A 9.6-graded version of the 1964 comic sold for $150,000 in 2021. For just about any comic line, the first issue is almost always the rarest and most valuable. This comic is pretty much all origin story, with Abin Sur of the Green Lantern Corps crashing into the middle of a desert, and while on the throes of death, finds a worthy successor to the Green Lantern in Hal Jordan. Let's get to it! This issue of "The Brave and the Bold" features the first appearance of the Justice League of America, who band together to fight the Lovecraftian-esque monster, Starro the Conqueror. We may see Frank Drake appear in the Disney Plus Blade series, and if so, his first appearance in comics is in this issue of Tomb of Dracula #1. A 9.2-graded copy sold for $341,234 on Comic Connect in 2018 after 50 bids. Marvel didn't want to spoil the big reveal of their newest hero, so they kept the good stuff for the comic's second run. Soon after, he became a prime antagonist for everyone's favorite mutie runt and the rest his history. This comic from DC features a dramatic cover design with Superman stopping a train with one hand, but the cover isnt this books only appeal. The Amazing Spider-Man #1 is one of a handful of important comic books in American pulp history. The 1st appearance of Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider is contained in Marvel Spotlight #5. Only up until recently did Marvel put their creative juices behind their second-tier characters to craft new stories. When a 9.9-graded copy sold for an astonishing $150,000 in 2011, it became the first comic book from the 1970s to sell for more than $100,000. As if the Canadian White version of Marvel Mystery Comics 128 Special wasnt special enough, then how about different issues being reprinted within the pages of the issue. Another investment type of comic book, FF #4 can only skyrocket in price once the character is finally introduced to a nationwide film going audience and is currently a little under the average years salary of 44K at its highest to bring home. The one that sold for $113,525 was a 9.4-graded copy, and it sold in 2012. A CGC 9.8 of Iron Man #55 sold for $9,600.00 Sep 12, 2021 over at Heritage Auctions. His first appearance in the costume in Tales To Astonish #35 is the first time the anthology series focused on the little guy and this series would become his own and the first time he was able to talk to ants. Here are the most recent sales of the highest graded copies, CGC 9.4s: Amazing Spider-Man #129 - 1st appearance of the Punisher and Jackal. It includes over 100 of the most valuable comic books from the 80s. Note that this book can sell for a good amount in almost any grade. The most expensive copy of this book sold in 2017 for a bit over $149,000. Ever since Supermans first appearance in 1938, comic books have captured the hearts and minds of children and adults with stories of heroes and the evildoers they vanquish. The grail of these 35 Price Variants are the Star Wars #1 comics and have been for a good while. The creator of all that is Marvel got his grand start within the pages of Captain America #3, writing that story, Captain America Foils The Traitors Revenge, it was also the first time Lee and Jack Kirbys names were both in the same comic. Hank Pym created a serum that can shrink anything and a serum that can grow anything. Someone had stolen it from his home, but it was found 11 years later in a Southern California storage locker. Anyway, I hope you enjoy, and please share this if you're a comic collector or investor. Well, if you're gonna have a great hero representing mutant kind, you gotta have the hero's arch nemesis or most popular villain. This week we take a look at the Top 10 most valuable, highly collected and historically important Marvel Comics of the year 1969. 1 with the same 5.5 grade sold for only $214,000 in 2011. 3 is a coveted item among collectors because of its amazing cover by Lou Fine, which depicts a giant named Samson beating iron monsters to death with a spiked flail. If you had this book on your pull list, the first printing is worth about $25 today. If the movie is a hit, I expect demand for this to continue to rise. With speculation about a Moon Knight anything live-action happening, this book really heated with the recent news of Disney Plus's Moon Knight streaming show coming out super soon. This is the first time that story was told (you can see those original panels here). Highest Previous Sale: $1,500,000 Current Auction Estimate: $1,750,000 Why It's Valuable: Published in June 1938, this is the mother of all comics. During World War II, comic books like Captain America were definitely morale-filling feel-good comic books. And that's not to say his debut was great, because it wasn't. Printed in 1962, this comic book stands among the greats because it introduces everyone's favorite friendly neighborhood Spiderman. But something went awry and Doc was turned into a giant Lizard. These are Universal copies, and there are zero Signature Series for the grade. Wonder Woman received her first line of comic books in the summer of 1942, not long after the United States entered World War II. The comic book the movie was based on wasn't just low key racist, it was pretty racist. