For many years, Marvel comics have been among the world’s most popular comic book books. The Marvel heroes are no strangers to adaptations and reboots in the form of movies, TV series, video games, and even merchandise.
From Iron Man to Captain America, Spider-Man, and the X-Men, their universe is filled with unique characters that have become legendary for drawing millions of fans for decades.
Every comic book fan knows that some comics are more expensive than others. Their prolific popularity means they have earned hundreds of millions over the years.
While this list is not intended to be an exhaustive look at every comic book, it does show a considerable amount of information about the most expensive Marvel Comics in the world and their value based on condition.
12. Captain America No. 2
Year Published: 1941
Print Length: 36 pages
Date Sold: 2012
photo source: comics.ha.com
The original Captain America comics were essentially brilliantly illustrated works of American propaganda and were published in America during World War II. This comic book has six stories, practically all of which were written, illustrated, and inked by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby.
In 2012, Captain America No. 2, with a CGC NM 9.4, sold for $178,000, while in 2013, it only brought in $83,000. Due to the red cover and extreme scarcity, the price of this mid-grade FN 6.0 book has increased from $5,000 in 2009 to $13,000 in the present.
The value of GD 2.0 was $1,000 in 2009 and is now $3,000 due to market conditions. Because the cover is not as interesting as those for issues #1 or #3, its appeal is not as great.
Did You Know?
The second time Captain America appears in comic books is in Captain America Comics #2, which has a famous Hitler cover by Joe Simon.
11. Journey into Mysteries 83
Year Published: 1962
Print Length: 32 pages
Date Sold: 2014
photo source: marvel.com
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby intended to create a superhero even more powerful than the Incredible Hulk during the Silver Age of comic books, but they were unsure how to go about it. Norse mythology was a source of inspiration for Marvel, who chose Thor, the Viking God, as their next major character.
In 1962’s Journey into Mystery #83, Thor and his fabled hammer, Mjolnir, make their debut.
$217,000 is the highest price for a Journey into Mystery #83 in CGC 9.4 condition. The covers of the reissued comics and the story’s LP record were somewhat different.
Even though the Golden Record reproductions only have a quarter of the value of the originals, they are nevertheless valuable as collectibles, especially since the original editions are sometimes out of reach financially for many collectors.
Did You Know?
The series was focused on Thor’s travels starting with Journey #83. Its name was changed to The Mighty Thor after issue #126.
10. Daredevil 1
Year Published: 1964
Print Length: 36 pages
Date Sold: 2021
photo source: comic-odyssey.com
The Man Without Fear, the first Daredevil comic book from 1964, is a valuable release. Even after losing his sight, Matt Murdock starts to patrol Hell’s Kitchen. The Fantastic Four and Spider-Man are the superheroes that make brief appearances in this issue.
In March 2021, a 9.8 grade Dare Devil 1 comic book was sold for $250,000, followed by a 9.6 grade for $150,000. A Dare Devil 1 CGC 9.6 cost $102,000 in an auction in 2021. That is more than double what a White page 9.6 went for at a private auction in 2020, and it didn’t even have white pages.
Did You Know?
Despite the continuation of the Daredevil series, this book remains a significant underappreciated issue. It is undoubtedly more common than other Marvel #1s from the 1960s, and it isn’t easy to locate at reasonable pricing.
9. Amazing Spider-Man 1
Year Published: 1963
Print Length: 36 pages
Date Sold: 2021
photo source: marvel.com
Spider-Man’s first appearance wasn’t in Amazing Spider-Man #1 but in Amazing Fantasy #15. Marvel was forced to offer Peter Parker and his alter ego his book since Amazing Fantasy #15 sold so well.
It is the world’s most coveted comic book series, and the first issue is a notable edition from the Silver Age that has held its worth over time better than any other in the collection.
It is still a highly valuable book in high grades, though, and can compete with some of the most important comics from the Golden Age. A single CGC 9.8 copy exists, and although the Curator Pedigree copy was sold in 2016, if it ever went on the market, it would probably sell for more than the previous record holder.
Did You Know?
The 1966 Golden Records edition is the most valuable of the reproductions. In almost perfect condition, it may retail for well over $1,000.
8. The Avengers #1
Year Published: 1963
Print Length: 22 pages
Date Sold: 2012
photo source: marvel.com
The villain of Marvel Avengers 1 is Loki, who, like in the first Avengers film, uses his illusions to turn the superheroes against one another and the Hulk. Iron Man’s gold armor on the cover of Marvel Avengers 1 indicates that he had only been around for a few months.
This book’s significance goes beyond being a number one issue since it brought together four of Marvel’s most well-known characters—the Incredible Hulk, Journey Into Mystery, Tales to Astonish, and Tales of Suspense—to form a new super-team.
Did You Know?
Although it is a very common book, this Silver Age comic book has sold for very high prices when in good condition. The census lists three CGC 9.6 copies (the highest grade).
7. Incredible Hulk #1
Year Published: 1962
Print Length: 36 pages
Date Sold: 2014
photo source: marvel.com
Spring 1962 saw the release of The Incredible Hulk #1. Only a few months after The Fantastic Four #1 in late 1961, the second book in the Marvel Age was published. The Incredible Hulk’s debut issue was created by the illustrious partnership of writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, just like FF and most other “important” Marvel comics of the time.
