A nostalgic milestone in the heritage of Arabic comics

With Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) now offering easier access to its services in the UAE,it commemorates the occasion by grading a rare and historic copy of Majid #1. This 1979 issue—long thought to be a myth among collectors—represents a nostalgic milestone in the heritage of Arabic comics.

With its services now more easily available in the UAE, Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) marks the moment by grading a rare copy of Majid #1, the iconic Arabic comic that has shaped generations. This iconic piece of comic history has been authenticated with a grade of CGC 4.0.

“Majid Magazine has been a defining part of UAE and Arab culture since the 1980s and holds a special place in our childhood memories,” said collector Marwan Alkhaja. “Discovering the first issue, once thought to be a rare and almost mythical find, is something I never imagined possible. I am honored to work with CGC in authenticating and encapsulating the inaugural issue of Majid Magazine from 1979, which will soon be unveiled to the public. After more than a decade of searching, this is truly a personal and monumental milestone in my 30+ years of collecting.”

In 1979, Majid magazine was a revolutionary force in the world of Arabic pop culture. Published as a supplement to Al-Ittihad newspaper, only 5,000 copies of that first issue were printed. The magazine would go on to achieve legendary status, circulating in more than 20 countries and captivating readers across the Arab world. With a weekly circulation of more than 150,000 copies, Majid became a key part of childhood for generations, offering original Arabic comics alongside reimagined international favorites. One of the standout examples was the Arabic adaptation of the American comic Nancy, which became Moza.

Despite its immense cultural significance, the first issue of Majid was not treated with the reverence it deserved at the time. Most copies were quickly discarded, either by adults who overlooked the supplement or by children who eagerly flipped through its pages, coloring and cutting out coupons. As a result, surviving copies of Majid #1 are scarce today. Finding one in decent condition is nearly impossible, which makes Alkhaja’s CGC-graded copy all the more valuable.

Arafaat Ali Khan, Managing Director for the Middle East at the Certified Collectibles Group, the CGC affiliate that is making it easier for customers in that region to submit to CGC, remarked on the significance of this rare issue. “The grading of Majid #1 represents more than just the condition of a comic book; it embodies a cultural milestone in the UAE and the broader Arab world,” Arafaat Ali Khan said. “It’s a piece of history that captured the hearts of millions, and CGC is proud to preserve it for future generations of collectors and enthusiasts.”

For collectors like Alkhaja, the graded copy is more than just a valuable artifact; it’s a connection to a cultural phenomenon that shaped the childhoods of so many in the Arab world.