The stories collectors need to know from this week, each with a quick read and a link to the source, plus the videos worth your time. Want the live version? Our Daily Feed updates all week.
Will Murray, Squirrel Girl Co-Creator and Pulp Historian, Dead at 73
Will Murray, the writer and historian who co-created Marvel's Squirrel Girl with Ryan North, has died at 73. Murray was known for deep pulp knowledge and his work on classic characters. His contributions shaped how Marvel approached character development and historical comic continuity. For collectors, Murray's early Squirrel Girl runs will likely see renewed interest as fans revisit his foundational work on the character. First appearances and early runs from his era could appreciate, especially high-grade copies.
Source: The Comics BeatWhat's worth money right now
Disney unveiled a commemorative plaque honoring comic legend Jack Kirby at Avengers Campus on what would have been his 109th birthday, with his family attending the ceremony. Kirby's creative output shaped the Marvel Universe as collectors know it today. The recognition underscores Kirby's lasting impact and Disney's investment in acknowledging comic book heritage. For collectors, Kirby's original work and first appearances remain the most stable, high-demand segment. This public recognition may spark interest among newer collectors looking to understand Kirby's foundational role.
Source: The Comics BeatAlso worth knowing this week
Roger McKenzie, Legendary Daredevil Writer, Dead at 75
Roger McKenzie, prolific Daredevil writer and co-creator of Ben Urich and other key Marvel characters, has passed at 75. McKenzie defined the street-level Daredevil tone that influenced decades of the character. His runs established supporting cast members that are still central to the character today. Collectors holding McKenzie-era Daredevil books should expect increased demand. Ben Urich's first appearance and early McKenzie runs are worth evaluating for potential sales or upgrades.
Source: Bleeding CoolPeter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime, Dead at 85
Peter Cullen, the legendary voice actor behind Optimus Prime in Transformers, has died at 85. While primarily known for voice work, Cullen's impact on the Transformers franchise extends to all tie-in media, including comics. Transformers comics tie directly to the animated series, making Cullen's death significant for fans of that era. Collectors of 1980s Transformers comics tied to the animated show may see uptick in nostalgia-driven collecting. First issues and runs from the Cullen voice-acting period are worth reviewing.
Source: CBRProlific Letterer Dave Lanphear Dead at 58
Dave Lanphear, a prolific comic book letterer with decades of industry work, has passed at 58. Letterers are the backbone of readable, professional comics, and Lanphear's consistent work across multiple publishers shaped how modern comics look. His death marks the loss of a craftsperson whose work touched hundreds of titles. While letterers don't get the collector spotlight that artists and writers do, Lanphear's contributions are in every book he worked on. If you own high-grade runs from titles Lanphear lettered, note his involvement as part of the creative team history.
Source: Google News - ComicsIDW Publishing Delays Star Trek, Sonic, TMNT, Event Horizon After Truck Crash
A truck crash has delayed comic releases from IDW Publishing, affecting Star Trek, Event Horizon, Sonic, and TMNT titles. Supply chain disruptions are becoming more common in comics distribution. If you're preordering any of these titles, expect delays and contact your retailer for updated ETAs. Collectors waiting on these books should manage expectations and check with their local shop for revised ship dates. This is a logistics issue, not a production problem, so once books ship they should arrive normally.
Source: Bleeding CoolFourth Wing Graphic Novel Adaptation Coming April 2027 With Multiple Cover Variants
Rebecca Yarros' bestselling Fourth Wing is being adapted into a graphic novel by artist Anabel Rossi, arriving April 2027 with multiple cover variants. Yarros' fanbase is massive and hungry for adaptations of her work. This signals publishers' confidence in adapting popular prose to comics and leveraging existing fanbases. If you're a retailer, expect strong preorder demand on this title. Collectors should start planning variant strategy now, especially if you're building a complete cover set.
Source: The Comics BeatWatch this week
Tour of a local comic shop with a deep vintage toy section. Useful if you're sourcing inventory, networking with local shops, or looking for crossover collecting opportunities in your area.
Explores AI's emerging role in comic book grading. Worth watching if you grade books, submit to services, or want to understand where the grading market is heading.
Preview of Baltimore Comic-Con coming up soon. Essential viewing if you're planning to attend, want to know what dealers and guests are showing up, or need to prep your buying strategy.
What it means for your collection
This week hit hard with losses of three major figures. Will Murray and Roger McKenzie's back catalogs will draw renewed collector interest, so review what you own and consider grading key books. Jack Kirby's Disney honor validates what we already know: foundational Golden and Silver Age work remains the safest long-term investment. Fourth Wing's April 2027 graphic novel adaptation is targeting a built-in fanbase, so watch preorder patterns and decide your variant strategy early.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sell my Will Murray and Roger McKenzie runs now?
Not necessarily. Deaths sometimes create short-term price spikes followed by settling. Hold key first appearances and high-grade runs for 4-6 weeks, monitor market prices on the sites you use, then decide. Common mid-run issues usually see modest appreciation that fades quickly.
Will the IDW truck crash affect comic values?
No. Supply chain delays don't create scarcity for new releases. Once the delayed books ship, they'll arrive in normal quantities. This is a timing issue, not a print run issue.
Is now a good time to buy Jack Kirby originals?
Kirby's work is always sought after and typically holds value well. The Disney plaque may spark casual interest but won't dramatically move established collector prices. Buy based on condition, price per issue, and your collection goals, not the news cycle.