100 Most Valuable Comic Books
In my previous articles about valuable comic books, I have primarily focused on comic books that have sold at auction for hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars. So, in this list of the 100 most valuable comic books, I have focused on comic books that stand to gain more value in the next decades.
This list will be segregated via the four eras of comic books: The Golden Age, the Silver Age, the Bronze Age, and the Modern Age of Comic Books.
The Golden Age of Comic Books
This is an era of comic book production that spans between the years 1938 to 1956.
100. More Fun Comics #101 (January 1945) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of My Fantasy Comic Book Collection/FB.)
This comic features the first appearance and origin of Superboy. One reason this comic is so coveted is that due to an editing error, Superboy doesn’t even appear on the cover.
A copy of this comic with a CGC grade of 9.2 is worth $8,223.
Want to learn more about Superboy? Check out Superboy a Celebration of 75 Years. This 400-page hardcover book features dozens of Superboy stories spanning from the Golden Age to the Modern Age. Get it for $15.97 at Amazon.
99. Jumbo Comics #1 (August 1938) Fiction House
This comic features the first commissioned artwork by legendary artist Jack “King” Kirby. Kirby is a comic book legend who created hundreds of comic book characters.
(Image courtesy of Des Hommes Qui Passent.)
Kirby created or co-created Captain America, Black Panther, X-Men, Iron Man, Ant-Man, Nick Fury, Eternals, Fantastic Four, Inhumans, Darkseid, Thor, Loki, Baron Zemo. and too many to list.
Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, created by Will Eisner and Jerry Iger, also makes her debut in this comic.
Amazingly, this comic is affordable to buy if you can find a copy. Most non-comic book fans don’t know the legendary creators who wrote and drew the stories that inspired their favorite films. This comic book is extremely rare, but even a raw, unslabbed copy is worth over $4,000. Pick this up before Kirby’s name becomes more well-known to non-comic book fans and it explodes in value.
Want to learn more about Jack Kirby? Check out Jack Kirby 100th Celebration Collection. This 2017 paperback collects several of his greatest comic book stories, including New Gods and Darkseid Special #1. Get it at Amazon now for $13.60.
98. Jackpot Comics #4 (Spring 1941) MLJ
(Image courtesy of Grand Comics Database/FB.)
An ultra-rare comic that features the first cover appearance of Archie Andrews. The Archies Gang has been adapted into a horror/soap opera hybrid for TV now, but their popularity has endured for decades.
A raw and ungraded copy of this comic is worth $3,550.
Did you know that a lot of modern Archie Comics are now horror themed? Check out Afterlife with Archie: Escape from Riverdale. After Jughead consults a a witch to ressurect his dead dog, a zombie apocalypse occurs in Riverdale. Get it at Amazon now for $17.99.
97. Double Action Comics #2 (December 1939) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Rare Golden Age Comics/FB.)
This comic is exceptionally valuable for its ultra-rarity mainly. Only seven copies are known to exist. Two copies sold for $80,000 in December 2016.
Want to learn more about the Golden Age of Comic Books? Golden Age comic books were usually anhologies featuring a mix of story genres. Check out Golden Age Comic Book Covers: 100 Classic Golden Age Comic Book Covers from Sci-Fi to Horror. Get it at Amazon now for $17.99.
96. Detective Comics #40 (June 1940) DC Comics
Image courtesy History of the Batman/FB.
This issue features the first-ever cover appearance of the Joker. It also features the first appearance and origin of Clayface. A copy of this comic with a CGC grade of 6.0 is worth $43,600.
Want to learn more about the Joker? Check out Batman the Killing Joke: The Deluxe Edition. This 1987 reinvented the origin of the Joker for modern audiences. The Joker is depicted as a pathetic comedian who lost his mind trying to grapple with the complexities of life. Get the hardcover trade paperback now at Amazon for $14.29.
95. Detective Comics #30 (August 1939) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of The Worlds of DC Greece/FB.)
Batman’s fourth-ever appearance occurred in this issue. Batman grapples with Doctor Death after valuable jewels are stolen from a millionaire.
A mint copy is worth about $500, but one copy sold for $16,700.
Want to learn more about Golden Age Batman? Check out Batman: The Golden Age Vol. 1. This trade paperback collects the first 20 comic book appearances of Batman, including Detetctive Comics #27 from 1939. Get the paperback at Amazon for $63.99 now.
