Following the critical and commercial flop of the Disney+ series Secret Invasion (June–July 2023, 22% on Rotten Tomatoes), five key issues tied to the Skrull universe and Marvel's supporting cast remain undervalued between $55 and $165. The targets: Hood #1 (July 2002, first Parker Robbins), Tales of Suspense #94 (October 1967, first MODOK), Iron Man #33 (January 1971, first Spymaster), Strange Tales #146 (July 1966, first A.I.M.), and the pair Fantastic Four #2 / Fantastic Four #18 (January 1962 and September 1963, first Skrulls and Super-Skrull). The current buying window looks like a classic post-flop cycle trough — comparable to the Eternals correction of 2022 — ahead of a likely rebound when the next MCU appearances hit in 2026–2028.
The run of Secret Invasion on Disney+ from June 21 to July 26, 2023 disappointed on every measurable indicator. The series by Kyle Bradstreet and Ali Selim — written as a paranoid thriller derived from Brian Michael Bendis and Leinil Francis Yu's 2008 run — drew only 22% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, 49% from audiences, and appeared in no Nielsen summer 2023 viewing charts. The direct market impact: Skrull, MODOK, Spymaster, Hood, and A.I.M. key issues corrected 25–45% between June 2023 and end of 2024, exactly the reversal pattern seen with Inhumans (ABC, 2017) and Madame Web (Sony, 2024). That correction creates precisely the opportunity seasoned collectors watch for: a low entry point on issues whose intrinsic value — a canonical first appearance — remains intact.
The thesis of this article: the Secret Invasion 2008 comics run (Bendis, Maleev, Yu) retains its status as an editorial landmark in Marvel continuity and continues to be reprinted in Omnibus and Marvel Premiere Hardcover editions. The Disney+ series flop has temporarily suppressed the speculative premium on associated key issues, but the long-term trajectory (2026–2030) remains positive for five specific targets. Each section details the first appearance, price history from 2020–2025, the current buy threshold, and the likely resale scenario based on the Marvel Studios pipeline. At the end, a decision framework for deploying $550–$2,200 on this post-flop theme.
Financial disclaimer: The information presented in this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice of any kind. Comic book prices can fluctuate significantly in either direction. Purchasing comics for speculative purposes carries significant risk of loss. Always buy first and foremost what you love as a collector.
Secret Invasion 2008 vs. Disney+ 2023: why a series flop doesn't erase the comics' value
The Secret Invasion run published by Marvel between April 2008 and January 2009 (eight main issues plus tie-ins) remains the most-discussed Bendis event of the 2000s. The script by Brian Michael Bendis, drawn by Leinil Francis Yu and Mark Morales on the main mini, and supported by Alex Maleev's preparatory arcs on New Avengers (2007–2008), establishes the narrative mechanic that would be repurposed throughout the modern spec market: a character you thought you knew for ten years was actually an infiltrating Skrull. That idea triggered a wave of reprints for every first appearance involved — Hank Pym, Mockingbird, Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew), Black Bolt. The 2008 run sold over 250,000 copies on issue #1 according to Diamond Comics Distributors' April 2008 figures, and is included in Marvel's official selection of essential events.
The 2023 Disney+ series attempted a radically different adaptation: six episodes tightened around Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) in a geopolitical thriller, dropping virtually the entire Avengers cast from the original comic. The critical result was catastrophic. Reviewers from The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and IGN pointed to a rushed plot, a fully CGI final battle between Nick Fury and Gravik, and controversial use of artificial intelligence for the opening title sequence. Across six episodes, cumulative Disney+ viewership never exceeded the median for Phase 5 Marvel series according to Nielsen Streaming Top 10 data. Marvel Television publicly acknowledged in November 2023 that the series was among the productions it needed to reconsider as part of its streaming strategy, alongside She-Hulk and Secret Invasion.
