Marvel and DC Unite: CGC-certified Comics Available in Hake's Sale

Before you take your “First Steps” into the theater to watch Fantastic Four this summer, get caught up on their comic book origins with their first appearance. A example in an above-average grade certified by Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) is among the many comic collectibles offered in Hake’s Auction 244 on July 29-30, 2025.

Leading an impressive selection of Marvel Comics books is a Fantastic Four #1 graded CGC 4.5 (lot 678), featuring the first appearance of the Fantastic Four. Published in 1961, Fantastic Four #1 launched the Marvel Age of comics and redefined the superhero team for a new generation. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the issue introduced readers to Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, who gained fantastic powers after an accident in space.

The team’s popularity led to numerous film and television adaptations, including “Fantastic Four: First Steps” premiering in theaters in July 2025.

Click images to enlarge.

DC Comics also joins the excitement with a Wonder Woman #1 graded CGC 3.0 (lot 641). Hitting the newsstands in 1942, Wonder Woman #1 launched the Amazon warrior into her own title at the height of World War II. Created by psychologist William Moulton Marston and drawn by H. G. Peter, the issue expanded on her origin from All Star Comics and Sensation Comics, introducing readers to Paradise Island, Queen Hippolyta and Diana's mission to aid the world of men. With a mix of Greek mythology, feminism and wartime patriotism, the comic positioned Wonder Woman as a new kind of hero who was driven by love, guided by justice, and ready to fight for a better world.

Since her debut, Wonder Woman has headlined countless comics and stood alongside Superman and Batman as a pillar of the DC Universe. From animated series and best-selling graphic novels to blockbuster films, her influence has only grown over time.

Other CGC-certified comics in this auction include:

• an Amazing Spider-Man #1 graded CGC 4.5 (lot 642)
• an Amazing Spider-Man #3 graded CGC 4.0 (lot 644)
• an Amazing Spider-Man #11 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 652)
• an Amazing Spider-Man #14 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 657)
• an Amazing Spider-Man #129 graded CGC 9.4 (lot 666)
• an Avengers #1 graded CGC 6.5 Restored (lot 669)
• an Avengers #2 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 670)
• a Batman #121 graded CGC 3.5 (lot 628)
• a Marvel Spotlight #5 graded CGC 8.5 (lot 712)
• a Superman #14 graded CGC 3.0 (lot 640)

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.