The Thunderbolts* film (Marvel Studios) released in May 2025 and reignited speculative demand for 10 key issues: Sentry, Yelena Belova, US Agent, Bucky Winter Soldier, Red Guardian, Ghost, and Taskmaster. A 2027 spec sheet covering current values, first appearances, Heritage Auctions price ranges, and a post-release market read.
The MCU comic market follows a now well-established cycle: a pre-release speculation peak (T-6 to T-3 months), a correction at release depending on critical reception and box office, then stabilization or a gradual rebound based on how long the characters remain on screen. With Thunderbolts* hitting theaters in May 2025, the segment went through its anticipation phase between late 2024 and spring 2025. We're now in 2027, two years after the initial release, which gives us enough perspective to reassess all 10 spec issues and rank what's still worth hunting in 2027.
This guide reviews first appearances, current collector grades (CGC 9.6 and 9.8), price ranges observed on Heritage Auctions and eBay sold listings, and a market read: which issues held up post-release, which corrected, and which remain undervalued heading into a potential sequel or future Phase 6 MCU appearance. The confirmed film cast (Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky, Wyatt Russell as US Agent, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Lewis Pullman as Sentry, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster) serves as our compass for identifying remaining bargains.
Thunderbolts MCU: 2025 context and a 2027 retrospective
Thunderbolts* was officially announced by Kevin Feige at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2022, as part of the Phase 5 and 6 Marvel Cinematic Universe slate reveal. The release date, originally slated for late 2024, was pushed back multiple times before landing on May 2, 2025, in the United States. The film, directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, was billed as Marvel's answer to the Suicide Squad model: a team of antiheroes and morally ambiguous characters recruited for missions the Avengers can't take on.
The classic speculative window for this type of film covers three phases: T-12 to T-6 months before release (gradual rise, quiet buying by seasoned collectors), T-6 to T-1 month (media peak with trailers, posters, and early press screenings), and T+3 to T+12 months (stabilization or correction depending on critical and commercial performance). With two full years in the rearview mirror as of 2027, we have the complete data set: pre-release values tracked on GPAnalysis, the spring 2025 peak, the summer 2025 correction, and the 2026–2027 trajectory.
The Thunderbolts case has a distinctive quirk: unlike a film centered on a single lead character, it spread demand across seven main characters. This diluted the spec effect on any individual key issue while broadening the number of relevant books. For the 2027 collector, that means two things: the most chased issues (Sentry, Yelena) didn't spike as hard as a Shang-Chi #1 did in 2021, but they've held up better, and some secondary key issues (Red Guardian, Ghost) remain at reasonable levels with upside if a sequel is greenlit by Marvel Studios.
The 2025–2027 calendar was also shaped by the announcements of Fantastic Four (July 2025 release) and Avengers: Doomsday (announced for 2026, then pushed back), which absorbed a significant share of speculative attention at Thunderbolts' expense post-release. This redistribution explains why several Thunderbolts spec issues drifted back to attractive entry prices through 2026, creating buying windows for patient collectors who sat out the spring 2025 peak.
Sentry: New Avengers #1 (2005) Bendis/Finch, modern first appearance
Lewis Pullman was confirmed as Bob Reynolds, a.k.a. Sentry, in Thunderbolts*, placing the character at the center of speculation from the moment the casting was announced in July 2023. The most heavily hunted issue is New Avengers #1 (January 2005), written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by David Finch, which marks the formation of the new post-Avengers Disassembled Avengers team and serves as the definitive modern Sentry appearance. The issue exists in multiple variants: the standard Cover A (Finch), an alternate Cover B, and several ratio variants at 1:25, 1:50, and 1:75, which command significant multiples.
The true Sentry first appearance, however, dates back to Sentry #1 (September 2000) by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee — a five-issue miniseries that introduced the character into Marvel continuity through the narrative device of collective memory erasure. This issue remains the top-priority key for Sentry spec collectors: modest print run for a Marvel title of that era, highly sought-after Jae Lee cover, and canonical first appearance status. CGC 9.8 copies traded between $195–$305 in spring 2025, with a summer correction pulling them back to roughly $140–$195, largely stabilizing by late 2026.
