CGC Comics Hot List – December 2025

Posted on 12/2/2025

From groundbreaking debuts to cinematic storytelling, these comics captivate collectors with their energy, detail and artistry, making them some of the most coveted treasures in the hobby today!

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 spotlight turns to comics that are driving collectors wild. From the debut of a legendary artist’s first signature to a hero taking on a bold new identity, these issues capture moments that defined their eras. Nostalgia meets modern buzz as classic characters and teams return to the spotlight, while landmark stories that inspired films and new adaptations are sparking renewed interest. Packed with iconic art, groundbreaking storytelling and cultural significance, this selection is a must-see for anyone serious about comics.

Amazing Spider-Man #312 (1989)


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This issue marked a quiet turning point in Spider-Man history. It is the first time Todd McFarlane used his now-famous scroll signature, which has become a hallmark of his collector appeal. CGC is celebrating the signature with an all-new custom label, making this issue even more desirable for fans and collectors. The story features Spider-Man facing off against Hobgoblin while navigating the aftermath of the Green Goblin saga, showcasing McFarlane’s early dynamic action style that would later redefine superhero art in the 1990s.

Simpsons Comics and Stories #1 (1993)


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The Simpsons continue to prove their cultural staying power decades after first hitting the page. Appearing in Fortnite introduced the family to a whole new generation, and the recently announced sequel to the 2007 movie has renewed interest in the franchise’s origins. This first issue collects early stories that define the irreverent humor and character-driven gags making Bongo Comics a fan favorite. The issue also features early renditions of Homer, Bart and Lisa that have become iconic in the collector community.

Captain America #180 (1974)


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Captain America undergoes one of his most memorable identity shifts in this issue, as Steve Rogers takes on the mantle of Nomad after losing faith in the government he once served. The story explores themes of morality, independence and personal responsibility, giving the character depth beyond his superhero exploits. Interest in this issue has surged because of rumors that Nomad, portrayed by Chris Evans, may appear in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film, generating both cinematic and collector buzz. This issue also features early appearances of supporting characters that would play a role in the wider Captain America mythos.

Youngblood #1 (1992)


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Rob Liefeld’s Youngblood launched Image Comics’ signature style of the 1990s, combining extreme action, bold art and a cast of colorful heroes. The issue introduces the team for the first time, setting the stage for their missions as government-sanctioned superhumans while blending superhero action with team dynamics. With Liefeld’s announcement of a new Youngblood series in 2025, interest in the original issue has spiked, as collectors and fans revisit the origins of the franchise. This issue also showcases Liefeld’s distinctive character design and early experimentation with panel layouts that would influence an entire generation of artists.

V for Vendetta #1 (1988)


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Marking the 40th anniversary of the completion of its initial run in the British anthology Warrior, V for Vendetta remains a cornerstone of dystopian storytelling. The series introduced readers to V, the mysterious anarchist fighting a totalitarian regime in a bleak futuristic Britain, combining political allegory with gripping drama. The original comic inspired the 2005 film, and it now has a new TV adaptation in development, reigniting interest in the first issue. This debut also sets up the haunting visual and narrative style that Alan Moore and David Lloyd are celebrated for, including the iconic Guy Fawkes mask and V’s intricate schemes.

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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.

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