94. All-American Comics #61 (October 1944) DC Comics
Image courtesy Steve Anadell/FB.
This issue contains the first appearance and origin of Solomon Grundy and Slaughter Swamp. Slaughter Swamp was originally located on the furthest outskirts of Gotham City.
Solomon Grundy has shown up in live-action form recently on the Gotham TV show and now on Stargirl.
The infamous nursery rhyme, “Solomon Grundy, Born on a Monday…” debuted in this issue too. It is a real 19th century English nursery rhyme that was adapted to the DC character.
There are probably only 44 known copies of this comic book in existence. Maybe less than half of that number has been sold in the last 15 years.
One copy sold in 2018 for $27,500.
Want to learn more about Solomon Grundy? Check out Solomon Grundy. The monster tries to find the truth of his origins and if he can ever become a man again. Get the paperback at Amazon now for $39.95.
93. Batman #3 (October 1940) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Iconic Batman/FB.)
The cover of this issue was allegedly the inspiration for the animated, opening credits sequence for Adam West’s 1966 Batman TV show.
Batman #3 features the first appearances of the Puppet Master and of Catwoman in full costume. A copy of this issue, CGC graded 9.6, is worth $125,000.
Are you a big Adam West Batman fan? DC Comics has been continuing the adventures of the Adam West Batman in comic book and miniseries form for many years now in the comic Batman ’66. Check out Batman ’66 Omnibus, a hardcover trade that collects over 30 issues of the initial Batman ’66 comic. Get it now at Amazon for $125.
92. Detective Comics #140 (October 1948) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of RETRO comics and collectibles/FB.)
Edward Nygma, AKA “The Riddler,” made his first appearance in this issue.
There may only be less than 148 copies of this comic circulating in collector communities.
A copy of this issue, CGC graded 9.6, sold for $360,000 recently.
91. Silver Streak Comics #6 (September 1940)
Image courtesy Digital Comic Museum/FB.
Bart Hill, the Golden Age version of Daredevil, also known as the Death-Defying Daredevil at Dynamite Comics, first appeared in this issue.
Death-Defying Daredevil is a mute, public domain character that is now part of a stable of similar public domain characters published via Dynamite comics. (Death-Defying Daredevil is unrelated to Marvel’s Daredevil character.)
The company has been vying for years to make reimaged public domain characters as popular as comics offered by Marvel and DC.
Dynamite or another comic book company may one day make a new universe of public domain characters as popular as Marvel or DC.
A copy of this comic with a CGC rating of 6.0 sold for $20,400 in July 2020.
90. Famous Funnies #1 (July 1934) Eastern Color
(Image courtesy of Michael Savene/FB.)
This anthology comic is arguably the first modern iteration of a comic book ever sold via newsstands during the early Great Depression era.
The first true superhero comic, Action Comics #1, didn’t premiere until June 1938.
A copy of this issue with a CGC grade of 9.6 sold for $360,000 in April 2023.
89. New Comics #1 (December 1935) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Képregényhősök/FB.)
This is the second DC Comics ever published. It would later become New Adventure Comics in 1937.
An 8.0 CGC copy of this copy could sell for $18,500.
88. Detective Comics #168 (February 1951) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of History of the Batman/FB.)
The Joker’s Red Hood based origin is depicted in this issue. Also, this issue marks the first appearance of the Red Hood. A copy of this issue once sold for $35,000.
87. All-Winners Comics #1 (June 1941) Timely Comics
(Image courtesy of Living Legends/FB)
Timely Comics would eventually become Marvel Comics.
This comic featured the All-Star Squad. It’s the first team of comic book characters of the era that served as the creative template for the X-Men, Avengers, and other Marvel team comics to follow.
A 9.2 CGC copy of this comic is worth almost $36,000. Even a raw and ungraded copy of this rare comic is worth $8,250.
86. Batman #2 (July 1940) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Books/FB.)
The Joker and Catwoman make their full second appearances in this issue.
And this is the first issue where Catwoman is first referred to as, “Catwoman.”
A copy of this issue with a CGC grade of 9.6 is worth over $350,000.
85. Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1 (1939) First Funnies
(Image courtesy of Timely/Marvel Comics and World War II/FB.)
