1. Journey Into Mystery #83 – $222,000
Thor’s first appearance in 1962’s Journey Into Mystery #83 introduced a mythic figure that has become a pillar of the Marvel universe. In 2022, this early Marvel title sold for $222,000, with Thor’s popularity at an all-time high thanks to recent film adaptations.
2. Captain America Comics #1 – $915,000
This patriotic 1941 comic, featuring Captain America punching Hitler on the cover, became a collector’s dream, especially during the character’s big-screen revival. A high-grade copy sold for $915,000 in 2019, proving Cap’s appeal has only grown over the years.
3. Detective Comics #27 – $1.5 Million
Batman made his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 back in 1939, and this issue has been a goldmine for collectors. In 2020, one of the best-preserved copies sold for $1.5 million. If you’ve got this one lying around in the attic, you’re sitting on a small fortune.
4. Marvel Comics #1 – $1.26 Million
Marvel’s very first comic, from 1939, introduced characters like the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner. It holds a special place in the hearts of Marvel fans and in auction records, too—one copy sold for $1.26 million in 2019.
5. All Star Comics #8 – $936,223
The first appearance of Wonder Woman in All Star Comics #8 (1941) is still a big deal, and in 2017, a high-grade copy sold for nearly a million dollars. As one of the most beloved superheroes and a cultural icon, Wonder Woman’s debut has retained serious value.
6. Amazing Fantasy #15 – $3.6 Million
Spider-Man’s debut in Amazing Fantasy #15 is another legendary moment in comic history. A near-mint copy of the 1962 comic sold for $3.6 million in 2021, setting a record as the most expensive comic ever sold, largely due to Spider-Man’s timeless popularity and the scarcity of well-preserved copies.
7. Incredible Hulk #1 – $490,000
The 1962 debut of the Hulk didn’t initially sell well, but later became iconic. In 2022, a top-quality copy reached $490,000. Considering the Hulk’s larger-than-life persona, this comic is still a fan favorite with serious auction potential.
8. Tales of Suspense #39 – $375,000
Iron Man’s first appearance in Tales of Suspense #39 (1963) set off a chain reaction for Marvel superheroes. A near-perfect copy sold for $375,000 in 2020, benefiting from Iron Man’s massive popularity thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
9. Flash Comics #1 – $450,000
The Flash sped into action in 1940, becoming a foundational character for DC. When a near-mint copy of Flash Comics #1 sold for $450,000 in 2010, it highlighted the appeal of early DC characters. If you’ve got this early DC gem, you might be in luck!
10. Showcase #4 – $179,250
Showcase #4 marked the Silver Age reboot of The Flash in 1956, and it’s considered one of the most important comics in history. In 2009, it sold for $179,250, confirming the Silver Age Flash as a fan-favorite among collectors and historians alike.
11. Adventure Comics #40 – $182,000
This 1939 comic introduced The Sandman and helped shape the early days of superhero lore. Its value shot up in recent years, with a high-quality copy selling for $182,000 in 2021. Its unique noir storytelling makes it a beloved classic.
12. X-Men #1 – $492,937
The 1963 debut of the X-Men in X-Men #1 saw Marvel’s iconic team take their first steps into the spotlight. A top-grade copy fetched nearly half a million dollars in 2021, showing the lasting legacy of these mutants, who continue to capture fans’ imaginations.
13. Action Comics #1 – $3.25 Million
This iconic 1938 comic introduced the world to Superman and started the superhero genre as we know it. Its high price tag? A pristine copy of Action Comics #1 sold for a staggering $3.25 million in 2021, mainly due to its cultural impact and extreme rarity. Only around 100 copies exist today!
14. Superman #1 – $358,500
In 1939, Superman #1 was the Man of Steel’s first solo comic. Copies in pristine condition are extremely rare, and in 2022, one of them sold for $358,500. This comic captures the early roots of superhero fandom and is a crown jewel for any collector.
