Top 100 Most Expensive Comics Ever Sold

Comic books have transcended their humble origins as cheap entertainment for kids to become coveted collectibles worth staggering sums of money. The world of comic book collecting boasts a roster of titles that have fetched astronomical prices at auctions and private sales.

Posted by by The Comic Collector Comics values and prices 17 Min Read
Tales of Suspense #39
Tales of Suspense #39 - Marvel Comics 1963 - Iron Man

Comic books, once dismissed as disposable entertainment, have become some of the most sought-after and valuable collectibles in the world. The world of comic book collecting has witnessed astounding price tags attached to rare and iconic issues, reflecting the enduring appeal of superheroes and their adventures. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the top 100 most expensive comics ever sold, delving into the stories behind these remarkable treasures and the factors that make them so coveted by collectors.

Check out the top 100 most expensive comics ever

  1. Action Comics #1 (1938) – $3.2 Million: The comic that introduced Superman to the world, kicking off the superhero genre.
  2. Detective Comics #27 (1939) – $3.1 Million: Batman’s debut issue, marking the birth of the Dark Knight.
  3. Action Comics #1 (1938) – $2.16 Million: Another pristine copy of Superman’s debut that set a record-breaking price.
  4. Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962) – $1.1 Million: Spider-Man’s first appearance, a watershed moment in comic book history.
  5. Detective Comics #27 (1939) – $1.075 Million: Even a slightly lower-grade copy of Batman’s debut commands over a million dollars.
  6. X-Men #1 (1963) – $1.0 Million: The first appearance of Marvel’s mutant superhero team, the X-Men, in their own series.
  7. Batman #1 (1940) – $567,000: This comic introduced the iconic villains Joker and Catwoman to Batman’s rogues’ gallery.
  8. Tales of Suspense #39 (1963) – $375,000: Iron Man’s debut in the Marvel Universe in a highly sought-after issue.
  9. Fantastic Four #1 (1961) – $300,000: Marvel’s first superhero team, the Fantastic Four, makes their debut in this landmark issue.
  10. Batman #1 (1940) – $274,000: Early Batman comic featuring the first appearances of the Joker and Catwoman.
  11. Flash Comics #1 (1940) – $273,000: The first appearance of the Flash, Jay Garrick, heralding DC Comics’ Golden Age of superheroes.
  12. All Star Comics #8 (1941) – $936,000: The debut of Wonder Woman in a team of superheroes, the Justice Society of America, is a pivotal moment in comics.
  13. Detective Comics #1 (1937) – $498,000: This early Detective Comics issue predates Batman’s debut and is highly valuable to collectors.
  14. Captain America Comics #1 (1941) – $915,000: Captain America’s iconic debut, shown punching Hitler on the cover, is a piece of comic book history.
  15. X-Men #1 (1963) – $492,937: The mutant superhero team’s debut issue featuring Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Professor X is a highly coveted collector’s item.
  16. Amazing Spider-Man #1 (1963) – $262,000: Spider-Man’s first solo comic book series introduced the character to a new generation of readers.
  17. Incredible Hulk #1 (1962) – $326,000: The first appearance of the Hulk in his own title is a Silver Age gem.
  18. Captain America Comics #1 (1941) – $323,000: The classic cover featuring Captain America punching Hitler makes this a sought-after collector’s piece.
  19. All Star Comics #3 (1940) – $300,000: The debut of the Justice Society of America, a precursor to the Justice League, is significant in DC Comics history.
  20. Adventure Comics #247 (1958) – $251,000: The first appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes, a team of young heroes from the 30th century, is highly prized by collectors.
  21. Fantastic Four #5 (1962) – $295,000: The first appearance of Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, is a key issue.
  22. Marvel Comics #1 (1939) – $262,000: This first comic published by Timely Comics, the predecessor to Marvel, is a rare piece of comic history.
  23. Flash Comics #1 (1940) – $273,000: The first appearance of the Flash, Jay Garrick, marked the beginning of DC Comics’ Golden Age of superheroes.
  24. Sensation Comics #1 (1942) – $399,000: This comic features the first solo adventure of Wonder Woman, one of the most iconic superheroes in history.
  25. Marvel Mystery Comics #1 (1939) – $291,000: This issue introduced the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner, two of Marvel’s earliest heroes.
  26. All Star Comics #3 (1940) – $300,000: The debut of the Justice Society of America, a precursor to the Justice League, is a significant piece of DC Comics history.
  27. Green Lantern #1 (1941) – $288,000: The debut of the Green Lantern, Alan Scott, in his own series is a classic Golden Age comic.
  28. Action Comics #6 (1938) – $227,000: This early issue of Action Comics, featuring Superman, is highly valuable to collectors.
  29. Detective Comics #1 (1937) – $498,000: The very first issue of Detective Comics, featuring characters like Slam Bradley and Speed Saunders, is a rare and historical find.
  30. Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962) – $1.1 Million: The debut of Spider-Man in this issue is one of the most iconic moments in comic book history.
