June 25, 2025 delivers one of the year’s strongest New Comic Book Days, combining Marvel’s blockbuster Ultimate Spider-Man momentum with highly sought-after second printings that are already generating serious collector heat. This week showcases the perfect storm of premier ongoing series, hot reprints featuring top-tier variant artwork, and crossover spectacles that continue to drive the secondary market. From the Sinister Six turf war to kaiju crossover madness and essential trade paperback collections, here are the releases creating the loudest buzz among collectors and retailers alike.
Marvel’s Ultimate Universe Dominance
Ultimate Spider-Man #18 - Sinister Six War Escalates
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #18
Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto deliver WAR RAGES ON IN NEW YORK CITY! Black Cat enlists Richard Parker's aid in the Sinister Six turf war…and Spider-Man gains a surprising ally!
The Ultimate Spider-Man relaunch continues its reign as Marvel’s biggest success story of 2024-2025, with issue #18 promising major developments in the ongoing Sinister Six conflict. Hickman and Checchetto have crafted a Spider-Man series that consistently tops sales charts and commands premium prices on the secondary market.
The addition of Black Cat and Richard Parker to the mix adds new dimensions to the turf war storyline, while the promise of a “surprising ally” suggests major status quo changes ahead. With each issue selling out quickly and maintaining strong aftermarket value, this series has become essential reading for both Spider-Man fans and savvy collectors.
Investment Alert
The Ultimate Spider-Man series has shown remarkable consistency in both critical acclaim and market performance. Early issues are already commanding significant premiums, making each new release a priority for collectors.
Hot Second Printings Command Attention
Amazing Spider-Man #3 (2nd Printing) - Pepe Larraz Variant Heat
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #3 (2ND PRINTING)
The next era of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN continues with Peter searching for employment while dealing with a RAMPAGING RHINO who is but the tip of a sinister iceberg.
This second printing featuring a Pepe Larraz variant cover is already generating serious collector interest. The combination of a top-tier artist’s variant artwork on a second printing has proven to be a winning formula for collector value, often outperforming first prints in the secondary market.
The story continues Peter Parker’s struggle with unemployment while facing classic villains, grounding the character in relatable challenges while delivering spectacular superhero action. Larraz’s artwork has become increasingly sought-after, making this variant a priority for Spider-Man collectors.
Collecting Strategy
Second printings with variant covers from artists like Pepe Larraz often become more valuable than first prints, especially when the artist’s profile continues to rise. This represents a smart speculation opportunity.
Additional Second Printing Highlights
Godzilla vs X-Men #1 (2nd Printing) - Tony Daniel Variant
GODZILLA VS X-MEN #1 (2ND PRINTING)
The crossover sensation continues with one ancient mutant the Xavier Institute has never reached out to - is the king of the monsters a misunderstood outlaw hero or another evil mutant lost to his anger?
The Godzilla vs Marvel Universe crossover has exceeded all expectations, with this X-Men encounter proving particularly popular among collectors. The Tony Daniel variant for the second printing adds premium artist appeal to an already hot property.
The concept of Godzilla as a potential mutant creates fascinating story possibilities while tapping into two massive fandoms. With the entire Marvel vs Godzilla series commanding strong secondary market prices, this second printing represents both a reading opportunity and collection investment.
Gwenpool #1 (2nd Printing) — Features a Stefano Nesi variant that’s capturing collector attention as this fan-favorite character returns to her own series.
Ultimate Spider-Man #16 (2nd Printing) — Marco Checchetto’s variant artwork continues to drive demand for Ultimate Spider-Man reprints, with earlier second printings already showing strong appreciation.
Additional Marvel Standouts
Uncanny X-Men #16 - Mutant Momentum Continues
UNCANNY X-MEN #16
The X-Men franchise continues to dominate with this latest issue in the flagship series, building on the momentum of the current storyline.
The X-Men line maintains its position as one of Marvel’s strongest franchises, with Uncanny X-Men leading the charge. Issue #16 continues the current arc with implications that promise to ripple throughout the mutant titles.
Vision & Scarlet Witch #2 — The beloved couple’s new series continues to explore their complex relationship, appealing to both longtime Avengers fans and readers drawn to character-driven storytelling.
Wolverine and Kitty Pryde #3 — This limited series focusing on two fan-favorite characters has been consistently strong, with the character dynamics proving irresistible to X-Men collectors.
Star Wars Legacy of Vader #5 — The Star Wars comic market has been quietly strengthening, making this penultimate issue a potential sleeper hit.
Stranger Things Tales from Hawkins 2 #1 — Pop culture tie-ins often surprise collectors, and this Netflix property continues to show strong comic market appeal.
Essential Trade Paperback Collections
Collection Strategy Analysis
Why This Week Matters for Collectors
Investment Strategy for June 25, 2025
Multiple converging factors make this week exceptional for collectors:
- Ultimate Phenomenon: Ultimate Spider-Man #18 continues Marvel’s hottest ongoing series
- Reprint Renaissance: Second printings with premium variants outperforming first prints
- Crossover Mania: Godzilla vs X-Men tapping into kaiju and mutant collector bases
- Artist Appeal: Top-tier variant artists creating instant collector demand
- Market Momentum: Spider-Man and X-Men franchises showing sustained strength
- Entry Opportunities: Trade paperbacks providing affordable collection building
The Bottom Line
June 25, 2025 delivers a masterclass in what drives the modern comic market: premium ongoing series, hot second printings with elite artist variants, and crossover spectacles that unite multiple fandoms. Ultimate Spider-Man #18 stands as the week’s flagship release, but the supporting cast of reprints and ongoing series creates diverse opportunities across price points.
The week’s strength lies in its combination of proven winners—the Ultimate universe’s continued dominance, second printings that rival or exceed their first print values, and the surprising success of the Godzilla crossover series. Whether you’re chasing the hottest ongoing, hunting premium variants, or building complete runs, June 25 provides options that satisfy both readers and investors.
From Marvel’s Ultimate universe triumph to kaiju crossover madness and essential X-Men continuity, this week offers both immediate reading satisfaction and proven collection building opportunities. The convergence of strong ongoing series, premium reprint variants, and diverse genre appeal makes this a week that demands attention from serious collectors.