The 16 Most Expensive Comic Books Ever Sold

When comic books were first published in the late 19th century, they only cost a dime. By 2004, the most expensive comic book was sold for $350,000. Today, comics are continuing to go up in value and setting new sales records that exceed $5 million.

Below is a list of some of the most expensive comics ever sold, as of this writing.

SUPERMAN #1

For many years, Superman was hands-down the most expensive comic book character with his debut in Action Comics #1. After losing the record briefly to Spider-Man in 2021, Superman got back up to reclaim his position as the most valuable hero — but it wasn't Action Comics anymore, it was Superman #1. Published in 1939 by DC Comics, Superman #1 was the first comic book series devoted entirely to a single character. Notable Sales $5.3 million (CGC 8.0, private sale, 2022) $720,000 (CGC 5.0, Heritage Auctions, 2022)

AMAZING FANTASY #15

In the final issue of Amazing Fantasy, Stan Lee had convinced the publisher to let him try out a new teenage hero he created with Steve Ditko. The issue became the highest-selling book for Marvel, and Spider-Man was rushed into his very own series. Notable Sales $3.6 million (CGC 9.6, Heritage Auctions, 2021) $1.1 million (CGC 9.6, ComicConnect, 2011) $225,000 (CGC 6.5, ComicLink, 2022)

ACTION COMICS #1

In 1938, National Allied Publications (now called DC Comics) published Action Comics #1 and the first appearance of Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. It became known as the first superhero comic and the start of the Golden Age of Comic Books. For many years Action Comics #1 was consistently the most expensive comic book. Notable Sales $3.4 million (CGC 6.0, private sale, 2022) $3.25 million (CGC 8.5, ComicConnect, 2021) $2.1 million (CGC 9.0, ComicConnect, 2011) $1.5 million (CGC 8.5, ComicConnect, 2010)

CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1

Published by Timely Comics (now called Marvel Comics) by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, this comic features a classic cover, depicting Captain America punching Hitler. It was recreated for a scene in the Captain America movie in 2012. Notable Sales $3.12 million (CGC 9.4, Heritage Auctions, 2022) $915,000 (CGC 9.4, Heritage Auctions, 2019)

MARVEL COMICS #1

Published by Timely Comics in 1939, Marvel Comics was an anthology series that introduced characters like The Human Torch (who was different from the Fantastic Four’s Johnny Storm), and this title would become the namesake when Timely changed its name to Marvel Comics. Notable Sales $2.4 million (CGC 9.4, ComicConnect, 2022)

BATMAN #1

This issue from 1940 is Batman’s first solo title and features the first appearance of Joker and Catwoman. Notable Sales $2.22 million (CGC 9.4, Heritage Auctions, 2021)

DETECTIVE COMICS #27

While the first issue of Detective Comics was published by National in 1937, it was 1939’s issue #27 that made history with the first appearance of Batman by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Detective Comics was the title inspiration when the publisher changed its name to DC Comics. Notable Sales $1.74 million (CGC 6.5, Goldin Auctions, 2022) $1,075,000 (CGC 8.0, Heritage Auctions, 2010)

ALL-STAR COMICS #8

While the Justice Society of America adorns the cover, inside, this comic features the first appearance of Wonder Woman. The 1941 issue also includes the first new look for Dr. Fate and the first cameo for Hawkgirl. Notable Sales $1.62 million (CGC 9.4, Heritage Auction, 2022) $936,223 (CGC 9.4, eBay, 2017) $411,011 (CGC 9.0, ComicConnect, 2016)

FANTASTIC FOUR #1

The first family of Marvel Comics, The Fantastic Four — Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Girl), Jonny Storm (Human Torch) and Ben Grimm (Thing) — debuted in 1961 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Notable Sales $1.5 million (CGC 9.2, Heritage Auctions, 2022)

X-MEN #1

Published by Marvel Comics in 1963, this comic features the first appearance of The X-Men and the original team roster (Cyclops, Beast, Iceman, Angel and Marvel Girl) along with Magneto and Professor X. Notable Sales $871,999 (CGC 9.6, ComicConnect, 2022) $807,300 (CGC 9.6, ComicConnect, 2021)

THE BRAVE & THE BOLD #28

The Brave and the Bold is in a league of its own after trading hands in a private sale for a hefty six figures. Featuring the first appearance of the Justice League of America, The Brave and the Bold #28, with the highest GCG-recorded grade of 9.6, recently sold in a private sale for $750,000. This sets a new record for the book, and also makes it the highest-selling DC Silver Age comic. Notable Sales $750,000 (CGC 9.6, private sale, 2022)

PHANTOM LADY #17

While most of this list is the typical heroes you’d expect to find, Phantom Lady stands out from the rest. Published in 1948 by Fox Features Syndicate, this comic features a classic bondage cover that was cited in Dr. Frederic Wertham’s infamous book on the dangers of comic books, “The Seduction of the Innocent.” Notable Sales $456,000 (CGC 9.6, Heritage Auctions, 2021)

DETECTIVE COMICS #140

This first appearance of The Riddler from 1948 took home a hefty six figures in the same online auction that sold Phantom Lady #17 featured on this list. Notable Sales $456,000 (CGC 9.6, Heritage Auctions, 2021)

FLASH COMICS #1

Featuring the first appearance of the Golden Age Flash, Jay Garrick, this comic was published in 1941. After the start of the Silver Age, a new Flash (Barry Allen) was introduced and Jay became the Flash of Earth-2 in what would become the very first multiverse story. Notable Sales $450,000 (CGC 9.6, Heritage Auctions, 2010) $350,000 (CGC 9.6, private sale, 2004)

TALES OF SUSPENSE #39

This book from 1963 features the first appearance of Iron Man by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Larry Lieber and Don Heck. The character of Iron Man was created as an examination of communism and the Cold War of the 1960s and was given his own solo series. By issue #100, Captain America had become the main focus of the comic and the “Tales of Suspense” series was retitled “Captain America.” Notable Sales $375,000 (CGC 9.6, ComicLink, 2012)

INCREDIBLE HULK #1

Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this issue features the first appearance of the Incredible Hulk. When the first stories were published, Hulk was originally grey but later changed to green due to the cost of ink. Notable Sales $336,000 (CGC 9.2, Heritage Auctions, 2018)