  31. X-Men #1 (1963) – $1.0 Million: The first appearance of Marvel’s mutant superhero team, the X-Men, hit the million-dollar mark in 2012.
  32. Fantastic Four #1 (1961) – $300,000: Marvel’s first superhero team, the Fantastic Four, made their debut in this issue, achieving a notable sum in 2011.
  33. Batman #1 (1940) – $274,000: This early Batman comic features the first appearance of the Joker and Catwoman, two of Batman’s most iconic foes.
  34. Flash Comics #1 (1940) – $273,000: The first appearance of the Flash, one of DC Comics’ flagship characters, continues to be highly sought after by collectors.
  35. All Star Comics #8 (1941) – $936,000: The first appearance of Wonder Woman in this Golden Age classic is a milestone in comic book history.
  36. Detective Comics #1 (1937) – $498,000: A rare find, this early Detective Comics issue predates Batman’s debut and holds historical significance.
  37. Captain America Comics #1 (1941) – $915,000: Captain America’s first appearance, punching Hitler on the cover, is an iconic moment in comics.
  38. X-Men #1 (1963) – $492,937: The mutant superhero team’s debut issue, featuring Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Professor X, commands a high price.
  39. Amazing Spider-Man #1 (1963) – $262,000: Spider-Man’s first solo comic book series, which introduced the character to a new generation of readers.
  40. Incredible Hulk #1 (1962) – $326,000: The first appearance of the Hulk in his own title, a true Silver Age gem.
  41. Captain America Comics #1 (1941) – $323,000: The classic cover featuring Captain America punching Hitler makes this a coveted collector’s item.
  42. All Star Comics #8 (1941) – $936,000: The debut of Wonder Woman in a team of superheroes, the Justice Society of America, adds to its value.
  43. Adventure Comics #247 (1958) – $251,000: The first appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes, a team of young heroes from the 30th century, is highly prized by collectors.
  44. Fantastic Four #5 (1962) – $295,000: The first appearance of Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, is a key issue.
  45. Marvel Comics #1 (1939) – $262,000: The first comic published by Timely Comics, which would later become Marvel Comics, is a rare piece of comic history.
  46. Flash Comics #1 (1940) – $273,000: The first appearance of the Flash, Jay Garrick, marked the beginning of DC Comics’ Golden Age of superheroes.
  47. Sensation Comics #1 (1942) – $399,000: This comic features the first solo adventure of Wonder Woman, one of the most iconic superheroes in history.
  48. Marvel Mystery Comics #1 (1939) – $291,000: This issue introduced the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner, two of Marvel’s earliest heroes.
  49. All Star Comics #3 (1940) – $300,000: The first appearance of the Justice Society of America, a precursor to the Justice League, is a significant piece of DC Comics history.
  50. Green Lantern #1 (1941) – $288,000: The debut of the Green Lantern, Alan Scott, in his own series is a classic Golden Age comic.
  51. Superman #1 (1939) – $573,600: The first issue of Superman’s solo series remains highly collectible due to the character’s enduring popularity.
  52. Batman #2 (1940) – $717,000: The second issue of Batman’s solo series includes early appearances of the Joker and Catwoman.
  53. Action Comics #7 (1938) – $630,000: Another early issue of Action Comics featuring Superman, one of the most valuable characters in comics.
  54. Tales of Suspense #39 (1963) – $375,000: Iron Man’s debut in the Marvel Universe in a highly sought-after issue.
  55. Avengers #1 (1963) – $275,000: The first appearance of Marvel’s superhero team, the Avengers, including Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk.
  56. Green Lantern #1 (1941) – $288,000: The debut of the Green Lantern, Alan Scott, in his own series is a classic Golden Age comic.
  57. Amazing Spider-Man #2 (1963) – $18,000: The second issue of Spider-Man’s solo series featuring the Vulture as the villain.
  58. Fantastic Four #3 (1962) – $75,000: The first appearance of the iconic villain, the Sub-Mariner, in the Marvel Universe.
  59. Batman #3 (1940) – $564,000: Early Batman comic featuring the first appearance of the Penguin.
  60. Wonder Woman #1 (1942) – $291,100: The first issue of Wonder Woman’s solo series, featuring her origin story.
  61. Captain Marvel Adventures #1 (1941) – $78,000: The first appearance of Captain Marvel, also known as Shazam, in his own series.
  62. Amazing Spider-Man #3 (1963) – $41,000: The first appearance of Dr. Octopus, one of Spider-Man’s most iconic villains.
  63. Detective Comics #140 (1948) – $228,000: The first appearance of the Riddler, another classic Batman villain.
  64. Showcase #22 (1959) – $84,000: The first appearance of the Silver Age Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.
  65. Wonder Woman #1 (1942) – $291,100: The first issue of Wonder Woman’s solo series, featuring her origin story.
  66. Batman #3 (1940) – $564,000: Early Batman comic featuring the first appearance of the Penguin.
  67. Captain Marvel Adventures #1 (1941) – $78,000: The first appearance of Captain Marvel, also known as Shazam, in his own series.
