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.
Steve Wacker Becomes Marvel's New Editor-in-Chief
C.B. Cebulski officially handed over the Marvel EIC role to Steve Wacker at San Diego Comic-Con. This is a significant shift in editorial leadership. Wacker brings different instincts and relationships than Cebulski's tenure, which means the titles getting pitched and approved will likely change. If you hold Marvel back-issue runs from specific editors or eras, watch which characters and book types Wacker prioritizes in the next six months. His hiring signals which properties Marvel thinks have legs moving forward.
Source: The Comics BeatWhat's worth money right now
Ryan Gosling has been cast as Ghost Rider in an upcoming 2028 MCU film directed by Shawn Levy. Big-name casting on a Marvel Studios character always pumps collector interest. Ghost Rider back issues and first appearances are going to see renewed attention and price movement, especially high-grade copies of his key books. If you own Ghost Rider runs, now is the time to consider your exit strategy before the film gets closer to release and the hype cycle intensifies.
Source: The Comics BeatAlso worth knowing this week
Marvel and Kadokawa Partner on Five New Series
Marvel and Japanese publisher Kadokawa announced a partnership at San Diego Comic-Con that will produce five new series. This is Marvel testing deeper waters in the manga and Japanese market. The partnership likely means Marvel IP getting manga adaptations or original manga-style series available in Japan first or simultaneously with US releases. Collectors should watch for limited Japanese editions or variant covers tied to these launches. Scarcity of early printings in non-English markets can drive value for serious collectors.
Source: The Comics BeatMarvel Launches New Manga Line in Japan with Kadokawa
Marvel Comics announced a new manga line launching in Japan in 2026 through its Kadokawa partnership. This confirms Marvel is building a dedicated manga publishing footprint, not just adapting existing books. The timing matters: a 2026 launch means solicits and first previews should drop soon. Collectors who follow international editions know Japanese first printings often have different art or exclusive covers. Get on preorder lists early if you want to hold first printings of these titles.
Source: Bleeding CoolMarvel Extends Midnight Universe Schedule into 2027
Marvel announced its Midnight Universe publication schedule extending through 2027 at the ComicsPRO retailer summit. This is retail-facing news that tells you Marvel is committed to the Midnight line for the long haul. If you've been on the fence about collecting these books, the extended roadmap suggests Marvel has plans for growth and crossovers. Early issues of successful Midnight Universe titles could appreciate if the line gains traction.
Source: Bleeding CoolRip Kirby Returns from Mad Cave Studios in November
Mad Cave Studios will release a new Rip Kirby series by Christopher Sebela and Tango, reviving the classic King Features detective created by Alex Raymond and Ward Greene. Rip Kirby is a deep catalog pull with serious Golden Age roots. A modern revival from a publisher like Mad Cave can drive collector interest in the original runs. Original Rip Kirby strips and early reprints are rare and often expensive. If you're curious about the character, this November launch is your entry point before any potential price spikes on back-issue originals.
Source: The Comics BeatDC Announces Morgan Hampton Writing New Steel Ongoing
DC Comics announced at San Diego Comic-Con that Morgan Hampton will write a new Steel ongoing series as part of an initiative to expand Black-led titles. Steel has had stop-and-start runs over the years, and a new ongoing with a named writer signals DC is investing in the character. Early issues of new ongoings by rising writers can appreciate if the book finds an audience. Hampton's background and approach will shape whether collectors stay interested month to month.
Source: The Comics BeatWatch this week
Steve Niles discusses Heartbreak Manor and his approach to horror comic storytelling. Useful for collectors tracking Niles' catalog and understanding what drives horror book values.
Deep dive into the Nocenti and Romita Jr. run on Daredevil, covering key story arcs and character moments. Essential viewing if you collect Daredevil runs or are considering the omnibus edition.
Haspiel talks through his upcoming projects and creative direction. Good for collectors following independent creators and tracking what indie titles might gain traction.
What it means for your collection
Wacker's ascent as Marvel EIC signals editorial changes coming soon, so watch which titles and creators get greenlit in his first six months. The Kadokawa partnership opens a play on Japanese first printings and variants for collectors hunting scarcity. Ghost Rider casting is real money moving on key issues right now. If you own high-grade Ghost Rider books, seriously consider selling into the hype.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy Ghost Rider back issues now that Gosling is cast?
If you don't own key Ghost Rider books, prices are already moving up. Wait for the initial spike to settle in a few weeks before buying. If you already own copies, selling high-grade issues now is smart timing.
What does Steve Wacker's appointment mean for Marvel's publication schedule?
Editorial transitions usually mean different titles get priority, different writers get greenlights, and the tone of Marvel's lineup may shift. Watch Marvel's next few solicitation announcements to see what changes.
Will the Kadokawa partnership affect US comic prices?
Unlikely in the short term. But if Marvel creates exclusive or limited Japanese printings, US collectors hunting those editions for variant covers or scarcity will face higher costs importing them.