CGC’s Hottest Comics of January 2024

With the new monthly series “CGC’s Hottest Comics,” we’re going to dive into the dynamic world of comic book collecting by scrutinizing the hottest titles currently making waves in the market. Tapping into the valuable insights provided by CGC submission data, from key first appearances to rare variants and milestone issues, we'll explore what makes these comics sizzle in the eyes of collectors.

This month, three gritty characters with upcoming movies rose to the top. Marvel has a lot riding on Deadpool 3, hoping that its July 2024 release will make it a summer tentpole. Meanwhile, the third Venom movie will be reaching theaters in November 2024. A little further into the future is a Spawn film, which could possibly hit the silver screen by 2025 and take that franchise to new heights.

Among this month’s hottest comics

Spawn #1

Created by Todd McFarlane, Spawn #1 was released in May 1992. The issue introduces readers to Al Simmons, a government assassin betrayed and murdered by his employers. In death, Simmons makes a Faustian bargain with the demon Malebolgia, trading his soul for a chance to return to Earth. However, the deal transforms him into Spawn, a hellspawn with supernatural powers. McFarlane's dark and gritty artwork, coupled with a compelling narrative, sets the tone for the Spawn series, blending elements of horror, fantasy and antihero drama.

Click image to enlarge.

Venom: Lethal Protector #1

Released in February 1993, Venom: Lethal Protector #1 brought the notorious symbiote antihero Venom into a new narrative arc. Penned by David Michelinie with artwork by Mark Bagley, the issue thrusts Eddie Brock, aka Venom, into San Francisco as he attempts to establish himself as a lethal protector and leave behind his villainous past in New York. The storyline takes an unexpected turn as Venom becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Life Foundation, a sinister organization conducting experiments with symbiotes.

Click image to enlarge.

Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8

Published in December 1984, Secret Wars #8 stands as a pivotal chapter in Marvel Comics history, concluding the groundbreaking crossover event written by Jim Shooter and illustrated by Mike Zeck. In this climactic issue, the battle between the heroes and villains on the makeshift planet Battleworld reaches its zenith. The cosmic entity known as the Beyonder is confronted, and the fate of the captured heroes and villains hangs in the balance. The issue features iconic moments, including the origin of Spider-Man’s black symbiote suit that would later become Venom.

Click image to enlarge.

New Mutants #98

Released in February 1991, New Mutants #98 introduced the character Deadpool to the Marvel Universe. Created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist Rob Liefeld, the issue follows the New Mutants team as they encounter the wisecracking and morally ambiguous mercenary Deadpool. Known for its humor, action and Deadpool's irreverent personality, New Mutants #98 became a fan favorite and marked the beginning of Deadpool's ascent to becoming one of Marvel's most iconic characters.

Click image to enlarge.

Amazing Spider-Man #300

Released in May 1988, Amazing Spider-Man #300 is a landmark issue in the Spider-Man mythos, written by David Michelinie with stunning artwork by Todd McFarlane. In this pivotal story, Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, confronts Eddie Brock, who has bonded with an alien symbiote to become the formidable villain Venom. McFarlane's dynamic art style captures the intensity of the conflict, and the narrative lays the foundation for the complex relationship between Spider-Man and Venom.

Click image to enlarge.

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for many other types 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.