Namor the Sub-Mariner made his true first appearance in this comic. This fact wouldn’t be revealed until 1974. This comic was given away free as a promotion in movie theaters.
The marketing ploy failed, and the Sub-Mariner story was then reused in Marvel Comics #1, which was also published that year by Timely Comics.
Less than 9 copies of this comic exist. A copy of this issue sold for $15,800 in December 2016.
84. Captain America Comics #3 (April 1941) Timely Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Book Price Guide/FB.)
This comic features Stan Lee’s first commissioned work as a writer. If that fact does not convey investment value, I don’t know what does.
Because this is Stan Lee’s first comic book, any CGC grade would be valuable. A 7.5 CGC copy of this comic sold for $80,000. Any grade of this comic could be worth thousands or tens of thousands.
83. Action Comics #23 (April 1940) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Charlie Eisenberg/FB.)
In this issue, the Daily Planet is mentioned for the first time. Lex Luthor also makes his first appearance here. This comic is valuable because it introduces the storytelling template for Superman that we all know so well.
Lex Luthor isn’t bald in his debut – he’s a redhead.
Less than 150 copies of this comic may exist.
A 9.6 CGC copy of this comic could be worth $700,000.
Even a 1.0 or 2.0 CGC grade of this comic could be worth thousands.
82. Detective Comics #32 (October 1939) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of CW Wells/FB.)
The first comic book where Batman brandishes a gun and kills two criminals. It is a nihilistic version of Batman that would be unrecognizable to today’s fans, save for Zack Snyder’s depiction of Batman in Batman V. Superman.
Only 48 copies of this comic book may exist now.
A 9.6 CGC copy of this comic sold for $72,000 in 2017.
81. Detective Comics #38 (April 1940) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Dork Reformed/FB)
Robin the Boy Wonder and Hugo Strange make their first appearances in this issue.
This was the first issue where Batman’s gloves featured aesthetically finned spikes.
A mint condition copy of this comic sold for $107,550 in 2009.
80. Detective Comics #225 (November 1955) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Charlie Eisenberg/FB.)
The first appearance of the Martian Manhunter. A copy of this comic with a CGC grade of 9.2 is worth $14,340.
79. More Fun Comics #73 (November 1941) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Multivers/FB.)
Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Speedy all make their first appearances in this one issue.
A copy of this issue with a CGC rating of 8.0 sold for $99,000 in June 2015.
78. Adventure Comics #40 (July 1939) DC Comics
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The Golden Age crime-fighting version of the Sandman made his first appearance in this issue.
The Golden Age Sandman is not the same character as Morpheus, the Sandman character created by Neil Gaiman for Vertigo Comics in the 1990s. A copy of this comic with a 9.2 CGC rating is worth almost $70,000.
77. Archie Comics #1 (November 1942) MLJ
(Image courtesy of John Bruening/FB.)
Veronica, Jughead, and Mrs. Andrews make their first appearances in this issue. Copies of this issue are extremely rare. One copy reportedly sold for $167,000.
76. All-Star Comics #3 (January 1941) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Grand Comics Database/FB.)
The Justice Society of America made its first appearance in this issue.
This issue was published by All-American Publications, which later merged with National Periodical Publications to eventually become DC Comics.
A 9.8 CGC-graded copy of this comic book is worth almost $79,000.
75. Detective Comics #33 (November 1939) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Scott Klimek/FB.)
Bruce Wayne’s full origin is revealed in this issue.
Thomas and Martha Wayne debut in this issue. And Joe Chill, the criminal who murdered Bruce Wayne’s parents in the original comics continuity, made his first appearance in this issue.
Even if you have never read a comic book in your life, you know the Bruce Wayne origin story. And that origin story started here, which is why this comic is valuable.
An 6.5 CGC copy of this comic sold for $288,000 in 2013.
The Silver Age of Comic Books
This era of comic book entertainment encompasses the years between 1956 and 1970.
74. Batman #181 (June 1966) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of World of Comics/FB.)
Poison Ivy made her comic book debut in this comic.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic could be worth $90,000. However, you should be able to buy a copy of this comic for any CGC grade under 4.0.
73. Flash #106 (May 1959) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Charlie Eisenberg/FB.)
The Flash villains Gorilla Grodd and Pied Piper made their first appearances in this issue.
A 9.2 CGC copy of this comic could be worth $16,500.
