The reading corner for collectors and enthusiasts, brought to you by GPAnalysis

Masks, Monsters, and Metaphors: How Comic Books Tackle Real-Life Issues with Fantasy
Strip away the explosions and alien invasions, and you’ll often find a grounded, real-world issue staring back at you—filtered through the fantastical lens of a spandex-clad savior or a maniacal villain.

Comic of the Week: Miss America Magazine #2 (CGC 7.5) (November 1944)
A pivotal Golden Age gem, Miss America Magazine #2 marks the first appearances of Patsy Walker, Hedy Wolfe, and Buzz Baxter—making it a must-have for Timely Comics collectors.

The Collector’s Mid-Year Briefing: CGC Market Trends Jan–Jun 2025
From January to June 2025, CGC-graded comic book sales totaled over $107 million across 245,000 slabs, with Silver Age classics, Amazing Spider-Man dominance, and modern key momentum shaping a vibrant, resilient market driven by both legacy and indie titles.

Top of the Stack: Best-Selling Comic Book Titles by Decade
From Golden Age pulps to modern indie hits, the latest GPAnalysis data reveals a dynamic collector market where classics like The Amazing Spider-Man and Fantastic Four continue to dominate in both volume and value, while newer titles carve out surprising spots in the spotlight.
Cartoon Crossovers: When ’90s Comics Took Over Our Screens
A nostalgic deep dive into the '90s animated series that brought comic book heroes (and villains) to life, shaped generations of fans, and still echo through today’s collector market.

Armed Icons: Superheroes, Their Weapons, and the Legacy They Forge
In the world of comic book heroes, not all powers are born from gamma rays or alien suns. Some legacies are forged from metal, fire, and purpose-built craftsmanship—carried not in genes, but in weaponry. While Superman’s fists may be enough to save the day, there’s a parallel pantheon of heroes whose impact and iconography are forever intertwined with their weapons.

Wearing Two Faces: Superheroes Who Straddle the Civilian Line
When we think of superheroes, we often picture capes, gadgets, and epic battles. But some of the most compelling characters are those who juggle two worlds—those who save the day in costume, then clock in as average Joes. This duality has been a cornerstone of comic storytelling since Superman first donned Clark Kent’s glasses. But who does it best?

Top of the Stack: Best-Selling Titles by Decade (June 3 to June 16, 2025)
Silver Age titles dominated the fortnight’s CGC-graded comic sales with $742K, followed by Bronze Age at $551K, while Modern and Golden/Platinum eras trailed with $335K and $230K, respectively.

Comic of the Week: Thor #203 (September 1972)
A pristine slice of Bronze Age magic—Thor #203 CGC 9.8, starring Ego-Prime’s return, now up for grabs from Paradise Comics. Nab it now before it bolts!

Mark Spears' Monsters: Horror Reanimated
Mark Spears’ Monsters is a full-throttle love letter to classic horror—crafted with indie grit, killer art, and a monster-sized fan response.

Dancing on the Edge: Comic Book Characters Who Blur the Line Between Hero and Villain
The world of comics has never been just black and white. Sure, Superman stands for truth and justice, and the Joker is the agent of chaos—but in between those poles lies a murky realm populated by characters who toe the moral line. These are the ones who steal our attention and complicate our loyalties.

Manga vs. Comics: A Cross-Pacific Clash of Panels and Popularity
In the global arena of illustrated storytelling, two giants stand tall—Japanese manga and Western comic books. Both deliver larger-than-life heroes, page-turning drama, and deeply loyal fanbases. But beyond the shared medium of inked panels, their cultural DNA, commercial evolution, and artistic sensibilities are strikingly distinct. And in the last two decades, the battle for readership has only intensified.

Top of the stack: Best-selling titles by decade (May 20 to June 2, 2025)
From May 20 to June 2, 2025, GPAnalysis recorded $4.86M in CGC-graded comic sales across 19,669 books, with Amazing Spider-Man (1963) leading in volume and a CGC 0.5 Superman #1 (1939) selling for $66,000 via HA.com.

🕷️ The Sinister Six: When Spider-Man's worst nightmares formed a club
The Sinister Six wasn’t just a team-up—it was a statement. Six villains, each a reflection of Peter Parker’s inner battles, clashing in a chaotic, ego-fueled mess that’s become comic book legend.

Hake’s June Online Auction Now Open For Bidding!
Hake’s Auctions has officially opened the virtual doors to its June online-exclusive event, and it’s a certified treasure trove: over 600 CGC-graded comic books are up for grabs, with every single lot starting at just $9.99.

Twenty (20) Villain First Appearances Worth a Fortune
When collectors talk about valuable first appearances, the focus often falls on superheroes—think Superman in Action Comics #1, Batman in Detective Comics #27, or Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15. But let’s not forget: Being bad, really bad, can also spark collector interest—and serious price tags.

From Saturday Morning to Spinner Racks: When Cartoonists Cross Into Comic Books
Not every great comic book artist started with capes and cowls. Some came from a place far more chaotic and charming—the world of cartoons. Think gag strips, Sunday funnies, and animated shorts. And for several artists, that background didn’t just influence their work in comics—it redefined it.

Top of the stack: Best-selling titles by decade (5/5/2025 to 5/18/2025)
A market led by Spider-Man, driven by history, and thriving on both grails and $93 grabs — the stack never sleeps.