The 30 Most Expensive Comic Books in the World [2024 Update]

As a fan of comic books, you must be intrigued about the most valuable comic books in the world. After all, comic books have a global impact.

Moreover, they also have historical importance. Ever since the first comic was released in 1938, comic books have had a hold on everyone.

People love them and do not mind paying high prices for their favorite books.

Thus, these comic books sell at very high prices, especially in auctions.

So what are the most valuable comic books today? Please read on to find out:

30 Most Valuable Comic Books

30. All-Star Comics No. 3

The All-Star Comic Issue no. 3 was first released at the end of 1940. This book features the first appearance of the Justice Society of America.

The superhero team includes memorable heroes like Green Lantern, Hawkman, Flash, Atom, Sandman, and Spectre.

Likewise, it also included Doctor Fate and Hour-Man.

most valuable comic books — The cover of All-star Comics #3 featuring Justice League superheroes.

The 9.6 graded All-Star comic was sold for $126,500 in 2002.

However, it broke its own record after selling at 200,000 US Dollars in 2012 through Heritage Auctions. Thus, this makes it one of the most valuable comic books.

29. Action Comics No. 1 Ashcan

The Action Comics #1 Ashcan is one of the most important ashcans.

However, the Ashcan comics were not initially put for sale. The main purpose behind creating this was to secure trademarks for titles and logos.

Likewise, the DC creator Henry Donenfield worried that other comics creators and publishing houses would copy the Action Comics title. Thus, he mocked it up as comics and trademarked it.

Thus, only three copies have been into existence. Therefore, these comics sold for 204,000 US Dollars.

28. Tales to Astonish No. 27

The Tales to Astonish No. 27 showcases the talents of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. In this comic book, Hank Pym, or the future Ant-man, appears for the first time.

Thus, this is the key issue comic. In this issue, Hank has developed two serums. One of those could shrink him to the size of an ant, and the other brings him to normal size.

Likewise, even a poor (but complete) condition of this book will cost you over a thousand dollars. But this comic is one of the most valuable comic books as a 9.4-graded copy was sold for $205,501 in 2016.

27. More Fun Comics No. 52

This is a comic from 1940. This is the part when Spectre and Presence make their first appearances. Moreover, Presence is a counterpart to the God of the Abrahamic in the comics.

Although its title is More Fun Comics, it actually contains dark tales.

However, it is one of the most valuable comics of all time. It was sold in an auction in 2006 for 119,500 US Dollars.

26. All-American Comics No. 16

This is another issue that features the appearance of an important character.

Likewise, this comic belongs to DC Comics. It is the part where Alan Scott appears as Green Lantern.

Green Lantern is a popular character. Moreover, this character inspiration comes from Greek Mythological Gods. Unfortunately, this comic issue is quite rare.

Thus, this explains why this is so expensive. Even a full book in bad condition costs about 1900 dollars.

Moreover, Heritage Auction sold a 6.5-graded copy for 215,100 US dollars in early 2018.

25. Justice League of America No. 1

The Justice League of America No.1 was first released in November 1960. It features a team of world-saving superheroes that fight prehistoric dinosaurs, Despero, and planet-destroying missiles.

In this comic, villain Despero kidnaps Saranna. He then invites the Justice League members for a chess game. Moreover, he mentions he will only free Saranna if they win the game.

Thus, this is one of the rarest and most important comic books. So, it is one of the most valuable comic books. A 9.6-graded version with off-white pages was sold for 215,100 US Dollars in 2018.

24. Fantastic Comics No. 3

Fantastic Comics No. 3 is a popular golden age comic book with the famous Lou Fine cover art. Likewise, it features Samson, Sub Saunders, Stardust the Wizard, Space Smith, Captain Kidd, etc.

There are no important events in this book, but the book cover is valuable. Moreover, it is loved by fans. Some people are even willing to pay thousands for the cover art.

Thus, this book is rare and valuable. In 2017, this comic book sold for 243,000 US Dollars.

23. Action Comics No. 10

Action Comics No. 10 features the third cover appearance of Spider-man. However, nothing notable happens in this issue.

The story involves an abusive prison warden in Coreytown jail. Moreover, Spiderman has to give victims and inmates justice. Likewise, this issue was first released in March of 1939.

The high value of this comic is because of the cover page art. Thus, this comic was sold in 2011 at an auction for a very high price of 258,000 US Dollars.

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22. Pep Comics No. 22

Pep Comics No. 22 features the first appearance of Archie, Betty, and Jughead. Likewise, it debuted in 1941.

A year after its debut, in 1942, its publisher MLJ released “Archie comics.” The comic runs to this day. Likewise, it has a more mature storyline.

