Italian Marvel Spotlight #5, Certified by CGC Signature Series, Tops February ComicConnect Sale

International comics graded by Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) and signed comics certified by CGC Signature Series were among the many rare collectibles offered in ComicConnect’s Winter Mega-Monthly Auction on February 12, 2025.

Topping the sale was a Marvel Spotlight #5 Italian Edition signed by Mike Ploog and graded CGC Signature Series 8.5, which realized $1,705. Published in 1974 by Editoriale Corno, this is the Italian Edition reprinting the first appearance of Ghost Rider (l’Incredible Devil) – which was originally published by Marvel Comics in 1972.

Click images to enlarge.

Mike Ploog, a legendary comic book artist known for his mastery of horror and fantasy, co-created Ghost Rider alongside Roy Thomas and Gary Friedrich. The character was a stunt motorcyclist who sells his soul to Mephisto and becomes a fiery-skulled spirit of vengeance. Ploog’s eerie, atmospheric art style brought the supernatural elements to life, giving Ghost Rider his unforgettable look. His work on horror titles like Werewolf by Night and The Monster of Frankenstein cemented his legacy as a master of the macabre, influencing generations of artists.

Another copy graded CGC Signature Series 6.5, also signed by Ploog, sold for $402.

Read more about CGC certification of international comic books here.

Other CGC-certified comics sold in this auction included:

• a Zap Comix #1 graded CGC 6.5, which realized $1,552
• a Werewolf by Night #43 graded CGC Signature Series 9.8 (Mike Ploog), which realized $1,462
• a Marvel Spotlight #6 graded CGC Signature Series 9.6 (Mike Ploog), which realized $977
• a Creepy #7 graded CGC 9.8, which realized $977
• an Amazing Spider-Man #129 French Canadian Edition graded CGC Signature Series 8.0 (Mike Ploog), which realized $805
• a Tales of Suspense #41 graded CGC 7.0, which realized $618
• a Brave and the Bold #97 graded CGC 9.8, which realized $495
• a Marvel Spotlight #2 graded CGC Signature Series 7.0 (Mike Ploog), which realized $443
• an Amazing Spider-Man #316 graded CGC 9.8, which realized $408
• a Batman #251 graded CGC 6.0, which realized $354

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 sports cards, TCGs 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. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.

Prices realized include buyer’s premium.