For the 2027 collector, the Sentry buying hierarchy looks like this: Sentry #1 (2000) in CGC 9.6 minimum remains the long-term cornerstone thanks to its true first appearance status; New Avengers #1 (2005) Finch Cover A is the target for those chasing direct MCU recognition, though saturation risk is real since the issue was printed in the hundreds of thousands (per Diamond Comic Distributors estimates); the 1:50 and 1:75 ratio variants for New Avengers #1 are sharper plays, dependent on scarcity and secondary demand. Note that subsequent Sentry arcs (Dark Avengers, Siege) also offer standout covers from the Bendis Phase that can round out a thematic collection without breaking the budget.
The post-2025 market read confirmed that Sentry is the Thunderbolts character whose value has held up best, driven by Lewis Pullman's performance and the expectation that the character could return in Phase 6. Heritage Auctions sales from October 2025 through March 2027 show stability around peak-era ranges, with a few exceptional transactions on CGC 9.8 Signature Series copies.
Yelena Belova: Inhumans #5 (1999) and Black Widow #1 (1999), 1st appearance
Florence Pugh reprised her role as Yelena Belova — already introduced in Black Widow (2021) and Hawkeye (2021) — confirming Marvel's strategy of positioning the character as the spiritual leader of the Thunderbolts. Yelena Belova's first appearance is Inhumans #5 (March 1999) by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee, where she appears in a brief flashback. Her first full, clearly identifiable appearance, however, is Black Widow #1 (June 1999) by Devin Grayson and J.G. Jones — the first modern Black Widow miniseries and Yelena's canonical debut in continuity.
The first-appearance debate between Inhumans #5 and Black Widow #1 (1999) has long animated the collector community. The CGC consensus and current key issue label recognizes Inhumans #5 as the technical first appearance and Black Widow #1 as the first cover and full appearance. This distinction matters for pricing: Inhumans #5 CGC 9.8 traded in the $380–$565 range at the spring 2025 peak, versus $240–$370 for Black Widow #1 (1999) CGC 9.8 over the same period. The summer correction brought those ranges down to roughly $240–$370 and $150–$240, respectively, with stabilization observed through 2026.
Black Widow #3 (August 1999) features Yelena's first full appearance in costume, making it a secondary key issue worth watching as well. Raw NM/NM+ copies trade between $30–$65 on eBay sold listings for 2026–2027, offering an affordable entry point for collectors who want to cover the Yelena timeline without investing in CGC grading. Also worth noting: Black Widow: Pale Little Spider #1–3 (2002) by Greg Rucka develops the Yelena arc in depth and features Igor Kordey covers that remain affordably priced.
For 2027, Yelena's profile remains solid thanks to her dual MCU presence (Disney+ series appearances plus Thunderbolts), with a high likelihood of return in Phase 6 based on Kevin Feige's statements. Current buying hierarchy: Inhumans #5 CGC 9.6+ for the technical first appearance, Black Widow #1 (1999) raw NM or CGC 9.4–9.6 for a quality/price compromise, and Black Widow #3 (1999) raw NM as a thematic complement. Avoid overpaying for secondary variants that carry no CGC key issue recognition.
US Agent: Captain America #323 (1986) and #354 (1989), John Walker's evolution
Wyatt Russell reprised his role as John Walker — already introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+, 2021) — in Thunderbolts*. The character exists in two canonical versions in the comics timeline: Super-Patriot and US Agent, which generates two distinct key issues. John Walker's first appearance as Super-Patriot is Captain America #323 (November 1986) by Mark Gruenwald and Paul Neary, a long-overlooked issue that saw a dramatic reappraisal once Wyatt Russell's casting was announced in 2020.
The Super-Patriot-to-US-Agent transformation occurs in Captain America #354 (June 1989) by Mark Gruenwald and Kieron Dwyer, which marks John Walker's first full appearance in the US Agent costume and remains the most-hunted key issue for the character. Observed 2025–2027 price ranges: CA #323 CGC 9.8 between $305–$520 at the spring 2025 peak, correcting to $195–$305 in fall 2025, stabilizing at $215–$325 in 2026–2027. CA #354 CGC 9.8 between $415–$675 at peak, correcting to $260–$415, stabilizing at $305–$455 in the recent period.
