Highest-Priced Comic Books Ever Sold

Ever since Superman first appeared in 1938, comic books have enchanted readers of all ages with tales of heroes and the villains they defeat. Some issues are so iconic and rare that they command hundreds of thousands — even millions — of dollars at auction. These prized copies include early Superman and Batman issues, key Marvel and DC milestones, and sought-after gems from other publishers. Below is an SEO-optimized, streamlined guide to some of the most valuable comics in the world, preserving headings and images from the original article while improving clarity and flow.

50. More Fun Comics No. 73

Value: $104,563

Bottom Line: More Fun Comics No. 73

More Fun Comics No. 73 (1941) features the origin and first appearance of Aquaman, one of DC’s enduring characters. The copy that sold for $104,563 was graded CGC 8.0; only two known copies have higher grades. Its value rose alongside renewed interest in the DC Universe on film.

49. Marvel Mystery Comics No. 9

Value: $107,550

Bottom Line: Marvel Mystery Comics No. 9

Marvel Mystery Comics No. 9 (1940) is prized for its striking cover and an interior battle between the Human Torch and Namor the Sub‑Mariner, with art by Bill Everett and Alex Schomburg. A CGC 9.4 copy — the finest known grade for this issue — sold for $107,550.

48. Captain America Comics No. 2

Value: $113,525

Bottom Line: Captain America Comics No. 2

From 1941, this issue contains six stories—many by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby—and reflects the World War II era tone of early Captain America comics. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $113,525 in 2012.

47. Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories No. 1

Value: $116,513

Bottom Line: Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories No. 1

Published in 1940, this was Disney’s first regularly published comic anthology. The Overstreet Guide called it a model for later funny-animal anthology comics. A CGC 9.4 copy sold in 2008 and appears to be unique in that high grade.

46. Detective Comics No. 35

Value: $119,500

Bottom Line: Detective Comics No. 35

Detective Comics No. 35 (1940) is sought for a dramatic cover by Bob Kane and interior art by Kane and Fred Guardineer. A CGC 7.5 copy sold for $119,500; only one finer copy is known.

45. Detective Comics No. 38

Value: $126,500

Bottom Line: Detective Comics No. 38

This 1940 issue includes the first appearance of Robin, introduced to attract younger readers. An exceptional CGC 9.4 copy from Nicolas Cage’s collection sold for $126,500 in 2005.

44. Detective Comics No. 31

Value: $131,450

Bottom Line: Detective Comics No. 31

A visually striking Bob Kane cover makes Detective Comics No. 31 rare in high grades. A CGC 5.0 copy sold for $131,450 in 2017. The issue features early Batman elements like the Batplane, the Batarang, Julie Madison and the Monk.

43. Detective Comics No. 359

Value: $132,000

Bottom Line: Detective Comics No. 359

Batgirl made her debut in Detective Comics No. 359 (1967). The story shows Barbara Gordon inspired at a costume party to assist Batman and Robin. A CGC 9.8 copy sold for $132,000 in January 2021.

42. Fantastic Four No. 5 (Tie)

Value: $138,000

Bottom Line: Fantastic Four No. 5

Fantastic Four No. 5 (1961) introduces Dr. Doom, one of Marvel’s most enduring villains, with Jack Kirby art. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $138,000 in 2021.

42. Detective Comics No. 225 (Tie)

Value: $138,000

Bottom Line: Detective Comics No. 225

Detective Comics No. 225 (1955) marks the first appearance of Martian Manhunter. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $138,000 in April 2021.

40. The Brave and the Bold No. 28

Value: $140,000

Bottom Line: The Brave and the Bold No. 28

This 1955 issue features the first appearance of the Justice League of America and their fight against Starro the Conqueror. A CGC 9.2 copy sold for $140,000.

39. More Fun Comics No. 53

Value: $141,003

Bottom Line: More Fun Comics No. 53

More Fun Comics No. 53 contains the Spectre’s second appearance and continues his origin story. A CGC 9.8 copy sold for just over $141,000 in 2015.

38. The Avengers No. 4

Value: $143,000

Bottom Line: The Avengers No. 4

Featuring an iconic Jack Kirby cover and Captain America joining the team, a CGC 9.8 copy of The Avengers No. 4 (1964) sold for $143,400 in 2017. It marks Captain America’s return in the Silver Age.

37. Showcase No. 22

Value: $149,375

Bottom Line: Showcase No. 22

Showcase No. 22 (1959) introduces Hal Jordan as Green Lantern. A CGC 9.2 copy sold for just over $149,000 in 2017; the issue is a key Silver Age origin story.

35. Hulk No. 181 (Tie)

Value: $150,000

Bottom Line: Hulk No. 181

Hulk No. 181 (1974) contains Wolverine’s first full appearance. A CGC 9.9 copy sold for $150,000 in 2011 — an early sign that bronze-age key issues can fetch top-dollar.

