Comic books have captured the imagination of children and adults alike for nearly a century. And naturally, comic book collecting is a hobby as old as the passion that fueled it.
While many different issues are sought-after by collectors, a small bunch of them are considered the holy grail of comics—rare comic books that are hard to find, wildly beloved, and expensive. Very, very expensive.
Comic books deemed exceptionally rare—for their limited run, antiquity, or content—that carry a high-ranking quality certification by the Certified Guarantee Company (CGC) have immense value. A “millions of dollars” type of value, in some cases.
Whatever the reason, the following 18 rare comic books are la crème de la crème when it comes to collectibles, and having one could be the equivalent of owning a small goldmine on your bookshelf. But if you are lucky enough to have one of them or just want to earn some extra income selling comic books from your private collection, check out the article on best places to sell comic books.
1. Amazing Fantasy #15
📅 Publishing Date: August 1962.
📙 Author(s): Stan Lee, Steve Ditko.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $50,000 to $3,600,000, depending on condition.
When Amazing Fantasy #15 was released in the early ’60s, it became an instant best-seller and one of Marvel Comics’ highest-grossing comics.
Readers became enthralled by the grounded story of a hero with real problems, far from the pristine “knight in shining armor” imagery of most other superheroes in the era. His name was Peter Parker, he got bit by a spider, and the rest is history.
As the first appearance of Spiderman, Amazing Fantasy #15 is incredibly valued and in high demand. A copy of this issue graded CGC 9.6 is the second-highest comic sale ever, closing at $3.6 million in 2021.
2. Action Comics #1
📅 Publishing Date: June 1938.
📙 Author(s): Many, notably Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $175,000 up to $10,000,000, depending on condition.
It feels correct that the comic with the biggest estimated value in this list is also the oldest—and the one that introduced the most emblematic of all heroes.
Action Comics #1 is a legendary and one of the primarily rare comic books—the oldest in this list and the most expensive, as it is the very first introduction to the Man of Steel himself.
The comic sold for 10 cents upon its release, yet it is now valued at over $100,000 at the cheapest price. A copy graded CGC 6.0 by the CGC sold for over $3.5 million in 2023, and experts estimate that one of higher quality–if found—could exceed the $10 million.
3. Captain America #1
📅 Publishing Date: March 1941.
📙 Author(s): Joe Simon, Jack Kirby.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $90,000 to $3,120,000, depending on condition.
As World War II progressed and the United States prepared to join the global stage, patriotism was at an all-time high. Naturally, it was time to introduce a new hero—one decked in the American flag, punching Adolf Hitler in the face.
Captain America # 1 sees the introduction of Captain America, Bucky Barnes, and Red Skull, making it a highly valued comic issue. A copy graded 9.4 CGC sold for $3.1 million, so one in mint condition would sell for much higher if it exists.
4. Detective Comics #27
📅 Publishing Date: May 1939.
📙 Author(s): Many, most notably Bob Kane.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $175,000 to $3,500,000, depending on condition.
Even among exceptional comics, one short story stood out in Detective Comics #27: “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate.” The hero in charge? None other than Bruce Wayne, “The Bat-Man” himself.
While there are other excellent stories within this rare comic book from the Golden Age, its value comes exclusively from being the first appearance of Batman, turning it into a highly sought-after collectible.
It’s hard to find mint-quality copies of comics as old as this one. Still, if one were to be on sale, it would be worth over $3 million, considering that an 8.0 CGC issue sold for $1.1 million in 2010.
5. Batman #1
📅 Publishing Date: April 1940.
📙 Author(s): Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $180,000 to $2,220,000, depending on condition.
Following the overwhelming success of The Bat-Man stories in Detective Comics, Batman received his first solo comic issue the following year—and also saw the introduction of his archnemesis The Joker, and the part-time classy cat burglar Catwoman.
As the first comic issue dedicated exclusively to the Dark Knight himself, Batman #1 is a prized possession for any Caped Crusader collector. Mint copies of this issue haven’t been reported or evaluated, but a 9.4 CGC copy sold for $2.2 million in 2021.
6. All-Star Comics #8
📅 Publishing Date: December 1941.
📙 Author(s): Many, most notably William Moulton Marston and Gardner Fox.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $27,500 to $1,000,000, depending on condition.
