If you’re relatively new to the comic collecting hobby, you may have heard the term “key” used frequently by the community online, at shows or at your local comic shop. But exactly what is a key issue comic book?
The short answer is that a key comic book is any issue that’s important in a title’s run. This could be because the issue introduces a popular character, features a pivotal story moment, or includes seminal artwork or writing from a popular creator.
It’s important to note, however, that there isn’t necessarily a universal consensus on what does (or doesn’t) make a key. There are a few authoritative sources, such as the Key Collector App, CGC and the Overstreet Guide to Grading Comics, that do weigh in on what they feel are keys, but at the same there’s often debate about the merits of certain comic books.
What’s more, not all keys are created equal. New keys can also appear virtually overnight because of a sudden rumor or announcement of an upcoming film or television property. At the same time, certain keys simply grow over time as popularity of a story, character or artwork takes hold.
Below are definitions and examples of some of the some most popular types key comics. Bear in mind that these are no way extensive lists, as there are literally hundreds of thousands of keys available. That being said, this guide does offer some insights into the criteria that makes (or doesn’t make) a particular issue a key.
Table of Contents
- Key First Appearances
- Key Story Moments
- Key Writers & Artists
- Key Covers
- Minor vs Major Keys
- Key Grails
- Key Specs
- Key Price Volatility
Key First Appearances
These keys introduce a character, hero or villain. For example, the first appearance of Marvel’s Deadpool occurs in the pages of New Mutants #98, while the first appearance of Moon Knight occurred in the pages of Werewolf by Night #32 (both of which are highly sought after key comic book issues).
It’s important to bear in mind, however, that there are also “cameos.” These are generally considered to be a teaser of a character, but not the full appearance. For example, the first full appearance of Wolverine is considered to take place in the pages of Incredible Hulk #181, while his first cameo occurs in the pages of Incredible Hulk #180 (in which Wolverine appears in just a few panels). Both are considered “keys”, but the full appearance is worth substantially more.
Key Story Moments
While first character appearances are some of the most sought after keys, some comic issues are considered keys because of an important story element that takes place. Examples of this include Batman #497, in which the super villain Bane famously broke Batman’s back (a scene which was later recreated in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises). Other examples include Uncanny X-Men #137, which is an important issue in the history of the X-Men that witnessed the death of Jean Grey. Similarly, Spider-Men #1 is considered a key as it marked the first iconic meeting between the original Peter Parker Spider-Man and the newer, alternate universe Miles Morales Spider-Man.
Key Writers & Artists
There are also a number of comics that are considered keys simply because they represent a specific creative achievement by a writer or artist. A great example of this is Daredevil #16, which represents the first time legendary Marvel artist John Romita illustrated Spider-Man in a comic (Romita would later go on to draw some of the greatest Spider-Man issues of all time). Similarly, the Amazing Spider-Man #296 does contain a cameo of the Venom symbiote (which alone puts it in the running for key status). However, the book is considered a key primarily because it’s the first Spider-Man cover art by Todd McFarlane (whose run on the character is considered one of the best of all time).
In a slightly different vein, Swamp Thing #20 remains an important and highly-collectible key issue as it’s the first Swamp Thing issue written by comic book icon Alan Moore (who would later go on to write Watchmen and dozens of other groundbreaking titles).
Key Covers
Some books are considered keys simply because of their stunning cover art, rather than the introduction of a character, new costume or particular story element. Examples of these types of cover keys include Detective Comics #880, which features an incredibly popular design by the artist Jock. Additional examples include Superman #233 (which features an iconic cover from Neal Adams) and Fantastic Four #72, which features a stunning cover by the great Jack Kirby.
(Be sure to also check out our list of the Best Comic Book Covers of All Time).
Minor Keys vs Major Keys
You may also hear the term “major keys” and “minor keys”. So just what is a major key comic and what is a minor key comic?
As the name suggests a “minor” key comic is one that is generally considered of lesser importance, such as costume change, the introduction of a B-list character or a minor plot point. A good example of this is The Invaders #20, which is considered a minor key as it introduces the second Captain Britain. Similarly, Amazing Spider-Man #658 is the first cover appearance of Spider-Man’s Foundation Suit. Yet another example is Marvel Team-Up #107, which is the first meeting between Spider-Man and She-Hulk.
A “major key” on the other hand is considered to contain the introduction of a popular character or critical story moment. Examples of this include Amazing Spider-Man #300 (which marks the first full appearance of Venom), Amazing Spider-Man #129 (which features the first appearance of the Punisher) and Batman #232 (which features both iconic cover art from Neal Adams and introduces the popular villain Ra’s al Ghul).
It’s important to note, however, that a minor key can indeed become a major key. For example, if the second Captain Britain were to appear together in an MCU film or Disney+ show, Invaders #20 (as shown above) could suddenly transform a minor key into a major key.
Key Grails
There are some key comic book issues that are considered so iconic that they attain the status of “grails” (a reference of course, to the iconic “holy grail”). These are comics that are either extremely rare or extremely popular, and as a result are usually worth a small fortune. These types of keys also generally tend retain or grow their value over time.
Examples of key comic book grails include Amazing Fantasy #15 (which marks the first appearance of Spider-Man), Giant-Size X-Men #1 (which introduced the modern X-Men team) and Fantastic Four #49 (which is the first full appearance of the planet-devouring villain Galactus).
Of course the term “grail” is also used subjectively and one collector’s grail could be very different than another’s, so bear in mind that some individuals may refer to their own “personal grails” when referring to certain books.
Key Specs
Some comics may end up becoming keys due to speculation and rumor. In fact, issue that were once dollar bin fodder can become highly sought after as key “specs”, with investors betting that they may increase in value.
A good example of this is West Coast Avengers #45. This book was a minor key (if that) for years until the White Vision appeared in the Disney+ WandaVision television show and some speculators are still betting that the book will increase in value should the White Vision appear again in any MCU films or television series.
Similarly, Batman #6 (from 2012) features the first full appearance of the dreaded Court of Owls, which – in addition to being popular among readers – some speculators believe is eventually going to appear in film or television.
Yet another example is Spectacular Spider-Man #9 which marks the first appearance of White Tiger in a standard comic (he had previously appeared in the magazine comic, The Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #19). Rumors are that White Tiger will appear in an upcoming Black Panther MCU film, which has lead speculators to drive up costs for what was otherwise barely be considered a minor key.
(For more information on key specs see our Comic Book Speculation & Investing Guide and our article What is a Spec Book?)
Key Comic Price Volatility
It’s important to note that key comic book prices can fluctuate dramatically based on market conditions, collector interest and even rumors. Prices can also vary significantly from seller to seller, so be sure to do your homework and shop around to find the best price. In some cases, fear of missing out can drive up costs for a hot key book, only to see it plunge a few months later, so as with all things the old adage “buyer beware” should definitely apply.
(For more information on comic price volatility check out our article looking at affordable key issues or check out our list of a few of the most undervalued comics).
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. Our answer to the question: what is a key issue comic book? Do you have any follow up questions or think anything is missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below.
More on Comic Book Keys
Want to know more about the hottest new keys? Check out our Comic Book Speculation and Investing Guide.
*We are a participant in the eBay affiliate program, which allows us to earn fees by linking to products at no additional cost to you the consumer.