CGC Comics Hot List – July 2025

Posted on 7/1/2025

Movie rumors and fresh storylines spark a surge in demand for key first appearances and modern milestones in this month's hot list.

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 catching fire thanks to a mix of movie buzz, fresh reboots and surprise character rumors. From cosmic kids and clone daughters to rebooted icons and rising rogues, collectors are chasing down these issues before they hit the next wave of demand.

Fantastic Four Annual #6 (1968)


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This Silver Age classic is finally seeing the spotlight it deserves. With baby Franklin Richards confirmed for the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps film, collectors are rushing to secure this key issue. Franklin has the potential to become one of the most powerful figures in the Marvel Universe, and if Marvel follows the comics, he could be a major player in future multiverse stories. The issue also features the first appearance of Annihilus, a longtime Fantastic Four villain and cosmic threat. Prices for higher-grade copies are climbing steadily, with CGC 9.0s selling north of $1,500 and mid-grades gaining traction.

Absolute Batman #1 (2024)


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DC’s recent line-wide reboot, the Absolute Universe, is off to a hot start, and Absolute Batman #1 is leading the charge. With an all-new take on Bruce Wayne and sleek storytelling that blends noir with modern grit, this debut issue has become a standout in the launch lineup. The book includes backup material, fresh character dynamics and a redesigned world that’s pulling in both longtime readers and newcomers. Early printings are already seeing increased demand, and graded copies are starting to show movement as the new continuity gains momentum.

What If … #105 (1998)


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This once-overlooked late-’90s issue has shot up the charts thanks to renewed interest in Spider-Verse stories. Mayday Parker, the daughter of Peter and Mary Jane, makes her first full appearance here and later became a fan-favorite headlining her own series. With buzz swirling around her potential debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day or Spider-Verse 3, collectors are scrambling to lock in copies. CGC 9.8s have sold for more than $500 recently, and even raw near-mint copies are getting harder to find.

Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (1976)


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This issue kicks off the long-running Spectacular Spider-Man series and features the return of Tarantula, a South American assassin with a distinctive look and brutal style. Rumors are flying that the character may appear in a future Spider-Man film, adding fuel to the fire. Already considered a minor Bronze Age key, this issue is seeing renewed heat, especially in higher grades. It's a solid pickup for collectors focused on Spidey villains with breakout potential.

Man of Steel #1 (1986)


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John Byrne’s Man of Steel #1 reinvented Superman for a new generation and remains one of the most important Superman books of the modern age. With James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film pulling inspiration from this era, this issue is gaining relevance fast. It reintroduces Clark Kent’s backstory with a grounded, emotionally rich take that influenced everything from Superman: The Animated Series to Smallville. Graded 9.8 copies are still affordable for now but may not be for long as hype builds.

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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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