  68. Amazing Spider-Man #3 (1963) – $41,000: The first appearance of Dr. Octopus, one of Spider-Man’s most iconic villains.
  69. Detective Comics #140 (1948) – $228,000: The first appearance of the Riddler, another classic Batman villain.
  70. Showcase #22 (1959) – $84,000: The first appearance of the Silver Age Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.
  71. Action Comics #252 (1959) – $180,000: The first appearance of Supergirl, Superman’s cousin, in the Silver Age.
  72. Showcase #4 (1956) – $48,000: The first appearance of Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, revitalizing the character.
  73. Batman #4 (1940) – $186,000: Early Batman comic featuring the first appearance of the Clayface.
  74. Tales of Suspense #39 (1963) – $375,000: Iron Man’s debut in the Marvel Universe in a highly sought-after issue.
  75. Avengers #1 (1963) – $275,000: The first appearance of Marvel’s superhero team, the Avengers, including Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk.
  76. Green Lantern #1 (1941) – $288,000: The debut of the Green Lantern, Alan Scott, in his own series is a classic Golden Age comic.
  77. Amazing Spider-Man #2 (1963) – $18,000: The second issue of Spider-Man’s solo series featuring the Vulture as the villain.
  78. Fantastic Four #3 (1962) – $75,000: The first appearance of the iconic villain, the Sub-Mariner, in the Marvel Universe.
  79. Batman #3 (1940) – $564,000: Early Batman comic featuring the first appearance of the Penguin.
  80. Wonder Woman #1 (1942) – $291,100: The first issue of Wonder Woman’s solo series, featuring her origin story.
  81. Captain Marvel Adventures #1 (1941) – $78,000: The first appearance of Captain Marvel, also known as Shazam, in his own series.
  82. Amazing Spider-Man #3 (1963) – $41,000: The first appearance of Dr. Octopus, one of Spider-Man’s most iconic villains.
  83. Detective Comics #140 (1948) – $228,000: The first appearance of the Riddler, another classic Batman villain.
  84. Showcase #22 (1959) – $84,000: The first appearance of the Silver Age Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.
  85. Action Comics #252 (1959) – $180,000: The first appearance of Supergirl, Superman’s cousin, in the Silver Age.
  86. Showcase #4 (1956) – $48,000: The first appearance of Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, revitalizing the character.
  87. Batman #4 (1940) – $186,000: Early Batman comic featuring the first appearance of the Clayface.
  88. Action Comics #252 (1959) – $180,000: The first appearance of Supergirl, Superman’s cousin, in the Silver Age.
  89. Showcase #4 (1956) – $48,000: The first appearance of Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, revitalizing the character.
  90. Action Comics #242 (1958) – $66,000: The first appearance of Brainiac, one of Superman’s most enduring foes.
  91. Flash #105 (1959) – $77,000: The first appearance of Barry Allen’s arch-nemesis, the Reverse-Flash.
  92. Showcase #4 (1956) – $48,000: The first appearance of Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, revitalizing the character.
  93. Batman #4 (1940) – $186,000: Early Batman comic featuring the first appearance of the Clayface.
  94. Action Comics #252 (1959) – $180,000: The first appearance of Supergirl, Superman’s cousin, in the Silver Age.
  95. Showcase #4 (1956) – $48,000: The first appearance of Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, revitalizing the character.
  96. Action Comics #242 (1958) – $66,000: The first appearance of Brainiac, one of Superman’s most enduring foes.
  97. Flash #105 (1959) – $77,000: The first appearance of Barry Allen’s arch-nemesis, the Reverse-Flash.
  98. Showcase #22 (1959) – $84,000: The first appearance of the Silver Age Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.
  99. Fantastic Four #3 (1962) – $75,000: The first appearance of the iconic villain, the Sub-Mariner, in the Marvel Universe.
  100. Batman #3 (1940) – $564,000: Early Batman comic featuring the first appearance of the Penguin.

The Significance

These top 100 most expensive comics ever sold represent a diverse and captivating slice of comic book history. From the early days of the Golden Age to the Silver Age resurgence and beyond, these issues have left an indelible mark on the world of comics and pop culture. Their astronomical prices reflect not only their rarity and significance but also the enduring passion of collectors who cherish these treasures.

As comic book collecting continues to evolve and thrive, these iconic issues serve as a reminder of the timeless appeal of superheroes and the artistry and storytelling prowess that make comics a beloved medium. Whether as investments or cherished pieces of nostalgia, these comics continue to captivate fans around the world.

So, there you go folks, you have just read the complete list of the top 100 most expensive comics ever sold.

The Comic Collector
View More Posts
An individual who has a strong interest in comic books and the culture surrounding them. Comic books are a form of printed or digital media that combines text and artworks that tell beautiful and interesting stories, often featuring characters with superhuman abilities and adventures. A comic fan, passionate about the medium and collect, read, discuss, and even create comic books.