CGC Comics Hot List – February 2026

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 pulls together a mix of books, from a Silver Age debut poised to jump into live-action to a modern variant that’s become a wall book almost overnight. You’ll also find a bold reboot redefining a legendary hero, the origin of a villain who once broke the Bat and shook Gotham, and a gateway back into an upside-down world.

Avengers #9 (1964)

Avengers #9, released in 1964, marks the first appearance of Wonder Man. Written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby, this issue introduces Simon Williams, a man with extraordinary strength and durability who becomes a pawn of the villainous Baron Zemo. Under Zemo's influence, Williams is transformed into Wonder Man and sent to infiltrate the Avengers, posing a serious threat to the team. However, after an intense battle, Wonder Man begins to question his loyalty and ultimately sacrifices himself to save the Avengers. His apparent death has lasting consequences, and Wonder Man's legacy would continue to shape the Avengers' future, with his return and eventual transformation into a hero in his own right. Wonder Man will join the MCU as he stars in his own Disney+ series, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #23 (2006)

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #23’s 1:10 Adam Hughes variant has become a modern collector favorite thanks to its striking, dynamic cover. High-grade copies, especially CGC 9.8s, routinely trade well above typical modern covers. As we approach the summer 2026 Supergirl movie, demand has pushed one recent CGC 9.8 sale to about $1,900, underscoring its appeal as both art piece and speculative holding.

Absolute Batman #1 (2024)

DC’s recent line-wide reboot, the Absolute Universe, is off to a hot start, and Absolute Batman #1 is leading the charge, returning to the list once again. This series has been on fire with collectors, driving prices into the hundreds! 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.

Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 (1993)

Published in 1993, Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 introduced Bane; a complex villain who would go on to become one of Batman's most dangerous foes. Created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench and Graham Nolan, Bane was born and raised in a brutal prison, where he developed his incredible strength, intellect and resilience. He later became infamous for orchestrating the "Knightfall" storyline, where he broke Batman’s back and took control of Gotham City. Unlike many of Batman's other adversaries, Bane is not just a physical powerhouse but also a master strategist. Recently, this comic has seen a spike in popularity because of his role in a recent larger-than-life Absolute Batman storyline, as well as speculation of an upcoming DC film alongside Deathstroke.

Stranger Things #1 (2018)

Stranger Things #1 from Dark Horse has become a go-to entry point for fans who can’t get enough of the Upside Down, especially now that the Netflix series has wrapped with its final, much-debated Season Five and the infamous “conformity gate” chatter still echoing through fandom. The comic expands the world with original stories that feel true to the tone of the show while giving readers fresh mysteries and character threads to follow, a perfect fix if you’re craving more Hawkins adventures without falling into the same old narrative traps the internet keeps debating.

Previous Hottest Comics of the Month:

• January 2026
• December 2025
• November 2025
• October 2025
• September 2025
• August 2025
• July 2025
• June 2025
• May 2025
• April 2025
• March 2025
• February 2025

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.

CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 100 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs and stamps.