72. Our Army at War #83 (June 1959) DC Comics
Image courtesy Comic Book Search/FB.
The first appearance of Sgt. Rock and Easy Co. Until the 1990s, politically themed war comic books were a common plot staple for comic books.
Marvel’s “Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos,” the first iteration of Nick Fury as a war hero before he became of super spy, wouldn’t debut until 1963.
A 9.2 CGC copy of this comic book is worth $21,749.
71. Adventure Comics #247 (April 1958) DC Comics
(Image courtesy David Greg Taylor/FB.)
The first appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes. The Legion votes Superboy into their group and then plays a prank on him.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $146,300.
70. Marvel Super Heroes #18 (January 1969) Marvel Comics
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The first iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy (no, not the current ones you know from the Marvel cinematic universe films) appears in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $6,700.
69. Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Imagenes Marvel Comics/FB.)
The Silver Surfer and Galactus both made their first appearances in this comic. When the Fantastic Four make their MCU debut in a few years, this comic could become very valuable.
In 2018, a 9.8 CGC copy of this issue sold for $108,000.
68. The Brave and the Bold #25 (September 1959) DC Comics
(Image courtesy AbeBooks.)
The Suicide Squad made its first appearance in this comic.
A 9.8 CGC graded copy of this comic is worth $47,500.
67. Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 (May 1963) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of George M. Gomez.)
This comic introduces Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth almost $52,000.
66. Action Comics #242 (July 1958) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Corey Donato/FB.)
This issue introduces Brainiac. Brainiac is a supervillain who shrinks cities and collects them.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth almost $91,600.
65. Tales of Suspense #40 (April 1963) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Books.)
This comic marked the first appearance of Iron Man’s gold-colored armor. In the comics books, Tony Stark is a futurist who upgrades his tech and armor regularly.
And that plot conceit carried over to the MCU films decades later.
That idea started in this comic.
This comic also features the second appearance of Iron Man. Stan Lee reportedly hated the dreary grey-colored version of the original armor and changed it to gold.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $31,528.
64. Journey into Mystery #85 (October 1962) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy Jorge Celis/FB.)
Loki, the god of mischief, makes his debut in this issue.
Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki was arguably the most popular character in 2012’s Avengers film. And his latest Disney+ show Loki is a hit too.
Asgard, Odin, Heimdall, and Balder also make their debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC grade for this comic is worth $113,100.
63. Daredevil #1 (April 1964) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Ben Gaeza/FB.)
Blind lawyer Matt Murdock, AKA Daredevil, makes his first appearance in this issue. Karen Page and Foggy Nelson also make their first appearances in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic sold for $250,000 in March 2021.
62. Fantastic Four #3 (March 1962) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Books/FB.)
The Fantastic Four receive their iconic costumes for the first time in this issue. Also, their first headquarters, the Baxter Building, is introduced in this issue.
In the comic years, the Fantastic Four will debut in the MCU films. These early FF comics are good investments to make now.
A 9.4 CGC copy of this comic once sold for $102,000 in 2022.
61. Incredible Hulk #2 (July 1962) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Les Comics de Souheil.)
The Hulk was gray-colored in issue #2. He is green-colored for the first time in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $100,000.
60. Amazing Spider-Man #3 (July 1963) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of AbeBooks/FB.)
This issue features the debut of Dr. Octopus as a Spider-Man villain.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic could be worth $50,000.
59. Amazing Spider-Man #14 (July 1964) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Marvel comics Timeline/FB.)
The Green Goblin makes his first appearance in this issue. Also, Spider-Man meets the Hulk for the first time in this issue too.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $55,000.
58. Strange Tales #110 (July 1963) Marvel Comics
image courtesy Comic Books/FB.
Doctor Strange made his character debut in this issue. Wong, Nightmare, and the Ancient One also made their first appearances here.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic once is worth $130,524.
57. Fantastic Four #5 (July 1962) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Books/FB.)
This issue features the first appearance and origin story of Doctor Doom.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $281,637.
56. Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of The Fandom Show/FB.)
T’Challa, King of Wakanda and the Black Panther, makes his debut.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic book is worth $46,300.
55. The Brave and the Bold #28 (March 1960) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of The Seven Soldiers of Victory/FB.)
The Justice League marks its debut in this issue. This comic also marks the debut of Starro the Conqueror, which made its recent debut in The Suicide Squad reboot.
