CAPTAIN AMERICA 3: CIVIL WAR SPEC

Thanks to Patrick Hood aka Phood for the spec.
For the next Captain America film there are two main series to pick up to get the gist of what is coming and which books will be key to flip or collect. The Civil War storyline is the obvious go-to and the other is the Brubaker Captain America run which goes from #1-50 then jumps into Captain America #600. The following issues are additional key issues that will/could play a part in the next movie, some are speculation and some are proven key issues.
1. CIVIL WAR #1-7 (2006, Marvel)
Why: Main Storyline Print Run: Top seller each month.
Juice: The mini series spanned seven issues with crossovers and also other mini series but the ones you need are the main ones. Most of the issues went to second printings and also all had variant covers by Michael Turner, the sketch variants are insane right now with the prices skyrocketing. The way to go is to scoop up a whole set otherwise you will be paying top dollar for each issue, #1 demands $30 at conventions.
Issue #1 has a 1st printing, a 2nd printing, Turner variant, Turner sketch variant, also a Director’s cut, and an Aspen Comics variant.
Issue #2 has a 1st printing, 2nd printing, 3rd printing, and the Turner variants.
Issue #3 has 1st and second printing and also the Turner variants and an Ed McGuiness variant as well.
Issues #4-7 only have a 1st printing and the Turner variants.
A set of Turner sketch variants sold in the thousands, pick them up ASAP before the well runs dry. This will be a huge flip closer to the movie premiere.
Honorable Mention: Since the announcement of Spider-Man set to appear in this film, collectors have scrambled to pick up key issues that Spider-Man appears in More notably are the second printings of issue #2 with Spider-Man unmasked and also the Turner variant for issue #3. Now the one with the most pull at the moment is the sketch variant to issue #3 which is hard to find right now, pick this one up and don’t look back if you see it!
2. CAPTAIN AMERICA #25 (vol. 5) (2005, Marvel)
Why: Death of Captain America Print Run: 290,497
Juice: We all know it’s coming, these issues are drying up fast but are still maintaining a price tag of $25. That will not last long once the masses know what’s coming for Steve Rogers, notice nobody talks about his death in the media or on comic book outlets? Once the news really hits you will see this issue blow up and you will kick yourself for not wanting to shell out the extra bucks to pick this up now.
Honorable Mention: The second printing (20,680) is still relatively cheap in comparison to the regular cover and variant. The second printing is an Epting cover and the variant is by Ed McGuiness, it has a less than desirable appeal to it so the 1st and 2nd printings are the ones to hunt for. There is also a WWLA variant for this issue as well.
3. TALES OF SUSPENSE #75 (vol. 1) (1966, Marvel)
Why: 1st Sharon Carter AKA Agent 13, 1st Batroc Print Run: N/A
Juice: Agent 13 will play a major part in Captain America 3, this will be a book to pick up sooner than later. Sharon Carter will also become Steve Roger’s love interest so there could be some heat behind this one. Sharon Carter was already introduced in Cap 2 as Steve’s “neighbor” so her role in the story is just beginning. In Brubaker’s run she is integral to the outcome of the Civil War story.
Honorable Mention: TALES OF SUSPENSE #77 is the 1st appearance of Peggy Carter, with the character’s popularity increasing because of her TV show this is a book that you should pick up now rather than later. With Steve Roger’s story unfolding we also see his supporting cast’s story and how it involves him, trust me you want to have this book once people realize that Sharon is her granddaughter/niece.
4. CAPTAIN AMERICA #360 (vol. 1) (1989, Marvel)
Why: 1st Crossbones Print Run: N/A
Juice: Another character introduced to us in Cap 2, Mark Grujillo’s character was heavily injured at the end of the film and is confirmed to come back in 3 as Crossbones. In Brubaker’s run he plays a HUGE part in the upcoming movie, villain 1st appearances usually don’t last long price wise so secure these and get ready to start moving them. Since it was announced that the actor was set to play Crossbones, his first appearance has shot up to $20-$30.
Honorable Mention: The Bloodstone Hunt #357-362 is the full storyline.
5. CAPTAIN AMERICA #34A, CAPTAIN AMERICA #34B (vol. 5) (2007, Marvel)
Why: 1st Bucky Captain America Print Run: 127,524
Juice: Despite the collector community knowing of Cap’s impending death, lots of folks are overlooking Sebastian Stan’s future with Marvel and this is the main book that is flying under the radar. Bucky will take up the shield for a bit and this is the book where it happens in. People are sleeping on this book! Get on this ASAP.
