CGC Comics Hot List – June 2025

Posted on 6/2/2025

Marvel’s Thurderbolts* puts Soviet spies, shadow operatives and unstable super-soldiers in the spotlight this month.

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 keys are all riding the unexpected hype from Marvel’s Thunderbolts* movie. From Soviet super-soldiers and stealthy saboteurs to government-made heroes with something to prove, the spotlight is on characters with complicated pasts and uncertain loyalties. Collectors are scrambling to track down these sleeper hits before the thunder rolls in.

Incredible Hulk #449


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Published in 1997, Incredible Hulk #449 marked the first appearance of the Thunderbolts, a new team of heroes who stepped up when the Avengers were gone. But the twist came fast. They were actually villains in disguise, led by Baron Zemo and playing the long con. This clever premise gave the title instant buzz and a loyal fanbase. While the Thunderbolts* movie won’t follow the original lineup, this issue remains the foundational first appearance of the concept. With the team heading to the big screen, collectors aren’t hesitating to grab this late '90s gem while they still can.

Sentry #1


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When Sentry #1 launched in 2000, it introduced readers to a forgotten hero with the power of a million exploding suns and the mental burden of a thousand regrets. Written by Paul Jenkins with art by Jae Lee, the story presented Sentry as a Golden Age-style powerhouse whose existence had been mysteriously erased from everyone’s memory, including his own. His psychological battle with his dark alter ego, the Void, gave the series a heavy, introspective tone that stood out from the era’s usual fare. With the character now appearing in Thunderbolts*, fans are revisiting this mind-bending debut and driving demand back up.

Captain America #354


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Released in 1989, Captain America #354 marks the moment John Walker steps out of Steve Rogers’ shadow and takes on the name U.S. Agent. After a rocky tenure wearing the stars and stripes, Walker re-emerges with a darker suit, a bruised reputation and a chip on his shoulder. The issue cemented his status as a conflicted antihero. Wyatt Russell’s gritty portrayal in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier set the tone, and with his return in Thunderbolts*, this key moment in Walker’s evolution is rising fast among collectors.

Iron Man #219


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Ghost made a chilling debut in Iron Man #219, published in 1987. Originally written as a male character, Ghost was a corporate saboteur with high-tech stealth gear and a mysterious past. The character’s anonymity and phasing abilities made them one of Iron Man’s more unique foes during the late ’80s. Over time, Ghost evolved into a deeper, more sympathetic figure, especially with the reimagined female version appearing in Ant-Man and the Wasp. With her return for Thunderbolts*, this once-overlooked issue is finally getting pulled into the spotlight.

Avengers #43


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Published in 1967, Avengers #43 introduced the Soviet super-soldier known as Red Guardian. A rival to Captain America in both skill and symbolism, he brought Cold War tension into the Marvel Universe. The emotional twist came when he was revealed as Black Widow’s estranged husband, adding depth to both characters and laying the groundwork for future drama. Red Guardian drifted into obscurity for decades, but David Harbour’s rough-edged charm in the MCU sparked a major comeback. With Thunderbolts* putting him back on the front lines, this Silver Age sleeper is quickly turning into a key target for collectors.

Previous Hottest Comics of the Month:

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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.

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