Feb 18, 2026 delivers one of the year’s strongest New Comic Book Days, combining Marvel’s blockbuster momentum with highly sought-after variants that are already generating serious collector heat. This week showcases the perfect storm of premier ongoing series, hot reprints featuring top-tier variant artwork, and indie spectacles that continue to drive the secondary market. From superhero epics to horror debuts and essential collected editions, here are the releases creating the loudest buzz among collectors and retailers alike.
Marvel’s Blockbuster Lineup
Captain America #7 - 1:10 Valerio Schiti Design Variant
CAPTAIN AMERICA #7 - 1:10 VALERIO SCHITI DESIGN VARIANT
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Captain America #7 - 1:10 Valerio Schiti Design Variant continues to showcase why Marvel Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Early issues in this series have shown strong appreciation. Consider securing your copy early to avoid secondary market premiums.
Knull #2 - Phil Noto Variant
KNULL #2 - PHIL NOTO VARIANT
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Knull #2 - Phil Noto Variant continues to showcase why Marvel Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Early issues in this series have shown strong appreciation. Consider securing your copy early to avoid secondary market premiums.
The Amazing Spider-Man #22 - Ario Anindito Hell’s Kitchen Variant
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #22 - ARIO ANINDITO HELL'S KITCHEN VARIANT
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of The Amazing Spider-Man #22 - Ario Anindito Hell’s Kitchen Variant continues to showcase why Marvel Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Early issues in this series have shown strong appreciation. Consider securing your copy early to avoid secondary market premiums.
DC’s Dark Knights and Bright Heroes
Absolute Batman #17 - 616 Comics Puppeteer Lee Virgin Variant
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #17 - 616 COMICS PUPPETEER LEE VIRGIN VARIANT
A brand new series launches with this premier issue, promising exciting adventures ahead.
This week’s release of Absolute Batman #17 - 616 Comics Puppeteer Lee Virgin Variant continues to showcase why DC Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Variant covers from this series have become increasingly sought-after by collectors.
Absolute Batman #17 - Unknown Comics Tyler Kirkham Foil Virgin Variant
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #17 - UNKNOWN COMICS TYLER KIRKHAM FOIL VIRGIN VARIANT
A brand new series launches with this premier issue, promising exciting adventures ahead.
This week’s release of Absolute Batman #17 - Unknown Comics Tyler Kirkham Foil Virgin Variant continues to showcase why DC Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Variant covers from this series have become increasingly sought-after by collectors.
Catwoman #84 - Cover C Mahmud Asrar Variant
CATWOMAN #84 - COVER C MAHMUD ASRAR VARIANT
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Catwoman #84 - Cover C Mahmud Asrar Variant continues to showcase why DC Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Variant covers from this series have become increasingly sought-after by collectors.
Creator-Owned Excellence
Exquisite Corpses #10 - Leaps Lair Björn Barends Rascal Randy Virgin Variant
EXQUISITE CORPSES #10 - LEAPS LAIR BJÖRN BARENDS RASCAL RANDY VIRGIN VARIANT
A brand new series launches with this premier issue, promising exciting adventures ahead.
This week’s release of Exquisite Corpses #10 - Leaps Lair Björn Barends Rascal Randy Virgin Variant continues to showcase why Image Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Variant covers from this series have become increasingly sought-after by collectors.
Dark Horse Delivers
Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time #4 - Cover B Michael Wm. Kaluta Variant
CAPTAIN HENRY AND THE GRAVEYARD OF TIME #4 - COVER B MICHAEL WM. KALUTA VARIANT
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time #4 - Cover B Michael Wm. Kaluta Variant continues to showcase why Dark Horse Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Variant covers from this series have become increasingly sought-after by collectors.
Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time #4
CAPTAIN HENRY AND THE GRAVEYARD OF TIME #4
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time #4 continues to showcase why Dark Horse Comics remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Variant covers from this series have become increasingly sought-after by collectors.
IDW’s Licensed Treasures
Street Sharks #5
STREET SHARKS #5
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Street Sharks #5 continues to showcase why IDW Publishing remains at the forefront of comic publishing. The creative team has consistently delivered compelling storytelling that resonates with both long-time fans and new readers.
Collectors should note the strong secondary market performance of this series, with early issues maintaining value and variant covers showing particular strength. This release is expected to follow the same pattern.
Collector's Note
Variant covers from this series have become increasingly sought-after by collectors.
Market Pulse: This Week’s Investment Opportunities
Collector's Checklist
• First appearances and new #1 issues for long-term growth potential
• Limited variant covers with renowned artists for immediate flip opportunities
• Second printings of sold-out issues showing strong market demand
• Key storyline issues that will be referenced in future arcs
Essential Pickups Beyond the Headlines
Don’t overlook this week’s indie releases and smaller publisher offerings. Many future grails start as under-the-radar releases from publishers willing to take creative risks.
What are you adding to your pull list this week? Share your picks in the comments below!