CGC Comics Hot List – April 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 hottest comics pull from every corner of the market, mixing first appearances, media momentum and one truly historic debut. There’s a Gotham femme fatale seeing a sprout in sales, a rare crossover team-up getting fresh attention at exactly the right time and a Green Lantern whose long-overdue spotlight is finally arriving on screen. Add in a noir twist on a friendly neighborhood hero and a galaxy far, far away, and collectors have their hands full this month.

Marvel Team-Up #14 (2006)

This is one of those books that feels almost surreal: seeing Spider-Man sharing pages with Invincible is every fan’s dream pulled into reality. Interest has surged again thanks to the return of Invincible for season 4 on Amazon Prime Video, paired with anticipation for Spider-Man Brand New Day hitting theaters in July. The timing couldn’t be better, especially with a facsimile edition dropping this March, putting the spotlight right back on the original!

Spider-Man Noir #1 (2009)

Spider-Man Noir feels both modern and timeless, introducing a pulpy, shadow-drenched reimagining of the hero that really took off after his scene-stealing turn in the Spider-Verse films, voiced by Nicolas Cage. Now, with Cage returning to play the character in a live-action series for Amazon Prime Video, the book has found a second life. It’s not just a first appearance anymore; it’s the origin point of a version of Spider-Man that keeps evolving.

Green Lantern #87 (1972)

Printed in 1971, Green Lantern #87 is a landmark issue in DC Comics history that introduced John Stewart as the first Black Green Lantern. Created by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams, John Stewart was originally chosen as a backup to Hal Jordan, stepping up when the Green Lantern Corps needed him. Over time, he became a mainstay in the DC Universe, known for his strong sense of justice and tactical mind, which he uses to create some of the most powerful constructs among the Green Lanterns. This comic has always been a fan-favorite for collectors, representing a significant moment in comic book diversity and storytelling. The issue is picking up renewed interest as fans prepare to meet John Stewart in the upcoming HBO Max series, "Lanterns," played by actor Aaron Pierre.

Batman #181 (1966)

Batman #181, released in 1966, is famous for introducing Poison Ivy, one of Batman’s most complex and dangerous foes. This issue not only introduced her as a plant-based villainess but also laid the foundation for her eventual evolution into a morally gray antihero. Recently, the book has gained even more attention after reports surfaced that actress Karen Gillan has expressed interest in portraying Ivy in the new DC Universe films. Add to that Poison Ivy’s recurring appearances on the Harley Quinn animated series, where she’s become a fan favorite, and it's clear why collectors are clamoring for this key issue.

Star Wars (1977)

Released weeks before the movie, Star Wars #1 is the first issue of the comic book adaptation of the film. Star Wars comics have played a crucial role in enriching the vast galaxy far, far away. Since the late 1970s, various publishers have produced a multitude of Star Wars comic series, exploring untold stories, expanding character arcs and delving into the histories of iconic figures. In recent years, Marvel has reclaimed the license and has been publishing a new line of Star Wars comics that blend canonical storytelling with fresh perspectives. After a six-year absence, the Star Wars franchise returns to theaters in May, with the release of “The Mandalorian & Grogu.”

Previous Hottest Comics of the Month:

• March 2026
• February 2026
• January 2026
• December 2025
• November 2025
• October 2025
• September 2025
• August 2025
• July 2025
• June 2025
• May 2025
• April 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 110 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs and stamps.