lone, morally-flexible agent and a "helmet-for-hire" to earn the credits necessary to keep the Xandarian Worldmind alive. Collectors should keep a close eye on this issue, as it is the first ongoing Nova series in eight years, and it features the return of the MCU-featured character Pip the Troll as Nova's new business manager, giving the title strong speculative potential.
Capes #1
Superstar creator Robert Kirkman and artist Mark Englert are re-introducing their long out-of-print corner of the Invincible Universe with Capes #1, a special remastering of the original series featuring new art and dialogue. Collectors should keep a close eye on this issue, as any new #1 tied to the hugely popular Invincible franchise is guaranteed to have high demand, and the original 2003 first issue is already a collector's key because it featured the first comic book preview of The Walking Dead.
Final Boss #1
Final Boss #1 from Image Comics and creator Tyler Kirkham launches a brutal new series about a masked vigilante who discovers he is part of a dark, magical system where a new villain emerges every few months as a "Final Boss" to test his limits. Collectors should keep a close eye on this debut issue because it features the first appearance of the main character, the vigilante, and the establishment of a high-concept, video game-inspired lore from a major creator on an independent platform, which suggests high speculative potential.
Ferocious #1
Ferocious #1 from Mad Cave Studios and writer Luke Piotrowski is a brutal, genre-defiant revenge thriller that follows a tavern boy who swears vengeance on the towering, draconic warrior who destroyed his village, only to be forced to seek training from the warrior woman herself. This book is a speculative gamble: while it has the cinematic pedigree of a proven horror screenwriter and strong word-of-mouth that could lead to a massive media BOOM, its independent publisher and the lack of a known comic book first appearance make its ultimate collector value a tough crystal ball call.
John le Carré's The Circus: Losing Control #1
John le Carré's The Circus: Losing Control #1 is a new four-issue spy thriller from Dark Horse Comics, written by Matt Kindt, that plunges readers into a world where modern technology has forced the legendary British spy organization known as The Circus to become obsolete. This book is a speculative gamble: while it possesses high-end literary pedigree and a writer with a strong commercial track record, the lack of a known comic book first appearance and its niche genre (a techno-spy drama) makes its long-term market appeal difficult to predict, requiring collectors to peer into their crystal ball to determine if it will boom or bust.
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.