Written by Admiral Duke For DisFanReview.com
On January 14th MARVEL comics released the very first issue of their all new STAR WARS comic. Obviously it was a big deal. So big a deal in fact, it has been dubbed the best selling single issue of comics in the last 20 years. Part of this was due to the fact that the STAR WARS licences returned to MARVEL who had published STAR WARS comics from 1977 until 1987.
Another big reason for the jaw dropping sales was due to the fact that MARVEL produced nearly 100 different 'Variant' covers of the book. Which ensured repeat sells by rabid fans who wanted find the cover that they coveted the most.
Among the more desired of these variant's was the issue due to be sold exclusively to pop culture retailer HOT TOPIC. The comic was set to release to HOT TOPIC stores across North America last week, And in some places it did appear on shelves, if only for a handful of hours.
On Friday January 23rd HOT TOPIC corporate offices emailed their stores and directed them to pull the issue due to an ad that appeared on the comic. The ad, which was for exclusive POP! vinyl figures from FUNKO, featured toys from AVENGERS: Age Of Ultron that will be sold exclusively at HOT TOPIC. However, the ad featured a MAJOR SPOILER for the film which is due out on May 1st. Stores were instructed to hold the issues until they could be restocked at a more appropriate time.
However, that wasn't the end of it. Apparently MARVEL is very interested in keeping their secrets, well, secret. According to multiple sources the HOT TOPIC corporate office sent another email to stores on Sunday January 25th, instructing store managers to account for all copies of the comic and DESTROY them immediately. Additionally, our sources indicated that it is likely the issue will be reprinted without the offending ad, but there is no indication as to when or if that will occur.
Obviously the drama has resulted in a huge demand for the spoiler tainted comic. The issue sold for a cover price of just $4.99 but is currently fetching in between $20 and $35 on Ebay. With the news that all other existing copies are due to be destroyed, the value is sure to climb.
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