Welcome back CHU Nation for another FOC. After a few “meh” weeks, this week has a bit more excitement from a speculation perspective. So I’ll skip the pleasantries and jump right into it.

Judge These Books By Their Covers

Darkwing Duck #8 – Cover R (FOC Haeser Original)

Darkwing Duck occasionally homages classic Batman covers. The 2010 series had B covers that now ask a good premium. This cover is an homage to Mike Mignola’s classic Batman: Gotham by Gaslight cover. From what I can tell it looks to be an FOC reveal open order cover. If true (FOC reveal) this could slide under the radar as a low ordered book as the 2010 B homage covers were. So possible spec play here.

Madness first appeared in issue #1, but I believe this is the first cover.

Daredevil #1 (Alex Lozano Foil Variant)

New creative team, new #1. It’s the Marvel way. That’s not why this is on the list. It’s because if you feel the need to pick up this book, why not grab this cover as it would look kick-@$$ in a foil. It’s a Marvel foil, so Pre-order and find a good deal.

Because…We Demanded It…?

Amazing Spider-Man #31 (2nd Ptg Ramos Variant)

The first print hasn’t left the presses yet and here we are with a second printing on FOC. It’s no secret Jackpot is introduced in this issue. However given we now know she is not on any of the first print covers, this book may be the one to get. And with shops cutting back on shelf copy books these days, and not knowing whether they will be able to sell out the first print…they may be reluctant to bulk up on the second print.

I prefer the Ramos variant cover over the other two (ASM 300 homage trade dress and 1:25 incentive). This cover is original, and open order (low buy-in). I think the 1:25 Virgin is too high a buy in for a character that may be a flash in the pan, and it also dilutes the value of the trade dress homage. But there are people who love and collect ASM 300 homages, and thats fine too.

Amazing Spider-Man #31 (2nd Ptg Skan Variant)

Wolverine #36 (Cover A)

So how long have we all been asking Marvel “When will you get to mashing up Wolverine and Ghost Rider? Get it done already!”

Well, here it is! Hellverine! (I know, right?). I believe this book is its first appearance, and with the cover it’s checking the potential future spec boxes! But if this Is literally Wolverine overcome by the spirit of vengeance, it’ll be short lived. So don’t go too crazy thinking this is the next Weapon H or something…(remember Weapon H?).

Anyway, what may actually make this book more of a spec play is the fact that the next issue has a “Secret Spoiler Variant Cover” yet to be revealed…and since Hellverine isn’t what they’re being secret about, there’s some potential the cover has to do with something revealed at the end of this book.

The Leinil Yu Variant is pretty good too.

N’Other Stuff

Incredible Hulk #3

From the darkest corners of the minds of Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Nic Klein, the first chapter of “The Age of Monsters” culminates in a battle between the Hulk and a monster unlike any he has faced before!

Some buzz with this series. We met Sister Sadie in issue #2, but Brother Deep was a no-show. Maybe this issue? Assuming he is the “monster” being referred to.

Detective Comics #58 Facsimile Edition

Every facsimile should offer a foil variant. There, I said it. Unfortunately, this one does not. But this is a reprint of the first appearance of the Penguin, so I’m still picking this one up as I’m not sure it’s been reprinted other than maybe a “Best of” TPB. I know I’ve never read this story so I’m looking forward to it.

Star Wars Bounty Hunters #37 (Ryan Brown Kligson Variant)

Tarr Kligson is not a new character (His first appearance is Star Wars #47 back in 1981). A cyborg, he was a ruler of an asteroid world whose population consisted entirely of droids because he despised humans. That original comic was actually adapted into a read along children’s book (which was one of my favorite books on cassette growing up). You can pull it up on YouTube and it’ll give you an almost scene by scene account of the marvel comic. He was a bit of a recluse and the story didn’t dive much into his origin, so I’m hoping they’ll take the opportunity to expand upon his character going forward.

Kligson was not on the cover of Star Wars #47, and hasn’t re-appeared until the Dark Droids story arc which will run through several Star Wars books over the next few months. He’s definitely an interesting character so I’m psyched he’s finally featured on a cover (drawn by Ryan Brown)!

Pick of the Week

This should come as no surprise. The comic issues are following along with the episodes, so we know Bo-Katan makes her Star Wars comics canon (Marvel) debut here. Also, it will be the 1st appearances of Mandalorians (and Night Owls) Axes Woves and Koska Revees. All three are important characters in the Mandalorian storyline going forward, and don’t be surprised if they get their own one-shots, mini’s or continue to make appearances in live action (either season 4, another series or the eventual feature film).

Cover A is must buy, as it has them featured (checking the 1st appearances + cover box). I personally prefer the concept art variant cover because I think they’ve been a great touch and I’m collecting the set of all episodes. It’s a great action cover featuring the three Nite Owls rocketing through the sky.

There is a 1:25 incentive cover, but it’s of Grogu eating soup. I can’t wrap my head around why this will draw more orders than featuring any of the Nite Owls. Swing and a miss, Marvel.

Drek if the Week

“She’s not really dead as long as we remember her…”. No, wait. We don’t have to remember her because she’s alive again!

So Ms. Marvel is alive and well, so what does that mean Marvel should do? Why, solicit another printing of her “obituary,” of course! Because we demanded it!

Fallen Friend gets the second print treatment…maybe Kamala can break the fourth wall and read what her friends said about her while she was dead. And there’s a 1:25 incentive for the suckers out there. What a joke.

Deja Vu All Over Again…

Last week this comic made my FOC list. Looks like FOC was pushed out a week. So if you missed out you may still be able to Order it.

That’s it for this week, my friends! As always, feel free to add your comments to other books on FOC this week you’re eyeing!