Throughout 2025, we’ve seen the comic book and original art markets set multiple new records. At the same time, we’ve seen values level out after the significant uptick that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. For an inside look at the sellers’ perspective, Scoop talked to comic and art auctioneers and dealers, including Hake’s Auctions Consignment Director Kelly McClain.

Scoop: How would you describe the current market for comics and original art?
Kelly McClain (KM): Comic books have shown strong steady results in our auctions this past year while original art has surprised us left and right with incredible results. We anticipate the original art market will continue to rise in the years to come.

Scoop: What were your biggest sales in 2025 (comic or pop culture related)?
KM: In order, and these are all world record results: Star Wars Ben Kenobi 12-back-A AFA 85 (double-telescoping/Sku on footer sold for $105,182; Star Wars #1 comic page by Howard Chaykin sold for $80,476; Star Wars Darth Vader 12-back-A AFA 80 sold for $130,095; Star Wars Special Early Bird Certificate Package rare store display AFA 70 sold for $112,100; and a G.I. Joe U.S.S. Flagg Series 4 vehicle AFA Qualified 85 sold for $44,261.

Scoop: What was your most surprising sale of the year?
KM: We had high hopes for the Star Wars Special Early Bird Certificate Package store display as it was the first time ever offered at auction, but we did not think it would go this high, a very pleasant surprise.

Scoop: What buying trends caught your attention in 2025?
KM: I have noticed a rise in interest in trading card game cards, especially Pokémon. From original art to highest graded cards, I have seen incredible interest and I suspect it will only grow.

Scoop: Outside of comics and comic art, what type of collectibles were big sellers this year?
KM: For us it was our Star Wars action figures. We had incredible results from the Jeff Jacob Collection as well as many others. We also had great results from the eclectic Rex Stark Collection like the W.H. Harrison 1840 Log Cabin Hard Cider Barrel Stoneware Bank that sold for $53,971, and the Hyrum & Joseph Smith “Temple of Nauvoo” circa 1847 Mormon plate that sold for $20,768.