Honorable Mention: The Brubaker and Epting run will most likely feed the next couple of Captain America movies, score these issues before they’re all gone! Captain America #43-45 is the Time’s Arrow storyline which delves into Bucky’s past as the Winter Soldier.
6. CAPTAIN AMERICA #6B(vol. 5) (2005, Marvel)
Why: 1st Winter Soldier Print Run: 46,360
Juice: This book has seen a peak already after the release of Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier and is an established modern key. Sebastian Stan has signed on for multiple pictures with Marvel so it is safe to deduce that he will be playing Captain America for a movie or two, this issue still has some room to grow. Copies aren’t that pricey at the moment but as more news comes out of the movies development, you will see this price point go up.
Honorable Mention: Captain America #14 (2006, Marvel) is the origin of the Winter Soldier, with a Golden age style cover it is already sought after and hard to find.
7. AVENGERS #6 (vol. 1) (1964, Marvel)
Why: 1st Baron Zemo, 1st Masters of Evil Print Run: N/A
Juice: Daniel Bruehl has signed on for Cap 3 as Baron Zemo, a Cap villain and Avengers villain that is an integral part of Brubaker’s run. Zemo started the Masters of Evil and has been Cap’s antagonist for a minute now, this will be more than a one movie villain. Marvel signs their actors for multiple films so I wouldn’t be surprised if Bruehl is in it for another. Already an established key this movie will push it through the stratosphere so keep an eye out for it because most dealers haven’t heard this news yet.
Honorable Mention: AVENGERS #4 is Zemo’s first appearance but in shadow only, #11 is another early app, and #16 is the apparent death of Zemo. Captain America #168 is the 1st Helmuth Zemo and #275 is a Helmuth appearance.
8. TALES OF SUSPENSE #65(vol. 1) (1965, Marvel)
Why: 1st Silver Age Red Skull Print Run: N/A
Juice: The return of the Red Skull! THE main Cap villain since the beginning and a main force behind Hydra, let’s not cover too much about his past because we saw it in Cap 1 but let’s talk about his future. As with most of the issues mentioned in this list, Red Skull plays a big part of the Brubaker run but it looks like he might not be introduced but there is still a way for Marvel to make this happen…
Honorable Mention: See below.
9. CAPTAIN AMERICA #290 (vol. 1) (1984, Marvel)
Why: 1st Syn Print Run: N/A
Juice: The Red Skull’s daughter plays a significant role in the death of Captain America storyline, also leading up to it. Syn’s 1st appearance was in this issue and was brought back for Brubaker’s run, this is a gamble because it seems Marvel already has plenty to work with but this might be a better way of getting a new Red Skull since the original actor has stated he will not reprise his role. She appears first as Mother Superior, her real name is Sinthia Schmidt.
Honorable Mention: Captain America #612 she becomes the new Red Skull, a cheap book that could have significance later.
10. STRANGE TALES #146(vol. 1) (1966, Marvel)
Why: 1st A.I.M. Print Run: N/A
Juice: A.I.M was created within Hydra by Baron Von Strucker as a sector that focuses heavily on technology. We will most likely see this in Avengers 2 but this group will spill over into Captain America 3, now is the time to pick this up. A Silver key issue but still relatively cheap, might be a solid pick up to flip in the height of the hype of the movie a la Nova Corps but of course this will be more $$.
Honorable Mention: Tales of Suspense #94 introduces one of A.I.M. deadliest creations and also a fan favorite… M.O.D.O.K! The Russo brothers already said that they would love to introduce him somehow. Arnim Zola could return in the comics he ends up with a robotic body and one could deduce that this could be the way Marvel introduces M.O.D.O.K., a bit of a reach but makes sense? Zola’s 1st appearance is in Captain America #208.
11. CAPTAIN AMERICA #107 (1968, Marvel)
Why: 1st Dr. Faustus Print Run: N/A
Juice: Dr. Faustus 1st appeared in this issue as a mind controlling bad guy, he made a few other appearances in his criminal career but none had the impact that the Brubaker run had. Faustus plays a huge part in the orchestrated death of Captain America and might be a book to look for once plot details start to pop up. This is kinda like Zola’s 1st appearance.
Honorable Mention: Faustus is used throughout the Brubaker run with his past also affecting the Winter Soldier’s, any issue past #43-45 with the Time’s Arrow storyline.
12. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #529 (2006, Marvel)
Why: 1st Red/gold spider suit, Civil War tie-in Print Run: 90,381
Juice: This issue has two main things going for it: 1st red and gold spider suit and the beginning of the Civil War tie-in for ASM. Spider-Man will appear in Cap 3 but to what length will his involvement be? In the series, Peter reveals his identity to the world.. Regardless, these issues have been blowing up lately so good idea to pick them up.
Honorable Mention: There is also a 2nd (22,481) and 3rd printings (1,477) for this issue, the 2nd is the same cover and the third is a different cover with a very low print run to boot. Prices are all over the place for the third printing, secure your copy before people realize how hard it is to find.
Scoop up issue #529-538 for all Civil War related issues, all of those issues have been selling well individually and as a set. There is also a Daily Bugle newspaper with the events of Civil War on it that was released as a promotional item by Marvel, it doesn’t go for crazy cash but something cool worth picking up if you see it.
Another book that is seeing some steam is Avengers #316 in which Spider-Man joins the Avengers ranks. Nothing may come of it if Marvel is only planning a cameo but it is a book worth picking up.
HOT TIP: CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #9 (1999, Marvel)
Why: 1st Falcon Captain America Print Run: N/A
Juice: With Bucky taking over the Captain America mantle for a bit eventually Steve Rogers comes back but who knows if the actor will come back to reprise his role. Instead I see Marvel taking a chance and throwing the Falcon in there, it was done here first in this series. Though this series isn’t cannon a la Elseworlds it is the 1st appearance of the Falcon as Captain America.
Honorable Mention: Captain America #25 (vol. 7) is the official Falcon Cap in continuity, Marvel recently switched Caps and it was received with mixed reviews. Captain America #117-119 (vol. 1) is the 1st appearance of the Falcon, #126 origin of the Falcon, Falcon returns in #133, #134 sees the title change, and #170 has Falcon receiving his wings from the Black Panther.
HONORABLE MENTION: AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.
1. NEW AVENGERS #4 (2005, Marvel)
Why: 1st Maria Hill Print Run: 154,920
Juice: Maria Hill has been an integral part of S.H.I.E.L.D. throughout and also during the Civil War storyline, after the fall out of Registration Act she will play a huge part in what becomes of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Super Heroes alongside with Tony Stark. There is a variant for this issue but the more desirable is the main cover which has Spider-Woman on it a la Manara cover.
Honorable Mention: Secret Avengers #5 Maria Hill becomes Deputy Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
2. BATTLE SCARS #1 (2006, Marvel)
Why: 1st Agent Coulson Print Run: 32,222
Juice: An integral part of SHIELD for the Marvel cinematic universe, he was later introduced in the comics with his early appearances still having room to grow.
Honorable Mention: BATTLE SCARS #1 is the 1st appearance of “Cheese” later in #6 you find out it is Agent Coulson and joins the team. S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (vol.3) Coulson becomes director of special ops.
3. STRANGE TALES #135 (1966, Marvel)
Why: 1st Nick Fury, 1st S.H.I.E.L.D., 1st Hydra Print Run: N/A
Juice: This issue is a huge key already and should be scooped as an investment, it will not reach Avengers #4 potential but it will have it’s place for several reasons. First off Steranko’s classic run on Strange Tales and the Fury series sets this apart from what other comics were doing at the time story wise and art direction as well. We are also reintroduced to Nick Fury who has basically become 007 and Steranko made this character exciting! We are also shown S.H.I.E.L.D. and of course the main bad guy was Hydra, solid book to pick up.
Honorable Mention: Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #5 is the 1st appearance of the African American Nick Fury! Also Nick Fury Agent of Shield #1 is a solid key to pick up with the controversial first page and Steranko’s continuously pushing the boundaries of the comic book medium.
4. TALES OF SUSPENSE #52 (1964, Marvel)
Why: 1st Black Widow Print Run: N/A
Juice: In the upcoming Avengers movie we will be treated to the Black Widow’s origin which might see a slight push on her key issues. Some are established key books that may cost you and then a few cheapies that have potential to see a rise in price for a potential flip, this particular issue might be out of most collector’s reach. In her early appearances she was a villain (same thing with Hawkeye) and was an Avengers adversary.
Honorable Mention: Amazing Spider-Man #86 introduces the Black Widow’s new costume and is still attainable price wise in high grade condition, Amazing Adventures #1-8 is her first solo series shared with the Inhumans, Daredevil #81 is her first appearance in a DD book, #87 they both move to SF (at the time all of Marvel’s heroes were located in NY city), #92 saw the title change through issue #107.
Avengers #111 she joins team, and last but not least Black Widow #1 Marvel Knights (1999), is her first solo series.