The direct spec impact: between June 2023 (series launch) and December 2024, Skrull key issues and supporting character firsts pulled back 25–45%. Fantastic Four #2 in CGC 4.0 dropped from $4,800 to $3,200 on Heritage sales. Iron Man #33 in 9.0 slid from $480 to $320 on eBay sold listings. Strange Tales #146 in 8.0 corrected from $280 to $180. This correction aligns with the classic post-flop cycle described in MCU/DCU comic adaptations: the spec effect, where a failed adaptation triggers a 30–50% correction within six months, followed by a 12–24 month plateau. The optimal buy timing sits precisely in that plateau, just before the next Marvel Studios catalyst.
The most likely recovery scenario: Marvel Studios is keeping the Skrulls in the long-term MCU pipeline through The Marvels (released November 2023, $199M box office — modest performance, but Skrulls still present), a crossover Avengers event planned for Phase 7, and likely a Disney+ animated project derived from the Bendis 2008 run. Every future announcement will mechanically reignite the identified key issues. The bet: buy now at $55–$165, sell at $220–$440 in the 2027–2029 window.
Hood #1 (July 2002): first Parker Robbins, undervalued at $75–$120
Hood #1 by Brian K. Vaughan and Kyle Hotz, published by Marvel under the MAX label in July 2002, marks the first appearance of Parker Robbins — a small-time criminal who discovers the demonic cloak that will transform him into the kingpin of New York's underworld. The character gains major importance during Bendis's post-Civil War run: Robbins becomes the primary antagonist in New Avengers from 2007 to 2009, recruits dozens of B-list supervillains, and plays a key role during Secret Invasion as the leader of Norman Osborn's Dark Reign. He is the character most directly born from the 2008 run who has yet to receive his own dedicated MCU adaptation.
The 2020–2025 price history on Hood #1 follows a typical pattern for a character in the waiting room. Raw NM around $40–$55 before 2020. First speculative spike in 2021 off the back of Thunderbolts Marvel Studios rumors: $88–$120. Second spike in June 2023 at the Disney+ series launch: $143–$176, on anticipation that Hood might appear. The series ultimately doesn't include the character. Severe post-series correction: back to $77–$99 in raw NM by end of 2024. In CGC 9.8, the book trades around $242–$308, versus a 2023 peak of $495.
The investment case through 2026: Hood's cloak, his ties to Dormammu and the Dark Dimension, and his role as a criminal underworld organizer for Marvel Studios — a narrative equivalent to Kingpin for the Marvel street level — remain solid storytelling elements for an MCU integration in Spider-Man 4 (projected July 2026 release) or Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. The CGC census on Hood #1 remains very thin: fewer than 1,800 total graded copies according to CGC Census, with only 480 in 9.8. That structural scarcity caps available supply when demand returns.
The buy window: target raw NM/NM+ at $75–$120 on Whatnot, eBay, and conventions. CGC Modern tier grading (roughly $80 all-in) remains profitable if you're targeting a $275–$385 resale in CGC 9.8 on a 2027–2028 horizon. For the exact CGC pricing mechanics on this type of modern key, see submitting your comics to CGC: complete guide.
Tales of Suspense #94 (October 1967): first MODOK, target range $275–$420
Tales of Suspense #94, published by Marvel in October 1967 with a script by Stan Lee and art by Jack Kirby, contains the first appearance of MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) — George Tarleton before his transformation. The issue continues the split Iron Man / Captain America run that would end in March 1968 with issue #99. MODOK is one of Marvel's most visually iconic Silver Age villains, and his appearance in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (February 2023) made him a familiar name to mainstream MCU audiences. However, the character's treatment in Quantumania — with mixed reviews for the CGI rendering and comedic role — put a damper on speculation around his first appearance.
