Apr 22, 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
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #1
STAR WARS: GALAXY'S EDGE – ECHOES OF THE EMPIRE #1
A brand new series launches with this premier issue, promising exciting adventures ahead.
This week’s release of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #1 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.
Venom #255 - 2nd Printing
VENOM #255 - 2ND PRINTING
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Venom #255 - 2nd Printing 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.
Marc Spector: Moon Knight #3
MARC SPECTOR: MOON KNIGHT #3
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Marc Spector: Moon Knight #3 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 #9 - 4th Printing
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #9 - 4TH PRINTING
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Absolute Batman #9 - 4th Printing 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.
Justice League Unlimited #18
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #18
A brand new series launches with this premier issue, promising exciting adventures ahead.
This week’s release of Justice League Unlimited #18 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 #8 - 4th Printing
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #8 - 4TH PRINTING
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Absolute Batman #8 - 4th Printing 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
The Darkness Versus Angelus #1
THE DARKNESS VERSUS ANGELUS #1
A brand new series launches with this premier issue, promising exciting adventures ahead.
This week’s release of The Darkness Versus Angelus #1 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.
Gunslinger Spawn #53
GUNSLINGER SPAWN #53
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Gunslinger Spawn #53 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.
Capes #6 - Cover F Mark Englert I Hate Fairyland Team Up Variant
CAPES #6 - COVER F MARK ENGLERT I HATE FAIRYLAND TEAM UP VARIANT
The latest chapter in this acclaimed series continues to deliver spectacular storytelling and artwork.
This week’s release of Capes #6 - Cover F Mark Englert I Hate Fairyland Team Up 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
Frankenstein: New World – The Speed of Darkness #1
FRANKENSTEIN: NEW WORLD – THE SPEED OF DARKNESS #1
A brand new series launches with this premier issue, promising exciting adventures ahead.
This week’s release of Frankenstein: New World – The Speed of Darkness #1 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.
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!