CGC Signature Series Creator Spotlight: Rafael Albuquerque

Artist: Rafael Albuquerque

Next CGC Signature Series deadline: September 4, 2026, is the deadline to submit your books for the next Rafael Albuquerque Private Signing. Go here to learn more about how to submit.

Creator origins: Albuquerque is an Eisner, Harvey, and Inkpot Award winner for his defining work on American Vampire, the New York Times bestselling series written by Scott Snyder and Stephen King. He has also brought that same vision to creator-owned projects including Mondo Urbano, Eight, and Huck — each one a showcase for his range beyond the superhero genre. His published work also includes Duck and Cover (Comixology) and Detective Comics for DC. Currently, he is illustrating Absolute Green Arrow for DC.

Top picks: Some of Albuquerque’s most popular works include:

• American Vampire #1 (2010)
• Batman Beyond Universe #1 Variant (2014)
• Descender #1 Variant (2015)
• Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme #1 (2016)
• Infamous Iron Man #2 Variant (2017)
• Star Wars: Darth Maul #2 (2017)
• Star Wars: Thrawn #5 Variant (2018)
• BRZRKR #2 Variant (2021)
• Absolute Green Arrow #1 (2026)

CGC Comics Registry highlight: CGC Comics Registry Member SkinnerSweet’s set Bite Them Back! includes some of Albuquerque’s most popular work on the series, in incredible high grades. This set won the Top Ranked Award 2015-2026.

Auction highlight: A Thanos #18 Albuquerque variant graded CGC Signature Series 9.8 signed by Albuquerque and Donny Cates sold for $1,380 through Heritage Auctions in January 2021.

Did you know? Albuquerque's first professional comics were superheroes created for readers in the Middle East after an Egyptian publisher, AK Comics, discovered his portfolio online.

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