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Either one of these is worth your time and effort to find if you're hunting down issues to invest in. Marvel Premiere #15 - 1st appearance of Iron Fist. This 9.4-graded copy, which sold in 2005, came from the personal collection of Nicolas Cage. This makes it move up a spot ahead of X-Men #94. Thanks to the big guy being all over the place since the Lou Ferrigno, this issue has always been a decent seller. I am definitely surprised that this is not higher on the list and more valuable. Despite that fact. The Shang-Chi flick starring Simu Liu and Tony Leung was definitely a success in 2021, and as an Asian American, I'm glad it was. His first appearance in New Mutants #98 now brings in big bucks: an average of around $250. A 9.0-graded copy sold for $281,001 in 2012. "Fantastic Comics" No. This is the 2nd Ghost Rider for Marvel. If you are interested in investing in comic books, these . Don't get me wrong. Anyhow, a move towards diversity was definitely in play during the Bronze Age of Comics. This issue of "Detective Comics" from 1940 features the first appearance of Robin, who was created to attract a younger audience. It's also one of the most expensive Disney collectibles in the world. He's been a Marvel cash-cow since the 70s and the most popular Marvel character of the 80s and 90s. Adrian Toomes had beenon a robbery spree all throughout New York in his patented Vulture costume when he had encountered younger Peter Parker, who had thwarted his efforts, ending his crime spree. Copies with as low as a 0.5 grading can fetch over $2,000 on eBay, and one recent sale on the auction site was a 7.0, which sold for $19,000 in May 2019. But he wasnt green, at least not on the cover. Just kidding. That's 12 years ago. Like any collectible, the most valuable comic books are often the rarest. Its also noted to be the first comic to usher in the Silver Age. Two marquis issues not just in the history of the Fantastic Four, but in Marvel are both currently tied as 65K at their highest value. Demand may rise but the value may not. The comic does first see his famous mask redesigned from his previous look in Incredible Hulk #180, #181 and #182 (this comic some are arguing is the real 2nd appearance of Wolverine and not simply a cameo). Start Over. So far this is the only sale of an X-Men #141 CGC 9.9 recorded. In fact, when I got my copy graded, pressing and cleaning wasn't as popular as it is right now. Comic collectors are never sure if a throwaway character might become the next big thing, especially in the speculative era of the '90s, when new characters sprouted up in every issue and "comic investors" collected any comic they could find. In an attempt to bring in new comic readers, Funnies, Inc. partnered up with Timely (the eventual Marvel) to put out books in movie theaters to try and drum up some sales. I have little doubt that Disney and the MCU will overlook this character, but I am a bit nervous as to who they cast and which direction they'll take. A few months prior on Mar 13, 2021, a 9.6 copy sold for $3,200.00 on eBay. DC sued M.F. Enter Sabretooth. The issue also featured stories with heroes like the Angel and Ka-Zar, and cover art by the sensational Bill Everett (who also created Namor and co-created Daredevil), and issues have gone for 2500 at just its minimum with prices like 107 and 198K being the highest recorded sales for this issue. Illustrated by Dale Keown (who'd go on to create the Hulk-like Pitt for Image Comics), it's not even the first printing of this comic that's worth big bucks, since the standard green cover is worth about a dollar. Then again, if I owned the 3 known copies in existence, I'd be very reluctant to let my go unless I really needed the money. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Pete Petruski created a paste gun and instead of using it for good as a research scientist turned to a life of crime. Journey Into Mystery had a different tale to tell a year earlier, introducing not only Korg (who was the comic relief in Ragnarok), but also the God of Thunder Thor himself! Please note that this list is in alphabetical order. The second issue of Amazing Spider-Man was as successful as the first at giving Ol Webhead a memorable villain whose nefarious efforts have been thwarted by Spidey for years. Highly anticipated character to hit the MCU on the mutant side of things is no doubt Wolverine. Sure it's just another Cap and Bucky take on the Red Skull story and it's Captain Americas third issue. Notable Sales $3.4 million (CGC 6.0, private sale, 2022) $3.25 million (CGC 8.5, ComicConnect, 2021) $2.1 million (CGC 9.0, ComicConnect, 2011) $1.5 million (CGC 8.5, ComicConnect, 2010) CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1 Recently a Tomb of Dracula #10 CGC 9.8 sold for $48,000 in September of 2021. Someone bought a rare copy of Action Comics #1, printed in 1938, for $3.2 million in 2014. In the first of a two-parter, the two heroes dueled to a stalemate in and around Manhattan. Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, created by Will Eisner and Jerry Iger, also makes her debut in this comic. Action Comics #10 is the sixteenth most expensive comic book in the world! But in the earliest days of the Merry Marvel Marching Society, the big guns were the big guns, and aside from first appearances, that was about it. It continues her origin story and also includes the first appearance of Wildcat and Mister Terrific. While both issues have always been high priced, find a pristine copy and you never know how much more it could nab you. In 2011, a pristine 9.8 copy of the comic, printed in 1962 and originally sold for 12 cents, fetched an astounding $1.1 million at auction. It can be difficult to figure out which of your 1990s comic books are worth money, but here is a simple list of over 100 valuable comics from that period. 12 Rare and Valuable Comic Books Worth a Fortune . Another great Steve Ditko cover, this time depicting four full panels of action between Spidey and the Sandman, a villain who was hiding out from the police at Peters school. Bruces father tries to intervene, and the criminal shoots them dead. Incredible Hulk #181. A few months later in issue #12, the first epic clash between Marvels two top titans, the Thing, and the Hulk took place, which to this day is one of the House Of Ideas great rivalries. Usually, it also has to tie in with a comic that they're tied to historically. 1 with an incredible 9.8 grading sold for over $490,000 in July 2012. This first encounter had Spidey use a vacuum cleaner, but writers have spent a lot of time making the Sandman a credible threat over the years, and cinematically with Thomas Haden Church in the role for Spider-Man 3. The grade is very important as the highest graded (9.8) copies of this book can sell for close to 6 figures. But with the massive fanbase the Hulk has, plenty people would be able to bring a copy home for themselves. Remember, this is as it stands at the time of this writing in December 2021. A fact that might get rectified once the Disney - 20th Century Fox deal is official. The only other sale I could find for this comic was back in 2013, and it sold at Heritage Auctions for $13,145! While Nyx only lasted seven issues, its third issue introduced X-23 to the Marvel Comics universe (after first appearing in the animated series X-Men: Evolution). There are a few creators that can drive up the value of a comic. In 2014, a 9.0-graded copy sold for $3,207,852 on eBay, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Cover by Gil Kane, John Romita and Artie Simek. Bob Kane might be a controversial figure, but he sure could draw. You wouldnt know it just by looking at its cover, but "Pep Comics" No. Only one sale, yet the CGC Census has 3 recorded 9.9s in existence so far? It's also the first Conan Marvel magazine, and Savage Tales is the 1st magazine that marks Marvel's 2nd attempt to enter the magazine industry. Marvel U.K.'s Transformers #113 is the first mainstream comic appearance of Death's Head, an unusual cult favorite robot that has canonically crossed borders with Marvel, Transformers, and even Doctor Who. For many years Action Comics #1 was consistently the most expensive comic book. Yes, I did blank out the certificate number on the slab. A 4.0-graded copy sold for $30,000 on eBay in March 2019. The copy that sold in 2017 was only a 5.5-graded one, and even though it had a couple of stamps on the cover, it still fetched $188,000 at Comic Connect. A 9.4 copy is currently for sale on Comic Link for $485,000. 9 The Amazing Spider-Man 1 - $110,000. Going down a grade to CGC 9.6, the most recent sale of that was $5,760 on Aug 23, 2021. Also has first appearance of Yukio. Two marquis issues not just in the history of the Fantastic Four, but in Marvel are both currently tied as 65K at their highest value. Fun useless fact time - when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Incredible Hulk they wanted the Green Goliath to be grey. After she became a fan favorite, her big comic-cover debut shot up to around $230. If you happened to get the later second printing, with the Anti-Venom reveal on the cover, it's worth a lot morea well-preserved copy will score you around $125 bucks. It also is not all-inclusive and only includes the most valuable comics from the 90s (we tried not to include anything worth less than $15). Hence, why this issue, issue # 2 is actually the first appearance of the giant green monster. If that doesnt sound like a valuable comic to own, then perhaps the second story will Dr. How do you know what's valuable? If youre one of the lucky few to have a copy or have the money to have a copy, youre currently sitting on a grand investment of 120K. So why was it so expensive? The comic is certainly rare. 10's story. This comic from 1940 features the first appearance