35. Daredevil No. 1 (Tie)

Value: $150,000

Bottom Line: Daredevil No. 1

Daredevil No. 1 (1964) presents the origin of the Man Without Fear, designed by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Bill Everett. A CGC 9.6 copy sold for $150,000 in 2021.

34. Archie Comics No. 1

Value: $167,300

Bottom Line: Archie Comics No. 1

Archie Comics No. 1 (1942) launched one of the most enduring non-superhero series in American comics. A CGC VF 8.5 copy sold for $167,300 in 2012.

33. Showcase No. 4

Value: $179,250

Bottom Line: Showcase No. 4

Showcase No. 4 (1956) relaunched the Flash as Barry Allen and helped usher in the Silver Age. A CGC 9.6 copy sold for $179,250 at Heritage in 2009.

32. Action Comics No. 13

Value: $185,000

Bottom Line: Action Comics No. 13

Action Comics No. 13 (1938) features Superman dramatically stopping a train on the cover and includes the first appearance of the Ultra‑Humanite, an early supervillain. High-grade copies command strong prices.

31. Action Comics No. 7

Value: $188,000

Bottom Line: Action Comics No. 7

Superman returns to the series’ cover in Action Comics No. 7 (1938). Even a CGC 5.5 copy with a few cover stamps sold for $188,000 at auction.

30. All Star Comics No. 3

Value: $200,000

Bottom Line: All Star Comics No. 3

All Star Comics No. 3 (1940) introduced the Justice Society of America—one of the first superhero teams. Copies in high grades are exceptionally valuable; one resold for $200,000 in 2012.

29. Action Comics No. 1 Ashcan

Value: $204,000

Bottom Line: Action Comics No. 1 Ashcan

Ashcan editions were produced to secure trademarks. The Action Comics No. 1 ashcan (1937) is extremely rare; one of only three known copies, graded 9.2, sold for roughly $204,000.

28. Tales to Astonish No. 27

Value: $205,501

Bottom Line: Tales to Astonish No. 27

Tales to Astonish No. 27 (1962) marks the early appearance of Hank Pym, the scientist who becomes Ant‑Man. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $205,501 in 2016.

27. More Fun Comics No. 52

Value: $207,000

Bottom Line: More Fun Comics No. 52

More Fun Comics No. 52 (1940) features the Spectre’s first appearance and the Presence. A high-grade copy sold in 2001; another CGC 9.2 copy fetched $119,500 in 2006.

26. All-American Comics No. 16

Value: $215,100

Bottom Line: All-American Comics No. 16

All‑American Comics No. 16 (1940) contains the first appearance of Alan Scott as Green Lantern. Its rarity in high grades led to a CGC 6.5 copy selling for $215,100 in early 2018.

25. Justice League of America No. 1

Value: $215,100

Bottom Line: Justice League of America No. 1

Justice League of America No. 1 (1960) assembles a team of iconic heroes. A CGC 9.6 copy with off‑white pages sold for $215,100 in 2018; only two copies in that grade are known.

24. Fantastic Comics No. 3

Value: $243,000

Bottom Line: Fantastic Comics No. 3

Fantastic Comics No. 3 is collected primarily for Lou Fine’s dramatic cover art rather than a major first appearance. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $243,000 in 2017.

23. Action Comics No. 10

Value: $258,000

Bottom Line: Action Comics No. 10

Action Comics No. 10 (1939) offers a striking Superman cover and a 64‑page format with multiple stories. A CGC 9.0 copy sold at auction in 2011 for $258,000.

22. Pep Comics No. 22

Value: $252,100

Bottom Line: Pep Comics No. 22

Pep Comics No. 22 (1941) contains Archie’s first appearance. An 8.0‑graded copy sold for $252,100 in 2017, the year the Riverdale TV series premiered.

21. Suspense Comics No. 3

Value: $262,900

Bottom Line: Suspense Comics No. 3

Valued largely for an Alex Schomburg cover, Suspense Comics No. 3 (1944) drew collectors’ attention. A CGC 9.2 copy achieved a record sale in 2017, reflecting demand for premium Golden Age covers.

20. The Amazing Spider-Man No. 1

Value: $262,900

Bottom Line: The Amazing Spider-Man No. 1

Published in 1963, Amazing Spider‑Man No. 1 includes two stories and introduces ongoing Spider‑Man continuity. A CGC 9.6 copy sold for $262,900 in 2016.

19. The Avengers No. 1

Value: $274,850

Bottom Line: The Avengers No. 1

The Avengers No. 1 (1963) assembled Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Ant‑Man and the Wasp. A near‑mint CGC 9.6 copy sold for $274,850 in 2012, reflecting its significance as a foundational Marvel team book.

18. Journey Into Mystery No. 83

Value: $275,000

Bottom Line: Journey Into Mystery No. 83

Journey Into Mystery No. 83 (1962) features Thor’s first appearance. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $275,000 in 2014.

17. Whiz Comics No. 2

Value: $281,000

Bottom Line: Whiz Comics No. 2

Whiz Comics No. 2 (1940) is the first true appearance of the original Captain Marvel (Shazam). A CGC 9.0 copy sold for $281,001 in 2012. Legal disputes and trademark changes later transformed the character’s name to Shazam.