In a charged issue containing stories of legendary superheroes from the Golden Era, such as The Atom and Hawkman, what stands out the most of All-Star Comics #8 is the very last chapter—“Wonder Woman: Introducing Wonder Woman.”
By being the first appearance of the most recognizable female superhero of all time, All-Star Comics #8 is precious among collectors. The most expensive issue sold for $936,000 in 2017 and was graded by the CGC at 9.4. As such, an even better-preserved copy could easily exceed the million-dollar mark nowadays.
7. Fantastic Four #1
📅 Publishing Date: November 1961.
📙 Author(s): Stan Lee, Jack Kirby.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $13,000 to $1,500,000, depending on condition.
Fantastic Four #1 is the first issue featuring one of Marvel’s most famous teams, so its natural collectors place sky-high value on a high-quality copy of this rare comic book. However, its importance goes far beyond the first issue bias.
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four represented a return to form for comics since the Golden Age, featuring a brand-new superhero team—with the bonus twist of them being the first well-known superhero family. It began the so-called “Marvel Age of Comics.”
Naturally, it is both highly prized and highly priced—a copy graded 9.2 sold for 1,5 million in 2022, so a better-quality one may break that record.
8. Marvel Comics #1
📅 Publishing Date: October 1939.
📙 Author(s): Al Anders, Bill Everett, Paul Gustavson, Ben Thompson, Carl Burgos.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $30,000 to $2,400,000, depending on condition.
In 2022, a 9.2 CGC copy of Marvel Comics #1 sold for $2.4 million to a private collector. The issue features the first appearance of less-known heroes such as Angel, Jungle Terror, or Ka-Zar, and also introduces the origin story of Namor.
However, the value of this particular issue goes beyond the featured characters. Known as the “Pay Copy,” the editor used its pages to record the payments to the artists and contributors, making it exceptionally valuable among collectors.
9. Superman #1
📅 Publishing Date: May 1939.
📙 Author(s): Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster.
💰 Esteemed Value: From $125,000 to virtually unknown due to its exclusivity.
After his groundbreaking run in Action Comics, Superman debuted in his solo title with overwhelming success, as Superman #1 sold out instantly and began the Golden Era of comics.
Naturally, Superman #1 changed history, which made it exceptionally sought-after even among other rare comic books. Unluckily, very few copies are in above-average condition, making each very exclusive and extremely expensive.
How much? Well, the highest-graded Superman #1 copy found (graded 8.0 CGC) sold for $5.3 million—the most expensive comic book purchase to date.
10. X-Men #1
📅 Publishing Date: September 1963.
📙 Author(s): Stan Lee, Jack Kirby.
💰 Estimated Value: From $3,225 to $900,000, depending on condition.
The X-Men are among the most recognizable superhero teams of all time. The first issue introduces iconic characters such as Professor Charles Xavier, Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Magneto, beginning a franchise that overwhelms to this day.
There are no known or registered mint copies of X-Men # 1, but a near-mint issue graded 9.8 CGC was sold in 2012 for $492,938, and current estimates indicate it could surpass $900,000 nowadays.
11. Phantom Lady #17
📅 Publishing Date: April 1948.
📙 Author(s): Ruth Roche (as Gregory Page), Matt Baker, and Jack Kamen.
💰 Estimated Value: From $1,700 to $456,000, depending on condition.
Unlike other rare comic books in this list, this one rose to prominence thanks to controversy.
Phantom Lady #17 follows the titular heroine in a noir-esque plotline. The cover is meant to be alluring, showcasing her figure in a skimpy superhero outfit, a quintessential example of the late 40s “Good Girl Art” depicting sensual women in comics.
Dr. Fredric Wertham cited the cover in his controversial book Seduction of the Innocent as an example of how comic books harm society, corrupt the youth, and increase delinquency.
This reference made the issue famous, and a copy graded 9.6 CGC sold for $456,000 in 2021.
12. Detective Comics #140
📅 Publishing Date: October 1948.
📙 Author(s): Many, most notably Bill Finger.
💰 Estimated Value: From $5,000 to $456,000, depending on condition.
A superhero is only as good as their rogues’ gallery. Emblematic villains make unforgettable stories, and one of Batman’s most legendary foes is The Riddler. That’s why Detective Comics #140 is so valuable—it marks his debut.
The highest quality copy found, a near-mint graded 9.6 CGC, sold for $456,000 in 2023, and even the lowest quality, readable copy can still sell for more than $1,000.