A 9.6 CGC copy of this comic sold for $810,000 in January 2024. Copies of this issue with CGC grades lower than 4.0 could sell for hundreds or thousands.
54. Tales to Astonish #27 (January 1962) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Read Old Comics/FB.)
Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man, makes his debut in this issue.
A 9.4 CGC copy once sold for $205,501 in 2016.
53. Journey Into Mystery #83 (August 1962) Marvel Comics
The Mighty Thor makes his first appearance in this issue.
A 9.4 CGC copy of this issue once sold for $222,200 in 2012.
52. Fantastic Four #2 (January 1961) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Marvel Comics Timeline/FB.)
The Skrulls, who made their Marvel cinematic universe debut in the Captain Marvel film, made their comic book debut here. And the Skrulls will next be seen in the Disney+ streaming show Secret Invasion starring Samuel L. Jackson.
This comic is notable for being the first reference to the Daily Bugle, Peter Parker’s original employer.
There are probably only 20 copies of this comic with a CGC grade of 9.0 in existence.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $70,844.
51. Justice League of America #1 (November 1960) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Burton Cummings/FB.)
First comic featuring the JLA.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $70,648.
50. Amazing Spider-Man #2 (May 1963) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Books/FB.)
The Vulture makes his debut in this issue. Micheal Keaton portrayed the Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic once sold for $132,189.
The Bronze Age of Comic Books
The Bronze Age era of comic books is between the years 1970 and 1985.
You will notice that value and sales prices will be appreciably lower.
That is because it takes time and rarity for a comic book to accrue significant value.
49. New Teen Titans #2 (December 1980) DC Comics
Image courtesy Nick Russo/FB.
Deathstroke the Terminator debuts. Actor Joe Manganiello infamously signed on to play Deathstroke in the canceled Ben Affleck Batman film and in two Justice League cameos.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $602.
48. Detective Comics #411 (May 1971) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Iconic Batman/FB.)
Talia al Ghul’s first appearance. Talia is the daughter of Ra’s Al Ghul and mother of fan-favorite Damian Wayne.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic sold for $7,419.
47. Daredevil #168 (December 1981) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Comics Price Guide/FB.)
Elektra debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $1,925.
48. Strange Tales #180 (June 1975) Marvel Comics
Nick B’s Comics/FB
This comic features Gamora’s first appearance.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $1,860.
47. Green Lantern #85 (July 1971) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Alan Stewart/FB.)
This was a controversial comic that highlighted drug addiction in the story. Speedy was revealed to be a drug addict in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $1,959.
46. Marvel Preview #4 (December 1975) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Charlie Eisenberg/FB.)
Star-Lord makes his debut in this comic.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $2,640.
45. Ms. Marvel #1 (January 1977) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Retro Comic Books and Video Games/FB.)
Carol Danvers makes her first appearance in a Marvel comic.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $720.
44. X-Men #101 (October 1976) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Honesty Comics and Collectibles/FB.)
The Phoenix Force debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $4,924.
43. Iron Fist #14 (August 1977) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of My 70s and 80s Childhood/FB.)
Perennial X-Men villain and sometimes antihero Sabretooth debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $3,551.
42. The Amazing Spider-Man #121 (June 1973) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of The Rogue’s Lair/FB.)
Gwen Stacy dies in this issue. This moment was a big deal in 1973.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $5,560.
41. The Incredible Hulk #180 (October 1974) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of My 70s and 80s Childhood/FB.)
Wolverine makes his first cameo appearance in a single and final panel of this comic. Wolverine’s first full appearance occurred in the next issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $18,000.
40. All-Star Western #10 (March 1972) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Jonah Hex The Comic Book/FB.)
Jonah Hex makes his debut in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $7,032.
39. Marvel Preview #7 (June 1976) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Terror By Night/FB.)
This comic features the first appearance of Rocket Raccoon.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth over $15,600.
38. Batman #232 (June 1971) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of History of the Batman/FB.)
Ra’s Al Ghul makes his debut. Liam Neeson and Alexander Siddig portrayed Ra’s Al Ghul in the film Batman Begins and on TV’s Gotham respectively.
Ra’s Al Ghul is the father of Talia and grandfather of Damian Wayne.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this issue is worth $11,300.
