These are the most valuable comic books of all time

I hate to break it to you, but the most expensive comic books of all time ain’t exactly available for purchase on Amazon. They’re hermetically sealed in plastic wrap and locked away behind bulletproof glass in a nerd billionaire’s basement. But you can purchase copies of them!

1. Action Comics #1

Action Comics #1 is, if the title didn’t clue you in, the first ever Action Comics comic and the #1 most expensive comic book of all time. It was purchased for six million dollars at an auction in 2024. Why is it so valuable? It is the very first comic where Superman appears! Not only that, it’s technically the first superhero comic ever written AND the comic that kicked off the illustrious Golden Age.

2. SUPERMAN #1

Action Comics #1 kicked off the Golden Age, and SUPERMAN #1 kept the golden years rolling. It was the first ever “Superman” titled story after Action Comics, and solidified the mild-mannered Clark Kent as the most iconic superhero in the history of superheroes (sry Batman). The comic recently sold for $5.3 million at a private sale in 2022. I’m sorry to say, but you definitely weren’t invited. Neither was I. But if I were, and had $5.3 mil of disposable income, I’d def pick Superman #1 over some whack Picasso.

3. AMAZING FANTASY #15

Despite what the title would have you believe, AMAZING FANTASY #15 is not the 15th issue of some vintage adult mag. It’s a vintage issue of Spiderman! Which could still be considered erotic, depending on what you’re into. Amazing Fantasy #15 was Spiderman’s first-ever outing after Stan Lee and Steve Ditko managed to convince their publishers to let them try out the character. Considering Amazing Fantasy #15 sold for 3.6 million, I think the publishers made the right choice.

4. CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1

CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1 might not look that expensive when you click the link, but that’s because it’s a used copy. People don’t want anything that other people have touched. Other people are gross! Anything their sticky fingers touch is rendered less valuable instantly. But this comic mint condish? Sold for $3.12 million at an auction. It is the first-ever Captain America comic, after all. And he’s literally punching Hitler on the cover. Priceless.

5. MARVEL COMICS #1

MARVEL COMICS #1 was the beginning of a new comics dynasty that would stand the test of time! Or at least into the 2020s! First published in 1939, the OG Marvel Comics exploded onto the scene with its first issue featuring The Human Torch and other such heroes! And YOU can’t have it! This thing sold for $2.4 million at an action.

6. BATMAN #1

To be honest, I’m surprised BATMAN #1 is as far down on this list as it is. I mean, it’s BATMAN, the sole reason why DC comics is still in business (no shade, Superman). He’s arguably the most beloved hero of the modern age. