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.
Terminal #1 hits 300K copies, second printing locked
Robert Kirkman's Terminal #1 sold 300,000 copies with a second printing already announced featuring new cover variants. That sales number is substantial for a non-superhero debut in today's market. Kirkman still has pull, but the real story is that 300K units moved at retail suggests Terminal resonated beyond his existing fanbase. Watch for this second printing to feature chase covers that collectors will hunt. If you grabbed first print early, hold it. Variant covers from the second wave should be worth tracking, especially if they're limited per retailer.
Source: The Comics BeatWhat's worth money right now
A rare copy of Zip Comics #33 with a cover inspired by the Angels of Bataan, illustrated by MLJ artist Harry Shorten, is heading to auction. Golden Age Zip Comics are always scarce, and this book carries both historical and artistic weight. The Angels of Bataan connection gives it extra appeal beyond standard Golden Age collecting. Auction results on books like this set pricing benchmarks for the market. Even if you can't bid, watch the final hammer price. It tells you what serious collectors are willing to pay for high-grade Golden Age with historical provenance.
Source: Bleeding CoolAlso worth knowing this week
Crownsville wins McDuffie Award at SDCC 26
Rodney Barnes and Elia Bonetti's horror series Crownsville took the 11th annual Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics at San Diego Comic-Con. The McDuffie Award carries real prestige in the industry and signals that Crownsville has reached a certain level of critical and cultural recognition. Awards like this tend to drive collector interest, especially among readers who follow independent and genre-diverse work. First printings may become tougher to find as demand spikes. If you've been on the fence about the series, this is a signal that it's worth your attention. Back issues should hold value long term.
Source: The Comics BeatTitan Comics lands Dejah Thoris rights for new series
Titan Comics signed a deal with Edgar Rice Burroughs to publish new Dejah Thoris and Tarzan comics starting next summer. Licensed properties like these have a built-in collector base, but rights deals also mean old runs can go out of print fast. The character has been published by multiple houses over the years, so this consolidation under Titan matters for long-term availability and collecting momentum. If you've been collecting Dejah Thoris from other publishers, this is a good time to assess what you have. Older runs might gain value if Titan's relaunch brings fresh reader attention to the character.
Source: Bleeding CoolSan Francisco Cartoon Art Museum closing this weekend
The Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco is shuttering after the owners chose not to renew the lease, with no definitive plans for the future. This is a loss for the comics community and a reminder that physical spaces devoted to comic art are fragile. Museums and galleries matter for the cultural legitimacy of the medium, and closures like this affect what gets preserved and displayed. Collectors should consider whether any of their local comic institutions are at risk. The closure also raises questions about what happens to any collections or exhibitions the museum held.
Source: The Comics BeatPearl Jam's Mike McCready launches graphic novel at SDCC
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready announced his debut graphic novel Farewell to Seasons with publisher Z2 at Comic-Con 2026. The book adapts his rock opera about 1990s grunge, which taps into the nostalgia market and celebrity-creator appeal. Celebrity comics have a mixed track record with collectors, but this one has a concept album backing it, which adds legitimacy. Z2 has a solid reputation for quality graphic novel production. If you're into music-influenced comics or want a genuine artist entry point into the medium, keep an eye on this title when it releases.
Source: The Comics BeatWatch this week
Breaks down the complete Spider-Man omnibus landscape and what's coming next. Essential if you're building a Spider-Man run and trying to avoid buying the same material twice.
Deep conversation with Ennis about his career and upcoming work. Good for understanding the creator's thinking if you're collecting his runs across different publishers.
Curated list of August releases worth your money. Useful for prioritizing pre-orders and avoiding blind spots in the month's output.
What it means for your collection
Terminal's 300K sales prove there's still appetite for new launches outside the big two. Grab that second printing if you missed the first one. Crownsville's McDuffie Award should push older issues up in demand, so don't sleep on early copies. Watch auction results on that Zip Comics #33 to benchmark Golden Age pricing. And if you have local comic institutions, check they're stable because closures like the Cartoon Art Museum matter for all of us.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy Terminal #1 second printing or hold out for the first?
If you don't have it, the second printing with new covers is your entry point. First printings are already scarce if this sales pace holds. Both will have value. New variants on the second run might become chases depending on per-retailer limits.
Is Crownsville worth collecting after the McDuffie Award win?
Yes. Awards signal critical recognition and tend to drive collector interest long term. Early printings should hold value as demand picks up. If you're into horror and independent work, it's a solid pickup.
How much should I expect to pay for Zip Comics #33 based on this auction?
Golden Age pricing depends heavily on condition and historical significance. This particular book's Bataan connection and Shorten art make it a premium example. Wait for the hammer price to see what the market actually paid, then use that as your baseline.