An 8.0 grade of this comic book sold for a very high price in an auction. The auction price was 252,100 US Dollars, making it one of the most valuable comic books.

21. Suspense Comics No. 3

Suspense Comics Issue No. 3 is famous for its incredible cover. Thus, it is one of the most valuable and rarest Golden Age comics.

Likewise, it features thrilling detective and crime drama, forest adventures, heroes in costumes, swordplay, horror, and monsters.

Moreover, as the name suggests, it is full of suspense and mysteries.

Suspense comics have a total of 12 issues. Out of that, issue 3 is the most valuable comic book. A 9.0 graded copy of this comic was sold for 173,275 US Dollars in 2015.

Moreover, a 9.2-grade copy of this 1994 comic was sold for 292,900 US Dollars in 2017.

20. The Amazing Spider-Man No. 1

The Amazin Spider-Man No. 1 was first published on March 1, 1963. The writer of this comic book is Stan Lee. Likewise, it features two stories.

It is also the issue where spiderman gets his own stories. In the first story, Spiderman saves J. Johna’s son’s space shuttle from getting destroyed.

Likewise, the second story features the Fantastic Four and the first appearance of the Chameleon. This issue is, thus, one of the most valuable issues.

In 2016, an enthusiastic buyer bought this for 262,900 US Dollars at Heritage Auctions.

19. The Avengers No. 1

The Avengers Vol. 1 was first released in July 1963 and published in September. Likewise, it features Thor, Iron Man, The Hulk, Ant-man, and the Wasp as its founding members.

Moreover, MCU’s Avengers movies have been dominating the box office for years. Thus, these comics are undoubtedly pricey and, most importantly, valuable.

One 9.6 graded, near mint copy of the Avengers, No. 1, got sold for 274,850 US Dollars in 2012.

18. Journey Into Mystery No. 83

In 1962, Thor made his first appearance with the “Journey to Mystery” series. Moreover, this comic features Thor and his father, Odin.

Odin sent his son Thor to the earth to teach him humility. Thus, Odin wipes off Thor’s memory and turns him into a nerdy scientist. Thor then must protect the earth from Saturn’s Stonemen’s attacks.

Thus, this is a comic book with an important storyline. Therefore, it is one of the most valuable comic books.

One copy of 9.4-grade Journey Into Mystery No. 83 was sold for 275,000 US dollars in 2014.

17. Whiz Comics No. 2

A fun fact, Captain Marvel was first published in a comic book by publisher MF Enterprises. Initially, Captain Marvel was a male character.

Whiz Comics no. 2 introduced the character in the first few pages. However, the character had strikingly similar features to DC’s Superman.

Thus, DC sued the publishing company, and Captain Marvel ceased to exist by 1953.

However, in 1960, Marvel created its own Captain Marvel and trademarked it. Thus, with all the controversies, Whiz Comics actually gained popularity and outsold Superman.

A 9.0-grade copy of this comic was sold for 281,000 in 2012 at an auction.

16. Wonder Woman No. 1 with Promotional Materials

Real Wonder Woman No. 1 was first released in June 1942. However, a female superhero character was not that popular at that time compared to her male counterparts.

Thus, DC sent out handwritten and typed-out letters to the young fans describing the awesome powers and characters of the wonder woman. Thus, this superhero gradually gained fans.

Moreover, DC stated that 80% of child readers chose Wonder Woman as their favorite character.

Thus, this issue is one of the most important and valuable comic books. One copy of this comic was sold for 291,000 US Dollars in 2012.

15. Fantastic Four No. 1

The Fantastic Four No. 1 is where the Marvel Universe started. It was first published in 1961.

Likewise, it features four astronauts who gain special powers of invisibility and stretchability after being hit by cosmic radiation. Thus, they now have to fight Victor Von Doom, an evil doctor.

Thus, Fantastic Four Vol 1 is an important comic book. This makes it more valuable as it introduces the characters. In 2018, a 9.4 graded copy was sold for 485,000 US Dollars.

14. The Incredible Hulk No. 1

The Incredible Hulk No.1 features the transformation of Bruce Banner to Hulk. However, he was not green as we see him now; Hulk was grey!

Later in the series, the Hulk gets his classic green color. Moreover, Bruce Banner turns green when he is angry. However, the Hulk was not as popular in the first run.

Thus, the series was canceled. Hulk finally got fame when he joined the Avengers. Thus, this issue of the comics is significant.

comic books — The cover of the Incredible Hulk No.1.

The Incredible Hulk No. 1 was sold for 326,000 US Dollars in 2014 when it cost only 12 cents 50 years prior.

13. Detective Comics No. 33

Detective Comics No. 33 is one of the rarest comic books in the world. It all started when a robber killed Bruce Wayne’s parents when he was a little boy.