The double MCU exposure in 2023 (Quantumania in February, Secret Invasion in June) should have created a synchronized spike on Tales of Suspense #94. The reality: the Secret Invasion series didn't include MODOK, and the price trajectory corrected. Raw VG/FN was $242–$308 at the start of 2023, climbed to $418–$495 in April 2023, and came back down to $275–$352 by end of 2024. In CGC 7.0, the book went from $638 (April 2023 peak) to $418–$462 by end of 2024 — a 28% correction. In CGC 9.0, the gap is wider: $1,980 at peak versus $1,210–$1,375 at end of 2024.
The buy argument through 2026: MODOK remains a central antagonist within A.I.M. (see section below), and A.I.M. appears regularly in the Marvel Studios pipeline. With the Kang casting abandoned in December 2023 following the Jonathan Majors fallout, Marvel Studios is looking for a long-term antagonist to replace the Council of Kangs narrative. MODOK is regularly cited in Reddit rumors and The Direct as a serious candidate for Phase 7. MODOK's Silver Age first appearance is a catalog asset that will weather short-term cycles.
The buy target: aim for CGC 7.0 at $418–$462 or raw FN at $308–$352. The risk profile is low because the book is canonical Silver Age, which places a structural floor on its value independent of MCU cycles. For the broader context of Silver Age books as an asset class, see investing in comics: complete strategic guide.
Iron Man #33 (January 1971): first Spymaster, opportunity at $99–$154
Iron Man #33, published by Marvel in January 1971 (cover date; on newsstands November 1970), contains the first appearance of Spymaster — a recurring corporate-espionage antagonist in Iron Man mythology and a supporting player in the Bendis 2008 Skrull storylines. Script by Allyn Brodsky, art by Don Heck, from the pre-Demon in a Bottle transition period of the Iron Man run. Spymaster doesn't have MODOK or Whiplash's mainstream name recognition, but remains a recurring name in MCU rumors for industrial espionage arcs around Stark Industries / Stark Unlimited.
The price profile on Iron Man #33 is typical of Bronze Age books that fly under the radar outside events. Raw VG/FN was $88–$132 between 2019 and 2022. A modest Secret Invasion speculation bump in April 2023: $154–$198. Post-flop correction: back to $99–$154 by end of 2024. In CGC 9.0, the book sits at $352–$418 at end of 2024 versus a $495 April 2023 peak. The CGC census shows 2,800 total graded copies with a very average distribution (median 8.0–8.5), which makes high-grade copies accessible at reasonable prices compared to other Bronze Age keys.
The spec argument: Spymaster is a natural candidate for Armor Wars (announced as an MCU film in July 2024 following its transition from the Disney+ series format, projected release 2027). The Bob Layton and David Michelinie run that defines Armor Wars in the 1980s uses Spymaster as the corporate antagonist, and any casting announcement for that project would likely reignite speculation. The current buy window (raw FN/VF at $99–$154) offers a favorable risk/reward ratio for a 2026–2028 horizon.
The strategy: submitting a raw VF purchased for $143 to CGC Standard tier (roughly $143 all-in from the US) can yield a CGC 8.5 or 9.0 selling at $352–$418 — a net margin of $66–$132. The ROI is solid if not spectacular, but risk is lower because the book remains canonical Bronze Age. For the full Bronze Age grading decision framework, see modern comics to invest in 2020–2026, which also covers the Bronze Age to modern transition.
Strange Tales #146 (July 1966): first A.I.M., target at $198–$264
Strange Tales #146 from July 1966 — written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby for the Doctor Strange portion and Don Heck for the Nick Fury portion — contains the canonical first appearance of A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics), the terrorist science organization that would later become the narrative foundation for MODOK. The organization appears briefly in earlier Tales of Suspense issues, but Strange Tales #146 is where A.I.M. is established as a named entity with its own organizational structure. The book is therefore a key Silver Age issue for the entire MODOK / Hydra rival / pre-MCU Captain America: Civil War narrative chain (A.I.M.'s 2016 appearance in the run).