Since many of the original Incredible Hulk #1 comics are now in private collections, it is difficult to say how many copies exist today.
The original Incredible Hulk was auctioned off. A copy of Incredible Hulk #1 with a Northland Pedigree CGC 9.2 rating sold for a whopping $375,000 in 2016.
Did You Know?
In accordance with the 2019 Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, a 9.2 copy is worth $285,000.
6. Tales of Suspense #39
Year Published: 1963
Print Length: 36 pages
Date Sold: 2012
photo source: marvel.com
The world first met Iron Man in Tales of Suspense, another Stan Lee and Jack Kirby brainchild. Since his debut, Iron Man has undergone significant improvements, and version 2.0 is far cooler-looking than the original. The comic book brought in $375,000 when it was sold in 2012, no doubt in large part because of the enormous success of Robert Downey Jr.
A record-breaking amount was paid for the Tales of Suspense #39 edition in an auction on ComicLink. According to ComicBook.com, the comic is rated 9.6 on the CGC scale by the Certified Guarantee Company.
Did You Know?
Since CGC’s inception, only three copies of the issue have been graded higher. The next-highest rated copy, a 9.4, was sold by ComicLink in January 2012 for $145,000.
5. X-Men No. 1
Year Published: 1963
Print Length: 36 pages
Date Sold: 2021
photo source: news.artnet.com
In a ComicConnect.com auction, a relatively close-mint condition copy of X-Men no. 1 fetched a staggering $807,300. The gavel value exceeded the previous high for the same book by more than $300,000, even if it does not make it the most valuable comic book of all time.
The initial appearance of Marvel’s band of (at the time adolescent) mutant superheroes and their arch-enemy, Magneto, can be seen in X-Men no. 1, which was written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Jack Kirby in 1963.
The Certified Guarantee Company has given this issue a rating of 9.6, which implies that despite being almost 60 years old and published on newsprint that was never designed to endure, the book is almost in perfect shape.
Did You Know?
One of the most significant publications from the firm now known as DC Comics, the comic book featured art by H.G. Peter.
4. Fantastic Four No. 1
Year Published: 1961
Print Length: 36 pages
Date Sold: 2022
photo source: news.artnet.com
The Fantastic Four, Mister Fantastic, the Human Torch, the Thing, and the Invisible Girl — the world’s first superhero team — were introduced in this Silver Age comic. After the comic’s release, its creators, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, revived Captain America after he had become dormant and introduced other well-known characters, including Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and the X-Men.
According to Heritage Auctions, an internet customer purchased the comic book for the second-highest value ever charged for a title from the so-called Silver Age of comic books, which roughly spanned from 1956 to 1975 and was when their popularity in the U.S. started to rise again after a declining trend in the aftermath of World War II.
Did You Know?
One of the most significant publications from the firm now known as DC Comics, the comic book featured art by H.G. Peter.
3. Marvel Comics No. 1
Year Published: 1939
Print Length: 68 pages
Date Sold: 2022
photo source: news.artnet.com
A record-breaking $2,427,777.65 was recently paid for The Marvel Comics #1 Pay Copy at ComicConnect, one of the most widely recognized single Marvel comics in the vintage comic collecting community.
This 1939 issue, one of the first comic books released by Marvel, sold for by far the highest sum ever.
This specific version of Marvel Comics #1 is referred to as the Pay Copy because it came from the property of Lloyd Jacquet, the publisher, and owner of Funnies, Inc., the “packager” that brought together this issue for Marvel.
Did You Know?
Jacquet used this issue’s copy to note contributions made to authors, including the sums paid, the dates they were made, and the checks’ numbers.
2. Captain America Comics No. 1
Year Published: 1941
Print Length: 68 pages
Date Sold: 2022
photo source: news.artnet.com
In April 2022, $3.1 million was spent on a comic book featuring Captain America’s first appearance in near-mint condition. Captain America Comics No. 1 has broken sales records and is currently among the top five most expensive comics ever sold due to the transaction.
The buyer’s premium was charged in addition to the ultimate price of $3,120,000. It was sold as a part of the ongoing Sunday comic book and comic art auctions at Heritage Auctions.
Did You Know?
A full year before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which would drag the United States into World War II, the comic book debuted in December 1940. The protagonist is shown punching Adolf Hitler, the head of the Nazi Party, on the book’s iconic cover.
1. Amazing Fantasy No. 15
Year Published: 1962
Print Length: 36 pages
Date Sold: 2021
photo source: marvel.com
The most expensive Marvel Comic book is Amazing Fantasy No. 15, which sold for $3.6 million in 2021.
The costliest comic book ever purchased in 2021 broke the record with the sale of Amazing Fantasy no. 15, which included Spider-Man’s debut. In the Signature Comics & Comic Art sale held by Heritage Auction, the comic book brought in $3.6 million.
The jaded and cynical Peter Parker was first presented to fans in Amazing Fantasy no. 15 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Even if Peter Parker develops superhuman abilities, his adored Uncle Ben’s death due to his selfishness is a stark reminder of the heavy responsibility that comes with extraordinary talent.
Did You Know?
The mind-blowing purchase marked the highest record, held by Action Comics No. 1, featuring Superman’s debut in 1938 and sold exclusively for $3.25 million in 2021.
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