16. Wonder Woman No. 1 with Promotional Materials

Value: $291,100

Bottom Line: Wonder Woman No. 1 with Promotional Materials

Wonder Woman No. 1 (1942) launched a solo title for the heroine, and promotional press materials were distributed to promote the new series. A copy sold for $291,100 in 2016, boosted by the character’s cultural significance.

15. Fantastic Four No. 1

Value: $300,000

Bottom Line: Fantastic Four No. 1

Fantastic Four No. 1 (1961) introduced Marvel’s First Family—created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $300,000, and other high‑grade transactions have reached even higher figures in private deals.

14. The Incredible Hulk No. 1

Value: $326,000

Bottom Line: The Incredible Hulk No. 1

Published in 1962, The Incredible Hulk No. 1 features Bruce Banner’s first transformation. Initially colored grey, the character later became green. A CGC 9.2 copy sold for $326,000 in 2014.

13. Detective Comics No. 33

Value: $341,234

Bottom Line: Detective Comics No. 33

Detective Comics No. 33 contains an early telling of Batman’s origin. A CGC 9.2 copy sold for $341,234 in 2018 after intense bidding.

12. Tales of Suspense No. 39

Value: $375,000

Bottom Line: Tales of Suspense No. 39

Tales of Suspense No. 39 (1963) features Iron Man’s first appearance by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. A CGC 9.6 copy sold for $375,000 in 2012.

11. Sensation Comics No. 1

Value: $399,100

Bottom Line: Sensation Comics No. 1

Sensation Comics No. 1 (1942) includes Wonder Woman’s second appearance and further origin material, plus first appearances of supporting characters. A CGC 9.6 copy sold for $399,100 on eBay in 2017.

10. Flash Comics No. 1

Value: $450,000

Bottom Line: Flash Comics No. 1

Flash Comics No. 1 (1940) introduced the Flash and Hawkman in their Golden Age incarnations. A near‑mint CGC 9.6 copy sold for $450,000 in 2010.

9. X‑Men No. 1

Value: $492,937

Bottom Line: X‑Men No. 1

A CGC 9.8 copy of X‑Men No. 1 (1963) sold for over $490,000 in 2012. This issue introduced the original X‑Men lineup including Professor X, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast and Iceman.

8. Superman No. 1

Value: $507,500

Bottom Line: Superman No. 1

Superman No. 1 (1939) is rare and difficult to find in high grade. A CGC 5.5 copy sold for $507,500 in 2017, reflecting the issue’s scarcity and historical importance.

7. Captain America Comics No. 1

Value: $343,057

Bottom Line: Captain America No. 1

Captain America Comics No. 1 (1941) shows Cap punching Hitler on the cover. A CGC 9.2 copy sold for $343,057 in 2011; later an even rarer CGC 9.4 copy achieved $915,000 in 2019.

6. All Star Comics No. 8

Value: $936,233

Bottom Line: All Star Comics No. 8

Wonder Woman’s first appearance is in All Star Comics No. 8 (1940). Values spiked with renewed cultural interest; a CGC 9.4 copy sold for over $900,000 in 2019.

5. Amazing Fantasy No. 15

Value: $1.1 million

Bottom Line: Amazing Fantasy No. 15

Amazing Fantasy No. 15 (1962) features Spider‑Man’s first appearance. A pristine CGC 9.8 copy sold for about $1.1 million in 2011, making it one of the most valuable single issues ever.

4. Marvel Comics No. 1

Value: $1.26 million

Bottom Line: Marvel Comics No. 1

Marvel Comics No. 1 (1939) introduces the Human Torch, Sub‑Mariner and Angel. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $1.26 million in 2019, shattering previous records for this key Golden Age issue.

3. Detective Comics No. 27

Value: $1.5 million

Bottom Line: Detective Comics No. 27

Detective Comics No. 27 (1939) marks Batman’s first appearance. An 8.0 copy sold for about $1.075 million in 2010, and a 7.0 copy fetched $1.5 million in 2020, demonstrating sustained, high demand.

2. Batman No. 1

Value: $2.22 million

Bottom Line: Batman No. 1

Batman No. 1 (1940) features the first appearances of the Joker and Catwoman. A CGC 9.4 copy sold for $2.22 million in January 2021, making it one of the most expensive comic books ever sold.

1. Action Comics No. 1

Value: $3.25 million

Bottom Line: Action Comics No. 1

Action Comics No. 1 (1938), the debut of Superman, is widely regarded as the holy grail of comics. A CGC 9.0 copy sold for about $3.2 million on eBay in 2014 with proceeds benefiting the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Subsequent high‑grade sales have pushed the issue’s market value even higher, with a reported $3.25 million sale in 2021.

These sales reflect a mix of historical significance, scarcity, condition, and cultural influence. First appearances, origin stories and standout covers often drive the highest prices, and demand for high‑grade copies continues to push values upward at auction.