The 2020–2025 price history on Strange Tales #146 tracked the Captain America: The Winter Soldier cycle, then the Avengers: Age of Ultron spike, before stabilizing through 2019–2022. Raw VG/FN was $198–$264 in 2020–2022. Secret Invasion speculation peak in April–May 2023: $308–$385. Post-flop correction: $198–$264 raw FN by end of 2024. In CGC 8.0, the book shows $418–$495 at end of 2024 versus a $638 2023 peak. In CGC 9.0, the differential is more pronounced: $825 at peak versus $572–$638 at end of 2024.
The buy case through 2026: A.I.M. remains a background MCU antagonist with appearances in Iron Man 3 (2013) and several animated series. Marvel Studios has yet to fully exploit the organization's narrative potential as a Hydra rival and MODOK incubator. A meaningful appearance in Armor Wars (2027) or a Captain America 5 project that reintroduces A.I.M. as a global threat would reignite speculation. The particular advantage of this book: its status as a Silver Age Kirby/Stan Lee piece gives it collection value independent of MCU cycles, which protects the capital invested.
The target: raw FN/VF at $198–$264 remains attainable on eBay and Heritage Auctions Sunday Sales. CGC Standard tier transforms a raw FN at $242 into a CGC 7.5 selling at $418–$462 — net margin $55–$88. On a CGC 8.0 if you find a raw VF/NM, the differential climbs to $110–$165 net margin. For the full methodology on identifying Silver Age sleepers, see undervalued comics 2026: sleeper issues.
Fantastic Four #2 (January 1962) and Fantastic Four #18 (September 1963): Skrulls and Super-Skrull at $1,320–$3,520
The two foundational books for Skrull mythology in the Marvel Universe are major Silver Age keys that go well beyond simple MCU speculation. Fantastic Four #2 (January 1962), by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, contains the first appearance of the Skrulls of Tarnax IV. It's one of the first alien villain races created by the Lee/Kirby team — exactly six months after Fantastic Four #1 and three months before Spider-Man debuted in Amazing Fantasy #15. The book is a Silver Age cornerstone, independently of any MCU factor. Fantastic Four #18 (September 1963), same creative team, introduces Kl'rt the Super-Skrull, a recurring antagonist through to the present day and a character who received his own solo series in 2008 as part of the Secret Invasion event (Super-Skrull tie-in mini-series).
The 2020–2025 price trajectory on both books was partially decoupled from the 2023 Secret Invasion cycle because their intrinsic value as Silver Age keys protects them from short-term swings. Fantastic Four #2 in CGC 4.0 was at $4,180–$4,620 in 2020. Steady climb to $5,280–$5,720 in spring 2023. Post-flop correction: $3,520–$4,180 at end of 2024, down roughly 27% from peak. In CGC 6.0, the book remains around $9,020–$10,120 at end of 2024 versus $12,650 at the 2023 peak. Fantastic Four #18 in CGC 5.0 went from $1,980 at the start of 2023 to $2,640 at peak, then $1,760–$1,980 at end of 2024. In CGC 7.0, that's $3,520–$3,960 at end of 2024 versus $4,620 at peak.
The buy case through 2026: The Fantastic Four: First Steps released in July 2025 (very positive critical reception, 87% Rotten Tomatoes, $540M worldwide box office at six months). The film partially reignited Fantastic Four #1, but the effect on issue #2 was more muted. The natural follow-through: the Skrulls and Super-Skrull are confirmed for MCU Phase 7 in Avengers: Doomsday (2027) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2028) per the Disney+ Investor Day announcements of September 2024. The speculation cycle will reopen on both issues between late 2026 and early 2028.
