Can you believe it’s been 25 years since CGC first made its mark on the world of pop culture collectibles? Back in 2000, we revolutionized comic book collecting with the introduction of accurate and impartial grading and encapsulation in protective holders. While our commitment to expertise and quality hasn't changed, several other things have... Do you remember the OG red label? (That's right, it hasn't always been blue.) And our Comics Guaranty, LLC logo? (Our scales have even changed.) In fact, to celebrate our anniversary this year, we're throwing it back with an EXCLUSIVE PIN featuring the original CGC logo! Look for it at shows in 2025. Don't know about our pins? Check them out here.
Join Paul Litch (CGC Primary Grader) and Shawn Caffrey (CGC Vice President) as they reminisce about being with CGC for 25 years, including the favorite comics they've graded, the craziest things they've found within the pages of submitted comics and other fantastic (and surprising!) memories.
The very first CGC Gem Mint 10 grade was achieved by Venom: Lethal Protector #1 — a landmark moment in comic book grading history, which was first recorded in February 2000 before the book was reholdered by CGC in 2001. Released in 1993, this issue debuted Venom's first solo series, featuring his transition from villain to antihero with a bold, red foil cover that became an iconic '90s collectible. Despite being mass-produced, examples in pristine condition were elusive due to printing and handling flaws.
CGC originally used red labels for modern comics and blue labels for vintage comics. However, as we refined our grading and labeling system, the red label went the way of CGC lore, with many collectors not even knowing of its existence. Here, CGC President Matt Nelson explains the decision to go blue for all CGC Universal Grade labels.
In 2001, CGC settled into its new home in Sarasota, Florida, after moving from Parsippany, New Jersey. The new purpose-built Sarasota facility ensured CGC could expand its operations efficiently in a highly secure environment, while continuing to provide its expert services that were increasingly in high demand. This move set the stage for CGC to become the world leader pop culture collectibles grading.
If you're a CGC Signature Series collector, you can't miss Shawn Caffrey, CGC Comics VP, talk to Peter Dixon of Paradise Comics about the inception of CGC's renowned autograph program, including the very first signing with Darwyn Cooke on November 29, 2001, which included 80 Catwoman #1s; a signing with the legendary Will Eisner at Paradise Toronto ComicCon; and a run of Cerebus comics signed by Dave Sim; plus, a tattoo debate between Klaus Janson and Kevin Eastman.
In 2004, CGC introduced authentication, grading and encapsulation services for magazines, starting with Sports Illustrated and Playboy. Today, CGC certifies most of the industry's best-known titles, including Newsweek, Time and TV Guide, as well as comic magazines such as Wizard, Marvel magazines and Vampirella.