Some of Marvel’s biggest heroes return to the big screen this year, and collectors can see where they began in these classic Silver and Bronze Age comics, certified by CGC® and sold in the ComicLink Focused Comic Book Premium Auction on September 21, 2026.
Leading the auction was an Incredible Hulk #181 graded CGC 9.8, which realized $54,000. This comic is a significant key issue, with the first full appearance of Wolverine following a cameo in the previous issue. Created by Len Wein, Roy Thomas, and John Romita Sr., Wolverine went on to join the X-Men in Giant-Size X-Men #1 and has become a fan favorite, starring in multiple animated series and films.
This auction also included another Incredible Hulk #181 graded CGC 9.6, which realized $12,750, and an Incredible Hulk #180, the previous cameo appearance, which realized $12,317.
Also sold was an Amazing Fantasy #15 graded CGC 2.5, which realized $22,500. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduced Spider-Man here in 1962, revolutionizing the superhero genre. Lee wanted to create a hero who felt real, someone readers could relate to: a teenager facing the challenges of life, from school and work to family problems, all while fighting crime. Spider-Man’s debut in the final issue of a fading comic title was a gamble, and it quickly paid off.
These classic keys are always popular among collectors, but speculation is rising as Spider-Man and Hulk were both featured in this year’s film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Fans are now wondering if either, along with Wolverine, will return in Avengers: Doomsday, hitting theaters in December.
Other CGC-certified comics sold in this auction included:
an Avengers #1 graded CGC 8.5, which realized $20,722
an Amazing Spider-Man #129 graded CGC 9.8, which realized $19,900
a Tales of Suspense #53 graded CGC 9.8, which realized $19,399
a Werewolf by Night #32 graded CGC 9.8, which realized $15,500
an Amazing Spider-Man #14 graded CGC 9.0, which realized $11,245
a Tales of Suspense #39 graded CGC 5.0, which realized $10,750
a More Fun Comics #31 graded CGC 4.0, which realized $9,879
a Wonder Woman #1 graded CGC 1.5, which realized $9,555
a Fantastic Four #5 graded CGC 6.0, which realized $8,850
an Amazing Spider-Man #101 graded CGC 9.8, which realized $8,718
About CGC
Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles, including trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, magazines, video games, and home media. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services. If you collect it, we grade and protect it.
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.