CGC Comics Hot List – January 2025

Posted on 1/2/2025

Some of the hobby's most popular books are showing their strength as we enter 2025!

In this monthly series, CGC delves into the dynamic world of comic book collecting, focusing on the hottest titles influencing the current market. Utilizing comprehensive insights from CGC submission data, we explore significant first appearances, rare variant covers and milestone issues.

This month’s hottest comics are a mix of milestone issues, key first appearances and iconic covers that have collectors buzzing. Fueled by current and upcoming film and television projects, these books saw a surge in popularity throughout 2024, as market speculation pushed demand to new heights. Whether it’s web-slingers, mutants, lanterns or galaxy-spanning adventures, the 2025 spotlight shines brightly on these classics once again.

Among this month's hottest comics

Amazing Spider-Man #300


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Released in May 1988, Amazing Spider-Man #300 by David Michelinie, with striking artwork by Todd McFarlane, is a significant milestone in the Spider-Man universe. The storyline pits Peter Parker against Eddie Brock, who merges with an alien symbiote to become the formidable villain Venom. McFarlane's dynamic art brilliantly captures the intensity of their conflict and sets the stage for the complicated relationship between Spider-Man and Venom. Venom became one of Spider-Man's most iconic villains, featured in Spider-Man films and even starring in his own film series played by Tom Hardy. Excitement for this issue is at an all-time high among collectors, with the recently released third (and presumably final) film in the Venom franchise, titled "Venom: The Last Dance."

Star Wars #1


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Released weeks before the movie, Star Wars #1 is the first issue of the comic book adaptation of the film. Star Wars comics have played a crucial role in enriching the vast galaxy far, far away. Since the late 1970s, various publishers have produced a multitude of Star Wars comic series, exploring untold stories, expanding character arcs and delving into the histories of iconic figures. In recent years, Marvel has reclaimed the license and has been publishing a new line of Star Wars comics that blend canonical storytelling with fresh perspectives, offering fans a diverse range of narratives that add depth to the rich tapestry of the Star Wars saga.

Giant-Size X-Men #1


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Giant-Size X-Men #1, published in Summer 1975, is a seminal comic book that revitalized and reshaped the X-Men franchise. Written by Len Wein with art by Dave Cockrum, this oversized issue introduced a new team of mutants, including Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Wolverine, alongside familiar faces like Cyclops and Jean Grey. Sent on a rescue mission to save the original X-Men, the newly assembled team showcases their diverse powers and personalities. This groundbreaking issue not only laid the foundation for the modern X-Men mythos but also paved the way for the team's enduring popularity and cultural impact in the decades to come.

Incredible Hulk #340


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Written by Peter David and featuring iconic art by Todd McFarlane, this issue reignites the fierce rivalry between these two powerful characters. The story sees the Hulk, in his gray incarnation, crossing paths with Wolverine, leading to a brutal and ferocious fight that showcases their raw strength and relentless determination. McFarlane's dynamic and gritty artwork, particularly the cover featuring Wolverine's claws reflecting the Hulk's rage-filled face, has become one of the most iconic images in comic book history. Similar to X-Men #251 on this month's list, the classic imagery of this cover was re-created on screen in the film "Deadpool and Wolverine."

Green Lantern #87


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Printed in 1971, Green Lantern #87 is a landmark issue in DC Comics history that introduced John Stewart as the first Black Green Lantern. Created by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams, John Stewart was originally chosen as a backup to Hal Jordan, stepping up when the Green Lantern Corps needed him. Over time, he became a mainstay in the DC Universe, known for his strong sense of justice and a tactical mind, which he uses to create some of the most powerful constructs among the Green Lanterns. This comic has always been a fan-favorite for collectors, representing a significant moment in comic book diversity and storytelling. Recently, it has gained even more attention after the announcement that actor Aaron Pierre has been cast as John Stewart in the upcoming "Lanterns" TV series, sparking excitement for his live-action portrayal and driving renewed interest in the character’s first appearance.

Previous Hottest Comics of the Month:

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. The newest division of CGC, CGC Home Video, provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of home media, including Betamax tapes, DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

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