of the Spectre as well as the Presence, DCs representation of the Abrahamic god. 15. Iron Fist was hugely disappointing, but I liked the Luke Cage show starring Michael Colter. Jeez, 2021 was a good year for these high-grade Bronze Age keys. (Image courtesy J.T.P. Rather, they were used in the 1930s and 1940s to secure trademarks for titles and logos. Or at least a family structure. Even a mid-CGC grade 6.5 went for 26K, but with books being worth what theyll sell for, this issue has been known to sell for 482K. Other than wearing a cowl, that character was a pulp character," comic writer Brian Azzarello told Games Radar. In the Fantastic Four #5, we are introduced to the grand villain, Dr. Doom, who has been a thorn in the FFs and entire MCUs side for over 50 years. Needless to say, even at its current 375K highest sale price might be a steal, since a book like this will only go up with each subsequent MCU appearance. With Vulture now firmly in the MCU being played by Michael Keaton, the character has been introduced to the masses, which always helps feed interest in the comics books. He was sent to Earth by his father, Odin, in order to teach him humility. A Chinese hero against the oppressive Opium Wars, Unequal Treaties, and colonization of China against British powers would've been more historically truthful and accurate. A little over a month later on September 10th, another copy sold for $11,000 at eBay. Whether or not you're in the 1st cameo or 1st full appearance camp for this muttie runt, it's still clear that Wolverine remains one of the most popular and well-known superhero characters to come out of the Bronze Age. First appearances are big business. #30: Invincible Iron Man 512 Stroman Venom Variant (2012). However, there are only a measly 4 recorded 9.8s in the CGC census currently. In 1937, DC publisher Harry Donenfeld was worried that a competing publishing house would steal the "Action Comics" title, so he mocked up this comic book and sent it to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to secure the title. I'm actually a bit surprised this is on here, but, then, after thinking about the connection this character has to Blade, I'm not really that surprised. If you collected comics in the early '90s, we're very sorry. The book was the first issue of the team in their iconic blue uniforms, and is currently a steal at 38K, especially when in theory, sooner or later the team will make their MCU debut. Did you know this comic came out before this classic and iconic sci-fi movie even hit theaters? Okay, to clarify, Incredible Hulk #181 is considered the 1st full appearance of Wolverine. A monumental piece of Americana valued at $126,000. Only three copies are known to exist with a higher grade. "Tales to Astonish" No. Luke Skywalker nearly loses a book full of the Jedi's . An ever-growing allegory for Civil Rights started with Charles Xavier standing for Martin Luther King looking for peaceful coexistence pitted against Magneto and his more militant any means necessary approach. The Spawn 227 McFarlane sketch is well in demand and has become one of the most valued ones to date. Not enough Free Comic Book Day issues appear on the most valuable comic books list. They are worth far more than their weight in gold. We compiled the all-time auction price records for comic books as of February 9th, 2023. For that, his first adventure has been known to sell for as much as 110K. "Batman was pulp, born and bred. 1 sold for $507,500 in 2017, and it was only graded as a 5.5. But before he was part of the Justice League, battling interdimensional beings, Manhunter went undercover as a human detective, solving very earthly crimes. Its still for sale. Superman #1 - About $507,000 . Star Wars #1 has the cover date of July, 1977, but hit newsstands April 12 of 1977.The movie Star Wars: A New Hope was released in theaters May 25th of 1977. However, the first Ghost Rider was part of the western genre and isn't considered a superhero. Shang-Chi is actually half-Chinese and his mother white. We do our best to keep this list updated and try not to have anything on the list worth $15 or less. So it should come as no shock that the most famous book in Marvel history is the most valuable at 1.1 million dollars at its highest. Its an extremely rare comic, and in early 2018, a 6.5-graded copy sold for $215,100 at Heritage Auctions. Not that impressed with the Netflix version and was hoping they recast Frank Castle for the MCU. Sabretooth needs to be ruthless and savage yet cunning. World War II always sells, comic books from this era always sell too. To do so, Odin temporarily wipes Thor's memory and turns him into a nerdy scientist while Earth is under attack by the stone men from Saturn. The interior of it is previously published pages from "Detective Comics" No. I debated pretty hard about even mentioning these, but here they are: Wolverine #1 CGC 10. It was Wolverine prior, and I'm not gonna say why the Punisher slid into first place during this time. Actually, this information might