The Captain America #332 (August 1987) arc — where Steve Rogers surrenders the shield — and Captain America #333 (September 1987) — where John Walker becomes the new Captain America — form a parallel mini-cluster of key issues worth attention. These books trade at more modest prices (CGC 9.8 between $130–$240 for 2026–2027) but provide essential narrative context and an appreciation angle if Marvel Studios leans into the John Walker-as-temporary-Captain-America arc in Phase 6.
For the 2027 collector, the recommended US Agent strategy runs along two tracks. First, secure CA #354 (1989) in CGC 9.6 minimum as the centerpiece, prioritizing copies with excellent visual presentation (bright cover, clean spine) to maximize future resale. Second, complement with CA #323 (1986) raw NM or CGC 9.4–9.6 for the Super-Patriot first appearance — more accessible and with appreciation potential if the Walker arc gains traction. Avoid lower-grade copies of issues printed in very large runs (the Gruenwald era is estimated at 250,000+ copies per issue), which makes anything below 9.6 largely undifferentiated in the long-term market.
Bucky / Winter Soldier: Captain America #1 and #6 (2005), the Brubaker run
Sebastian Stan reprised his role as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier in Thunderbolts* — the character's twelfth MCU appearance since Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). The Bucky/Winter Soldier key issues have been well established in the market since Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), but Thunderbolts sparked a second wave of demand on two specific issues. Captain America #1 (January 2005) by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting kicks off the Brubaker run that redefined Bucky and laid the narrative groundwork the MCU adapted.
Captain America #6 (June 2005) represents the canonical first appearance of the Winter Soldier in full, identifiable costume and the revelation that Bucky is alive — making it the absolute top-priority key for the modern character. Observed 2025–2027 price ranges: CA #1 (2005) CGC 9.8 between $195–$305, more stable than volatile thanks to the Brubaker run's already-established status. CA #6 (2005) CGC 9.8 between $415–$630 at peak, correcting to $305–$455, stabilizing at $345–$500 in 2026–2027. The CA #6 (2005) Director's Cut variant trades significantly higher due to its relative scarcity.
An important nuance for the 2027 collector: Captain America #5 (May 2005) is sometimes cited as the Winter Soldier's first appearance due to a partial, unidentified cameo, but the CGC consensus recognizes CA #6 as the first full appearance. CA #5 remains an interesting pickup at a modest entry price (CGC 9.8 between $85–$150) for collectors who want full coverage of the introduction arc. Beyond these issues, Bucky's historical first appearances (Captain America Comics #1, 1941) reach price levels that fall outside the modern spec framework and belong firmly in the Golden Age market.
The post-Thunderbolts market read confirms that Bucky remains one of the best long-term MCU performers in the collector market, driven by his screen longevity and the narrative quality of his appearances. For 2027, the main bet is less on appreciation of the 2005 key issues than on their resilience against market corrections. Recommended strategy: prioritize CA #6 (2005) CGC 9.6–9.8 as the core of a Winter Soldier collection, complement with CA #1 (2005) in CGC 9.8 for Brubaker arc coherence, and keep CA #5 (2005) raw NM or CGC 9.4–9.6 as a low-cost bonus.
Ghost, Red Guardian, and Taskmaster: complementary key issues
Three supporting cast members from the Thunderbolts lineup deserve specific attention in 2027. Hannah John-Kamen reprises her role as Ghost (Ava Starr), introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). Olga Kurylenko returns as Taskmaster (Antonia Dreykov), introduced in Black Widow (2021). David Harbour is back as Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov), also introduced in Black Widow (2021). Each character has their own top-priority key issue with distinct market dynamics.
For Ghost, the MCU's Ava Starr version is a recent creation with no direct classic comic counterpart. The historical comics Ghost, however, dates back to Iron Man #219 (June 1987) by David Michelinie and Bob Layton — the character's first appearance (at the time male and a corporate hacker). CGC 9.8 copies trade between $240–$415 in 2026–2027, with a modest transaction volume that makes price ranges more volatile than on major key issues. For the 2027 collector, Iron Man #219 remains a sharper play with moderate saturation risk; CGC 9.6 minimum is the floor.
For Red Guardian, the Alexei Shostakov version first appeared in Avengers #43 (August 1967) by Roy Thomas and John Buscema — a Silver Age key that combines the Red Guardian's first appearance with a placement in the Black Widow and Hawkeye narrative arc. CGC 9.4 copies of Avengers #43 (very rare in 9.6+) trade between $415–$675 in the recent period, supported by Silver Age status and CGC key issue recognition. For the 2027 collector, Avengers #43 raw FN/VF or CGC 8.0–9.0 offers a reasonable entry point ($130–$305) with long-term appreciation potential if Red Guardian becomes a recurring MCU presence.