37. Tomb of Dracula #10 (July 1973) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Gothic Mansions of Secrets and Mystery/FB.)
The first appearance of Blade.
Wesley Snipes portrayed Blade in three films in the late 1990s and early 2000s. 1998’s Blade was technically the first Marvel film before there was an MCU, which started in 2008.
Mahershala Ali will make his premiere in a rebooted MCU version of Blade in the next few years.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $24,000. Keep an eye on the value of this comic when Ali’s version of Blade, or a different version, premieres.
36. Marvel Premiere #15 (May 1974) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of My 70s and 80s Childhood/FB.)
Iron Fist makes his debut. Finn Jones starred in the much-maligned Iron Fist streaming show, but the character is still wildly popular.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $4,310.
35. Iron Man #55 (February 1973) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Darius Hedgebeth/FB.)
Thanos the Mad Titan, Drax the Destroyer, Starfox, and the Mentor all make their debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $8,938.
34. Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 (December 1970) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of My 70s and 80s Childhood/FB.)
Darkseid debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $12,600.
33. The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (February 1974) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of My 70s and 80s Childhood/FB.)
Frank Castle, the Punisher, appeared for the first time in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $21,300.
32. Luke Cage,Hero for Hire #1 (June 1972) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of The History of Comics: the 1970s/FB.)
Luke Cage and Diamondback make their debuts.
This comic sold for $48,000 with a 9.8 CGC grade in December 2019.
(I have this comic in my family home, I’m going to look for it!)
31. Incredible Hulk #181 (November 1974) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Dork Reformed/FB.)
Wolverine makes his first full appearance.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $66,186.
30. Marvel Spotlight #5 (August 1972) Marvel Comics
(image courtesy of Terror By Night/FB.)
Johnny Blaze, AKA Ghost Rider, debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic book sold for $264,000 in June 2021.
29. Batman #357 (March 1983) DC Comic
(Image courtesy of My 70s and 80s Childhood/FB.)
Jason Todd, the second Robin, and Killer Croc debut in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $675. Jason Todd is now the Red Hood in DC Comics – pick up a copy of this if you can find it. The Red Hood is very popular.
28. Amazing Spider-Man #238 (March 1983) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Imagenes Marvel Comics/FB.)
Ned Leeds, AKA The Hobgoblin, makes his first appearance.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $1,448.
27. Wolverine #1 (September 1982) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of The Fandom Show/FB.)
Wolverine’s first solo comic books series; limited issue series.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $605.
26. Daredevil #181 (April 1981) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of American Comic Book Chronicles/FB.)
This issue features the death of Elektra.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $162.
The Modern Age of Comic Books
This era covers comic books produced from 1985 until the present day. The investment prices for many of these comics will be cheaper than the previous ages.
25. Caliber Presents #1 (January 1989) Caliber Press
(Image courtesy of My 70s and 80s Childhood/FB.)
The Crow debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $2,200.
24. Batman #428 (December 1988) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Reinhard Schubert/FB.)
Jason Todd, the second Robin, dies in this issue.
In a stunt that is still shocking to this day, DC Comics allowed fans to vote on whether Jason Todd lived or died – and more fans unapologetically voted for Todd’s death.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $494.
23. Silver Surfer #44 (December 1990) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy Marvel/FB.)
The Infinity Gauntlet debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $247.
22. Sandman #1 (January 1989) DC
(Image courtesy of Joshua Crawford/FB.)
This comic features the first appearances of Morpheus, the Modern Age Sandman, and Dream.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $520.
21. Saga of the Swamp Thing #37 (June 1985) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Travis Wilkes/FB.)
John Constantine makes his debut in this comic.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $1,389.
20. X-Factor #6 (July 1986) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of My 70s and 80s Childhood/FB.)
X-Men villain Apocalypse made his debut in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $382.
19. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (December 1985) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Batman FB.)
Legendary alternative continuity comic where an older, battle-weary Batman takes on Superman.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $728.
18. New Mutants #87 (March 1990) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of Imagenes Marvel Comics/FB.)
Cable makes his first appearance in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $495.
17. Miracleman #1 (August 1985) Eclipse Comics
(Image courtesy of Gotham City Central/FB.)
First appearance of Miracleman. This series was one of the first comics to feature depictions of ultra-violence in superhero comics.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $250.
16. Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Eide’s Entertainment/FB.)