wow some comic investors and those into comic speculation more than actual comic collectors. In almost perfect condition, this incredibly colorful comic book wowed collectors when it sold for $3.6 million in 2021. If you don't know who or what the Skrulls are than you're going to be for a real treat when and if the evil alien race makes their debut in the movies. Even worse-for-wear versions of the Caped Crusaders first appearance can go for big bucks. Even though the surrounding issues aren't worth much, the first appearance of Death's Head will net you an average of $100. Pair that with covers that look like obnoxious kids on their way to a rave and issues that often shipped many months apart, and you have a series destined for failure. You could conceivably find and ungraded good condition copy for several hundred dollars and then send it off to CGC to make bank on your purchase. Currently, there are 35 Universal 9.8 copies and 1 Signature Series recorded over at CGC, making it a total of only 36 copies. You might have to hop across the pond to find this one in your closet, but given the universal popularity of shape-changing robots, it's not unlikely that this issue might have found its way around the world. If you can find a great copy of this one, be prepared to possibly fork over 200K for the book. I think he was also non-powered before creator Chris Claremont decided to make him a mutant baddie and stick him in the X-Men comics. But the ink was giving them a problem. Theyre the Fantastic Four, a Stan Lee and Jack Kirby creation that quickly became a fan favorite. I bought my copy for $35 bucks back in the day, and it graded a CGC 7.0 without a press and clean. Copies of Human Torch Comics are hard to come by, especially early issues like this one, currently valued at 92k. With a really cool sci-fi pulp cover and title, The Man In The Ant Hill, Tales To Astonish #27 had a lot of things going for it before you even turned past the cover page. If you're wondering what the most valuable Marvel Bronze Age comics are, this article will detail the top. Hopefully, it garnered more excitement for Asian superheroes in the comic medium. It does mark Marvel's revival into the horror genre with a nice twist on the classic vampire horror character. Only two copies in such good condition are known to exist. In this third issue, the Fantastic Four tackle the Miracle Man. It was a near-mint 9.2-graded copy and is said to be one of the highest-graded versions known to exist. That iconic cover with Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man & The Wasp squaring up with Loki has seen sales of almost $200,000 before, still bringing in tens of thousands of dollars with every purchase. But the real reason this one is a hot book is because it is a Canadian White, one of two books on this list that are. This is why I am putting it below Luke, Cage Hero for Hire #1 for now. A 1981 comic that also holds what most deem a classic cover by John Byrne and Terry Austin to go a long with this classic story line by Chris Claremont. The X-Men might be hands down one of the greatest creations in sci-fi/ fantasy / comic books. Either one of these is worth your time and effort to find if you're hunting down issues to invest in. Definitely not surprised to see the 1st appearance and origin of Luke Cage on here, and when the MCU brings the character into the fold, I'm sure this Bronze Age key comic may move up in the rankings. It's actually the 35 Cent Price Variant, as the regularly distributed version was 30 cents. A 9.0 copy sold for $411,000 in 2016 at auction, and three years later a 9.4-graded copy sold for over double that price on eBay. Then, in 2019, a 9.4-graded version sold for a very patriotic $915,000. Not much is known about the sale, only that it occurred in 2001. Action Comics #1 - About $3.2 Million. This 8.0-graded comic fetched $252,100 in 2017, the same year that "Riverdale" debuted on the CW network. Published ten years after the original, and with a fancy chromium cover, ASM #300 was popular enough to warrant a reprint that was probably available at your local comic shop for a slightly premium price. An issue of X-Men #94 with a CGC grade of 9.8 sold for $58,000 in April 2021. We all know Batmans origin story: A young Bruce Wayne and his parents are leaving the movies when a no-good crook emerges from the shadows, brandishing a gun and demanding Mrs. Waynes necklace. "Suspense Comics" No. Iron Man made his first appearance in this 1963 comic book written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. A near-mint condition, 9.2-graded copy of Batmans first comic book from 1940 sold for $850,000 at a private auction in 2012. 1 is gorgeous, and drawn by Everett in Kirby's action style. This issue reveals Daredevil's origin story and also the first appearance of the gangster, the Fixer. Also, what X-Men fan doesn't know Colossus and Nightcrawler? . to own this issue, consider yourselves lucky hold onto the book and you probably will have doubled or tripled your investment soon.