Hidden Gems: 9 Rare Comic Books You Need to Know About
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Although rare comic books are not traded or quantified on traditional stock exchanges, collectors invest in them. It’s the rarest of the rare comic books that get sold for millions of dollars. Rare comic books have certain factors like age, the era in which they were published, first appearances of vital characters, aesthetic condition, creator fame, and initial print run that make them valuable. Here are nine rare comic books you need to know about now. There are less than 100 to 200 copies of each of the nine comic books on this list in existence.
1. Star Wars #1 – 35-Cent Edition (1977)
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In 1977, during the dawn of Star Wars fan hype, Marvel Comics published Star Wars #1. The comic sold for 30 cents. Testing to see if fans would pay more, Marvel printed 1,500 copies of this comic with a 35-cent cover price. Less than 150 to 100 copies of the 35-cent edition exist. Due to current Star Wars hype and its inherent scarcity in rare comic books collector circles, it’s practically invaluable. If you find this edition in any condition, buy it with a stoic poker face immediately.
2. Captain America Comics #1
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This issue is one of the most sought-after rare comic books due to its historical significance at Marvel. While it has always been a scarce comic to find, collectors hunt for it now due to the character’s surge in popularity via the MCU. This comic features the first appearances and origins of Captain America and Bucky. Captain America’s suit is an early prototype version of the suit fans know today: his first shield is also triangular and not round. The cover features Captain America punching Adolf Hitler in the face.
3. Flash Comics #1 (1940)
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This comic features the first appearance and origin of Jay Garrick, the first Flash of the Golden Age of comics. Collectible investors of rare comic books hunt down comics like these because of their raw scarcity and historical importance. There might be less than 50 raw, ungraded, and non-restored copies of this issue in existence. This comic inspired the dozens of legacy Flash characters that would come later.
4. All-Star Comics #8 (1941)
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All-Star Comics #8 is considered invaluable amongst rare comic books and collectible experts. This comic features the first appearances of Hawkgirl and most notably, Wonder Woman. It also features the first origin story of Wonder Woman. It’s a vital comic book because Wonder Woman’s origin would get retconned and changed numerous times over the following decades.
5. All-American Comics #16 (1940)
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All-American Comics #16 features the first appearance of the Golden Age Green Lantern, Alan Scott. It is desired by collectors of rare comic books because only a few dozen copies of this comic exist now. While not popular in films, the Green Lantern IP is wildly popular with comic book fans. Hal Jordan later became the Silver Age Green Lantern in 1959.
6. Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962)
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Amazing Fantasy #14 was an anthology comic book on the verge of cancellation. Writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko were given creative license to do what they wanted for the next issue. The duo created Spider-Man, one of the most popular characters ever. Amazing Fantasy #15 is on the list of rare comic books due to its scarcity amongst collectors and historical importance.
7. Detective Comics #27 (1939)
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This comic is high on the rare comic books list for collectibles investors. Detective Comics #27 features the first appearance of Bruce Wayne, Batman, and Commissioner Jim Gordon. Batman is now arguably the most popular character at DC. Batman’s history started in this issue; without this comic book, there is no Batman.
8. Marvel Comics #1 (1939)
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In 1939, Marvel Comics was called Timely. Marvel would not officially become “Marvel” until the 1960s. Marvel Comics #1 is the first Marvel comic ever and one of the most historically relevant rare comic books ever. It features the first appearances of Namor the Sub-Mariner and the Golden Age Human Torch. A near-mint copy of this issue sold for $1.2 million in 2019.
9. Action Comics #1 (1938)
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When it comes to rare comic books, Action Comics #1 is the Holy Grail for collectors. This comic features Superman’s first appearance and kickstarted the Golden Age of comics. Of the 200,000 copies initially printed there might be less than 100 copies now in existence. An issue of this comic with a CGC rating of 8.5 sold for $6 million in April 2024.
Rare Comic Books as Investment Vehicles
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Don’t jump into collecting rare comic books blindly. Consult with experienced collectors, comic book store owners, and comic book fans to learn about the hobby. Research comic book characters, creators, and storylines that interest you online. Comic books only have value based on how much the next collector is willing to pay for them, assuming you even have connections to such interested collectors.
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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.