The buy target: with a capital of $2,200–$4,400, target Fantastic Four #18 in CGC 4.5–5.5 at $1,760–$2,420. Resale potential of $2,750–$3,850 in the 2027–2028 window is documented by prior cycles (Super-Skrull's appearance in Fantastic Four 2007 drove a 40% price increase over six months per Heritage sales data). For a higher capital position ($5,500–$8,800), Fantastic Four #2 in CGC 5.0–6.0 remains the canonical option, with a long hold horizon (5–10 years) that extends well beyond the strict Secret Invasion cycle. See MCU Phase 6 comics: how to anticipate key issues for the detailed Marvel Studios 2026–2030 calendar.
FAQ — Post-Secret Invasion 2023 spec and buying opportunities
Why did the Disney+ Secret Invasion series flop in 2023?
The 6-episode series that aired from June to July 2023 earned 22% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 49% from audiences. Critics at Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and IGN pointed to a rushed plot, controversial use of AI for the opening title sequence, an unconvincing all-CGI final battle, and the abandonment of the Avengers ensemble from the original 2008 comic. Marvel Studios publicly acknowledged in November 2023 that the series was among the productions it needed to reassess in its streaming strategy. The immediate spec market impact: a 25–45% correction on Skrull key issues and supporting character first appearances between June 2023 and end of 2024.
What's the minimum budget needed to enter this spec theme?
With $550, aim for a single buy: Hood #1 in CGC 9.6 (raw NM at $120 + grading ~$80) with a 2027–2028 resale horizon. With $1,650, diversify across three positions: Hood #1 CGC 9.6 ($275), Iron Man #33 raw FN ($143), and Strange Tales #146 CGC 7.5 ($495). With $3,300–$5,500, add Tales of Suspense #94 CGC 7.0 ($462) and Fantastic Four #18 CGC 5.0 ($1,980). At $8,800 and above, incorporate Fantastic Four #2 in CGC 4.0–5.0 as a long-hold position. Recommended allocation ratio: 30–40% in modern/Bronze Age, 60–70% in Silver Age, which holds up better through short-term cycles.
Is Hood #1 really undervalued at $75–$120 raw NM?
The issue published in July 2002 by Brian K. Vaughan and Kyle Hotz has an extremely thin CGC census (fewer than 1,800 total graded copies per CGC Census, with only 480 in 9.8). That structural scarcity limits available supply when demand picks back up. Parker Robbins plays a central role in the Dark Reign of Norman Osborn (2008–2010) and remains the most narratively ready Marvel underworld antagonist for the MCU without conflicting with Kingpin. An appearance in Spider-Man 4 (July 2026) or Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 would push speculation back toward $220–$308 in raw NM. The risk profile is manageable because the book has a solid fan base independent of MCU cycles.
Should I go raw or CGC-graded on these books?
For Hood #1 (post-2000 modern), CGC 9.6 or 9.8 grading is profitable because the grade premium exceeds 4× the raw value. For Tales of Suspense #94, Iron Man #33, and Strange Tales #146 (Silver/Bronze Age), only grade if the apparent condition is above the census median (typically FN/VF and above). Below that, raw remains more liquid and the net grade premium turns negative once you factor in tier costs, shipping, and holding time. For Fantastic Four #2 and #18, never buy raw above $1,100 without prior CGC authentication: the risk of counterfeiting (colorized reprints, hidden restorations) makes the slab requirement non-negotiable. For the complete raw vs. CGC decision methodology, see the CGC grading guide.
What's the Marvel Studios calendar that could reignite Skrull values?
Three identified milestones as of end of 2025: Spider-Man 4 (July 2026, possible Hood appearance), Armor Wars (projected 2027 release, possible Spymaster and A.I.M. appearances), and Avengers: Doomsday (2027) followed by Avengers: Secret Wars (2028) with confirmed Skrull return and a possible Super-Skrull. Every casting reveal or trailer drop on these projects will trigger a 4–12 week speculation cycle on the corresponding first appearances. The optimal buy window (ahead of the first catalyst) likely closes around mid-2026, when the first Spider-Man 4 production leaks start circulating. Beyond that, the spec premium gradually rebuilds and the current opportunity disappears.