Buckle up, comic fans! This article dives into the history and record-breaking sales of some of superhero comics’ most iconic first appearances. We’ll explore Action Comics #1, the birthplace of Superman and the launchpad for the Golden Age, alongside other legendary debuts like Spider-Man, Captain America, Batman, and the Fantastic Four. With details on original prices, coveted CGC grading scores, and jaw-dropping auction results, prepare to be amazed by the enduring legacy and immense value these comics hold in the collector’s market.
1. Action Comics #1
This is Action Comics #1, written by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This comic features the first appearance of Superman and is the first superhero comic, and it started the Golden Age of Comic Books. This book came out in 1938, and during this time, it had a 200,000-print run and sold out entirely. Approximately only 100 copies of this comic still exist, and 70 are recorded in the CGC Census, with only two graded higher than this one sold.
Original retail price of this comic: 10 cents.
This comic book, graded an 8.5 by CGC, was sold at Heritage Auctions in 2024 for $6 million.
2. AMAZING FANTASY #15
This is the final issue of Amazing Fantasy, titled Amazing Fantasy #15 and it came out in 1962. This comic features the first appearance of Peter Parker/Spider-Man and was written by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko with illustrations by Jack Kirby.
Original retail price of this comic: 12 cents.
This comic book is graded a CGC NM+ 9.6 and was sold at Heritage Auctions in 2021 for $3.6 million.
3. CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1
This is Captain America Comics #1. This book features the first appearance of Steve Rogers/Captain America. Also, this comic was published by Timely Comics (now Marvel Comics) in 1941 and was written by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon.
Original retail price of this comic: 10 cents.
This comic book, graded CGC 9.4, was sold at Heritage Auctions in 2022 for $3.12 million.
4. BATMAN #1
This is Batman #1, written by Bill Finger, Paul Gustavson, Guy Monroe, Whitney Ellsworth, George Shute, and Bob Kane. It was published in 1940 and includes the first appearances of the Joker and Catwoman. This specific copy that sold is the highest-graded copy in the CGC Census.
Original retail price of this comic: 10 cents.
This comic book is graded a CGC 9.4 and was sold at Heritage Auctions in 2021 for $2.22 million.
5. FANTASTIC FOUR #1
This is The Fantastic Four #1, it was written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and it came out in 1961. This comic book is the first appearance of the Fantastic Four, Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Girl), Jonny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (Thing).
Original retail price of this comic: 10 cents.
This comic book is graded a CGC 9.6 and was sold at Heritage Auctions in 2024 for $2.04 million.
Gary Miceli has loved film from a very early age, from the silent masterpieces of Charlie Chaplin to recent blockbuster hits. His love for cinema from all eras of history inspired him to go to film school and graduate with his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He continues to work hard in this wonderful field and always explores new avenues of expressing his love for movie/TV history.