For Taskmaster, the historical key issue is Avengers #195 (May 1980), which contains a brief Taskmaster cameo, and Avengers #196 (June 1980) by David Michelinie and George Pérez — the character's canonical first full appearance. The Taskmaster arc saw a reappraisal after Black Widow (2021) and experienced a fresh wave of demand in 2025 with Thunderbolts. Price ranges: Avengers #196 CGC 9.8 (very rare) between $520–$845, CGC 9.6 between $305–$500, CGC 9.4 between $195–$305 for 2026–2027. Avengers #195 remains accessible raw NM ($40–$85) or CGC 9.4–9.6 ($130–$240).
To round out the 2027 spec sheet, keep in mind that the MCU-adjacent comic market remains cyclical and tightly correlated with official Marvel Studios announcements. The likelihood of a Thunderbolts sequel or spot appearances by these characters in Phase 6 (Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars) is the primary driver of potential appreciation over the next 12–24 months. Watch the SDCC 2027 and D23 Expo announcements to calibrate your exposure to the key issues detailed above. To get a precise value for your own copy, our free eBay price estimator calculates a current value in 30 seconds using real sales data. To go deeper on the overall methodology, check out our guide to investing in modern comics 2020–2026, our CGC vs. CBCS vs. PGX comparison, and our list of most expensive comics 2026, which puts Heritage Auctions ranges into context for the high-end segment.
FAQ — Thunderbolts comics MCU 2027
What is Sentry's first appearance in comics?
Sentry's (Bob Reynolds) canonical first appearance is Sentry #1 (September 2000) by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee, a five-issue miniseries. The issue carries CGC recognition as a key issue first appearance. New Avengers #1 (January 2005) by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch marks Sentry's reintegration into modern continuity and is the most chased key for MCU 2025 spec. In 2027, Sentry #1 (2000) CGC 9.6+ remains the priority for long-term collecting; New Avengers #1 (2005) is the target for direct MCU recognition.
Why are there two first appearance key issues for Yelena Belova?
Inhumans #5 (March 1999) contains a brief Yelena Belova flashback recognized by CGC as her technical first appearance. Black Widow #1 (June 1999) by Devin Grayson and J.G. Jones marks her first full, clearly identifiable appearance in costume. The market treats them differently: Inhumans #5 commands a higher price due to its CGC technical first appearance status, while Black Widow #1 is more accessible and offers a reasonable entry point. Both issues are collectible and form a thematic mini-set for Yelena collectors.
US Agent: Captain America #323 or #354 — which should you prioritize?
Captain America #354 (June 1989) remains the top priority key issue as it marks John Walker's first full appearance in the US Agent costume, a status recognized by CGC. Captain America #323 (November 1986) is the Super-Patriot first appearance (the character's earlier identity) — a secondary but important key for the chronology. Recommended 2027 strategy: CA #354 CGC 9.6 minimum as the centerpiece, CA #323 raw NM or CGC 9.4–9.6 as a moderate-cost complement.
Should you buy Thunderbolts comics before or after the 2025 film release?
The optimal buying window has passed: the price peak ran through spring 2025 (T-3 to T-1 months before release), followed by a summer/fall 2025 correction. In 2027, the market has stabilized at a level between the peak and the post-release trough. For 2027 collectors, the strategy is to buy on temporary dips or in anticipation of an officially announced Marvel Studios sequel. Avoid paying peak prices without a clear official signal about Phase 6 or a Thunderbolts 2.
What CGC grade should you target for Thunderbolts key issues?
For post-2000 key issues (Sentry #1, New Avengers #1, Black Widow 1999, Captain America 2005), target CGC 9.6 minimum, ideally 9.8 — high print runs make lower grades largely undifferentiated for long-term value. For older key issues (Avengers #43, Avengers #196, Captain America #323, #354), a CGC 9.4 or even 9.0 is still collectible and offers better value for money. Always verify recent sales on Heritage Auctions and GPAnalysis before purchasing any CGC 9.6+ copy above $215.