The Joker’s origin is reimagined in this issue. Also, the Joker tortures Commissioner Gordon and cruelly paralyzes his daughter, Barbara Gordon.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $215.
15. Batman: Vengeance of Bane Special (January 1993) DC Comics
(Image courtesy of Matthew Foley/FB.)
Bane debuts in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $287.
14. Walking Dead #19 (June 2005) Image Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Books/FB.)
Michonne makes her first appearance in this comic.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $387.
13. Solar Man of the Atom #10 (May 1992) Valiant Comics
This issue features the first appearance of the Eternal Warrior.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $700.
12. Invincible #1 (January 2003) Image Comics
(Image courtesy of Corey Donatto/FB.)
This is the other smash-hit comic, about a young Superman analog character, created by Robert Kirkman. Kirkman also created The Walking Dead.
The recent animation adaptation was well-received by fans and exposed the character to a wider audience.
A 9.8 CGC copy of the comic is worth $3,200. Watch this price in the future – Invincible has entranced legions of new fans.
11. Malibu Sun #13 (May 1992)
(Image courtesy of Todd”Father” McFarlane Fans/FB.)
Todd McFarlane’s Spawn character made its first promotional appearance in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $3,395.
10. Spawn #1 (May 1992) Image Comics
(Image courtesy of Dork Reformed/FB.)
First in-continuity Image universe appearance of Spawn. It is the longest-running comic in the Image universe.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $142.
The Spawn comics universe is now expanding to introduce new characters. And a long-gestating film reboot could drop anytime in the future.
Pick up this comic and watch this price in the future.
9. Harbinger #1 (January 1992) Valiant Comics
(Image courtesy of House of Phantasma/FB.)
This issue is the first appearance of the Eggbreakers and Peter Stanchek. Valiant would issue redeemable coupons for promotions in these early issues.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this issue is worth $599.
8. Strangers in Paradise #1 (November 1993) Antarctic Press
(Image courtesy of The Lakes International Comic Art Festival/FB.)
This is the first comic book written and drawn by Terry Moore.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this issue is worth $125.
7. Walking Dead #2 (October 2003) Image Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Carnival/FB.)
This issue features the first appearances of Lori Grimes, Carl Grimes, and Glenn. The first edition printing run of this second issue is scarcer than issue #1.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $1,345.
6. The Walking Dead #27 (March 2006) Image Comics
(Image courtesy of Universo Nankim/FB.)
The Governor, Bruce, Gabriel, and Martinez all make their first appearances in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $129.
5. NYX #3 (February 2004) Marvel Comics
Image courtesy of Crónicas de Cómics/FB.)
Laura Kinney, a clone of Wolverine, makes her code name debut as, “X-23,” in this issue.
Laura has assumed the name “Wolverine” in the current X-Men comics continuity. The X-Men will debut in the MCU a few years from now. This comic may turn out to be a profitable investment then.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $1,090.
4. Saga #1 (February 2012) Image Comics
(Image courtesy of Sklep/FB.)
This comic is a classic in the making and first edition copies are scarce. It’s about a couple trying to raise their child in the middle of an intergalactic war.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $332.
3. Rai #0 (October 1992) Image Comics
(Image courtesy of Comic Book Addicts/FB.)
Bloodshot makes his debut in this issue.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $50.
Don’t bet against the Valiant universe exploding in popularity in years to come. Pick this one up if you can. It is an affordable hedge against that possibility.
2. Avenging Spider-Man #9 (September 2012) Marvel Comics
(Image courtesy of The Nerd Rave/FB.)
Carol Danvers makes her debut as Captain Marvel in this issue. This is an issue to watch in the future for collectors.
A 9.8 CGC copy of this comic is worth $105.
1. The Walking Dead #1 (October 2003) Image Comics
(Image courtesy of Universo Nankim/FB.)
Rick Grimes makes his debut in this issue. This was the issue that kicked off a global fanbase phenomenon only 7 years later when the TV show adaptation premiered.
A 9.9 CGC copy of this comic sold for $10,000 in 2012.
Make Strategic Investments When It Comes to Comic Book Investments
You shouldn’t make comic book investments with the intent to make an overnight profit. The comic books on this list will pay off in value in the long-term. Consult with collectibles experts before investing in comic books.
What comics would you put on your list of the 100 most valuable comic books?
Read More
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