Several years later, he determines to fight against evil. Firstly, however, he has to disguise himself, and he dresses as Bat.

Thus, this is the start of a significant tale. Therefore, these series of comics are valuable.

One 9.2 graded copy of Detective Comics was sold for 341,234 US Dollars, making it one of the most valuable comic books in history.

12. Tales of Suspense No. 39

Iron man made his first appearance with Tales of Suspense No. 39 in 1963. This features Anthony “Tony” Stark introducing his new invention to US military defense officials.

His invention is a micro-transistor, which can power up things such as magnets. The magnets then can be used as weapons. Likewise, he creates an iron bodysuit with a chest plate during his Vietnam visit.

Thus, this is how iron man was born. This comic is one of the most remarkable incidents in the MCU. Thus, this comic book is valuable.

A 9.6 graded copy was sold for 375,500 US Dollars in 2012.

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11. Sensation Comics No. 1

Sensation Comics is a 109 book series published by DC Comics. It mainly features Wonder Woman stories.

Likewise, Sensation Comics Issue no. 1 was first published in 1942.

In the first issue, Wonder Woman appears for the second time. She returns Steve Trevor to America in her invisible plane. Moreover, it features the first appearance of Wildcat and Mister Terrific.

Moreover, it is one of the most valuable comic books in the world. One buyer bought this for 399,100 US Dollars on eBay in 2017. However, the price was for a 9.6 graded copy.

10. Flash Comics No. 1

Flash Comics No. 1 is the first issue of the Flash comics series. It features the story of Flash, whose actual name is Jay Garrick.

Jay Garrick was a Midwestern University student in 1930 who inhaled some “hard water gas” fumes.

Moreover, the incident put him in a coma for two weeks and gave him superpowers as he woke up.

He could think and act at high speed. Thus, after finishing college, Garrick adopted a secret identity as the Flash. This issue features an important event.

Thus, this comic book is quite valuable. A near-mint 9.6 graded copy of this was sold for 450,000 US Dollars in 2010.

9. X-Men No. 1

This comic book was first released in 1963. This book features Professor Charles Xavier, who runs a school for young mutants.

Mutants are a group of superhuman with powerful abilities. Likewise, the Professor has the power to summon his students telepathically.

Moreover, when the Beast, Angel, Iceman, and Cyclops arrive in the school, he puts them through a series of events to test their mutant talents. And the story goes on.

A 9.8 graded copy of X-Men No. 1 was sold for 492,937 US Dollars. Thus, it is one of the most valuable comic books in the world.

7. Captain America Comics no. 1

The Captain America Comics No. 1 was first released in 1941 with only 10 cent cover price. However, 80 years later, its value is thousands of dollars.

This issue features the first appearance of Captain America. Thus, it is one of the most valuable comic books ever. It has about 68 pages.

In this issue, the hero, Captain America, is seen decking Hitler. A 9.4 graded copy of this issue was sold for a whopping 915,000 US Dollars at an auction in 2019.

6. All-Star Comics No. 8

All-Star comics Issue no. 8 features the first appearance of Wonder Woman. Thus, this copy is treasured, expensive, and rare.

It was first published on October 21, 1941. The value of this copy is high as Wonder woman is popular in movies and pop culture these days.

Thus, comic fans will cash out any amount for a copy of this issue. Furthermore, a 9.4 graded copy sold for more than 800 thousand US Dollars in 2016.

5. Amazing Fantasy No. 15

The Amazing Fantasy No. 15 features the first appearance of Spider-Man in the series.

In his first appearance, the spider-man actually had webs under his armpits instead of his wrists.

Thus, it is one of the most valuable comics of all time. It was first released in 1962 and had one of the most iconic covers of all time.

Therefore, it has been sold at a very high price in auctions. In 2011, it fetched over 1.2 million US Dollars. However, the original copy only cost 12 cents when it was first published.

4. Marvel Comics No. 1

The first issue of Marvel Comics features the appearances of Sub-Mariner, the Human Torch, and the Angel. Moreover, it is where everything started.

It was first published on August 31, 1939. However, it is more notable for its rarity than its contents. Nevertheless, it is one of the most remarkable pieces in the history of comics.

Therefore, it is sold at very high prices in auctions. In 2019, an enthusiastic buyer purchased the 9.4 graded copy for 1.26 million US Dollars.

3. Detective Comics No. 27

Detective Comics No. 27 has bagged the third rank on the list of most valuable comic books. It features a story called “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate.”

In this story, the superhero Batman makes his first appearance. It was first published in May 1939. Therefore, this comic is one of the most notable comic books.

This issue broke records when only a 7-graded copy was sold for 1.5 million bucks in 2020. Higher the grade, the more its value increases. Thus, it is one of the most valuable comic books in history.