CGC Comics Hot List – January 2026

Posted on 1/2/2026

Packed with iconic first appearances and stories that feel ripped from the screen, these comics thrill collectors as some of the most sought-after gems 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 dives into a set of comics that have collectors talking. Inside, you’ll find the first appearances that launched careers, heroes stepping into bold new roles and stories that set the stage for decades of fandom.

Action Comics #252 (1959)


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Released during the Silver Age, readers got one of the earliest glimpses at the Man of Steel’s evolving mythos with the introduction of Supergirl. In the comic, Kara Zor-El is Kal-El's cousin who also escaped their homeworld's destruction and landed on Earth to follow in Superman's footsteps. This book has always been popular among collectors, but now, with the upcoming Supergirl film starring Milly Alcock, even more fans are revisiting these classic tales before prices soar even higher.

Legends of Dark Claw #1 (1996)


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In 1996, Marvel and DC embarked on a monumental crossover that resulted in their merged heroes forming the Amalgam Universe, with characters like Dark Claw (a mash-up of Batman and Wolverine), Super Solider (Superman/Captain America) and many more. In 2025, Marvel and DC came together again for the first time in decades to cross over again in Batman/Deadpool (or Deadpool/Batman, depending on which book you're reading). The crossover also included many other heroes crossing the divide to meet up, as well as new amalgamated heroes and the return of Dark Claw. In 2026, Marvel and DC celebrate the anniversary of their very first meeting in Superman vs The Amazing Spider-Man #1 by releasing another round of Marvel/DC crossovers, leaving many fans wondering if a revival of the Amalgam Universe is on the horizon.

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 and one of the hottest books of the year. 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.

Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1974)


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First hitting shelves in 1974, Amazing Spider-Man #129 introduced the Punisher, a lethal wildcard with a skull on his chest and a war in his heart. Frank Castle wasn’t a typical villain; he was a one-man army who didn’t believe in second chances. The issue crackles with tension and early ’70s grit, laying the groundwork for one of Marvel’s most controversial icons. With his recent bloody return in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+, as well as his upcoming Disney+ special and appearance in Spider-Man 4, the Punisher has roared back into the spotlight, pushing this key issue even higher on collector wish lists.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 (1982)


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Kicking off the legendary run that would define the Joes for decades, this first issue introduced readers to the elite team battling the sinister Cobra organization. The story set the tone for high-stakes military action, colorful characters and fast-paced adventure that made the series an instant hit. Collectors love this issue not just for its historical significance but also for the way it captures the energy and optimism of early 1980s comics.

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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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