CGC-certified Romance Comics in February Heritage Sale

Love is in the air, and on the auction block, this February — with many classic romance comics graded by Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) available in a Heritage Auctions sale. Bidding is already underway for the Golden Age Romance Featuring Fox Comics and Comic Art Showcase Auction, being held on February 29 through March 1, 2024.

In the 1950s and 1960s, romance comic books experienced a surge in popularity, becoming one of the dominant genres in the industry during this period. These comics typically featured stories of love, relationships and drama, catering predominantly to a female readership. Titles like "Young Romance" and "Young Love" pioneered the genre, often portraying idealized and aspirational romantic scenarios, while also addressing social issues of the time such as gender roles, dating and societal expectations.

While superhero comics in the 1950s and ’60s thrived on the escapism and excitement they provided, romance comics struggled to adapt to shifting cultural norms and faced stiff competition from other genres vying for readers' attention. Despite this, romance comics continued to hold a devoted fan base and left an indelible mark on the history of comic books.

Offered in the auction is a Love Journal #10 graded CGC 5.5 (lot 83211). Published in 1951 by Orbit, Love Journal offered a glimpse into the lives of diverse characters who navigated the highs and lows of romance. With every turn of the page, the series unfolded intimate narratives that reminded us of the transformative power of love, making the series a must-read for fans seeking stories that touch the soul. Only 15 examples of this comic are recorded in the CGC Census, and a CGC 4.5 copy sold for $660 in 2023.

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Also offered is a Romantic Hearts #9 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 83394). Published in 1954 by Story Comics, Romantic Hearts was set against a backdrop of diverse characters and intricate storylines, capturing the essence of human connection in its purest form. From whirlwind romances to enduring love stories, the series captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Previously, a CGC 4.5 copy sold for $571 in 2019.

Other CGC-certified comics in this sale include:

• an All True Romance #11 graded CGC 4.0 (lot 83009)
• a Broadway Romances #1 graded CGC 8.5 (lot 83065)
• an Intimate Confessions #3 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 83168)
• a Love Diary #35 graded CGC 4.0 (lot 83201)
• a My Love Story #4 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 83301)
• a Radiant Love #6 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 83352)
• a Realistic Romances #8 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 83355)
• a Romantic Adventures #49 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 83372)
• a Romantic Love #21 graded CGC 6.0 (lot 83407)
• a Sweethearts #119 graded CGC 5.0 (lot 83472)

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.

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