13. Flash #1
📅 Publishing Date: November 1939.
📙 Author(s): Many, most notably Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert.
💰 Estimated Value: From $35,000 to $1,000,000, depending on condition.
When you think of The Flash, you probably imagine the emblematic red suit. Perhaps you remember Barry Allen or Wally West. But before them, there was Jay Garrick, a Mercury-like figure and the protagonist of Flash #1.
This extremely rare comic book only has 48 unrestored copies in the CGC database, with the highest quality one sold for $1 million. The Flash—no matter his incarnation—remains one of DC’s most iconic superheroes, so the value of this issue will only continue to rise.
14. Journey Into Mystery #83
📅 Publishing Date: August 1962.
📙 Author(s): Many, most notably Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby.
💰 Estimated Value: From $3,500 to $432,000, depending on condition.
He is still worthy—and a whole lot, as it stands.
Journey Into Mystery #83 went down in history as the introduction of Thor, in the story “Thor the Mighty and the Stone Men from Saturn!” initially hiding with the fake identity of Dr. Donald Blake.
As Thor’s popularity exploded, so did the importance of this collection item. The most expensive this issue has gotten is $432,000, while the most recent auction of a CGC-certified copy listed the price as $20,766—for a copy merely graded CGC 5.5, or “fine.”
15. Sensation Comics #1
📅 Publishing Date: January 1942.
📙 Author(s): William Moulton Marston and Harry G. Peter.
💰 Estimated Value: From $5,000 to $450,000, depending on condition.
Although this isn’t Wonder Woman’s first appearance—that happened a month beforehand with All-Star Comics # 8—this is her second one and her first cover, cementing her as the new rising star of the comic world and the third point in DC’s iconic hero trinity.
In this issue, Wonder Woman establishes her secret identity as Diana Prince, and her story sets the tone for future plotlines. The record sale for this issue sits at $45,000, but it has a minimum value, depending on quality, of at least $5,000.
16. Pep Comics #22
📅 Publishing Date: December 1941.
📙 Author(s): Many, most notably Bob Montana.
💰 Estimated Value: From $35,000 to $252,000, depending on condition.
This is the only issue in this list that is not valued for its superhero content. But that’s okay—Archie, Betty, and Jughead don’t need a suit to be instantly recognizable.
Pep Comics #22 is the first introduction to the world of Archie, and it remains a highly sought-after rare comic book with very few high-quality copies available. In 2017, an 8.0 CGC sold for $252,100, so there’s speculation that an issue in mint condition might surpass the half-a-million barrier—maybe even more.
17. Incredible Hulk #1
📅 Publishing Date: March 1962.
📙 Author(s): Stan Lee, Jack Kirby.
💰 Estimated Value: From $10,000 to $750,000, depending on condition.
You know the story—Dr. Bruce Banner is exposed to deadly Gamma rays, but rather than dying, he changes into a large and strong creature with its own identity: Hulk.
Incredible Hulk # 1 is the origin story of one of Marvel’s most distinctive heroes and features the backstory everyone is already familiar with. The highest quality issue known so far is 9.4 CGC, but it has never been up for sale. Experts estimate it could easily surpass the $800,000 barrier.
18. Tales of Suspense #39
📅 Publishing Date: December 1962.
📙 Author(s): Stan Lee, Larry Lieber.
💰 Estimated Value: From $3,150 to $500,000, depending on condition.
Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. You know who he is. But before Robert Downey Jr. assumed the role, Tony Stark’s armor looked a lot more medieval than high-tech.
Tales of Suspense #39 introduces Iron Man, a Marvel hero who would not enjoy mainstream recognition or widespread appeal until the live-action movies. It is then that the value of this issue skyrocketed, with the record sale setting at $273,000, which is now expected to be worth approximately $500,000.
Did you Guess the Rare Comic Books on the List?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most sought-after comics are mint-like copies of iconic first issues. Volumes introducing emblematic pop culture icons such as Superman, Batman, or Spiderman changed history, and collectors recognized their importance.
These types of comics often make lists of the best comic books of all time. As time goes by and the comic industry keeps thriving, more and more recent issues will gain importance and become collectibles worth thousands if not more.
Lesson? Keep your comics in good condition—a retirement plan may be hidden between the pages.
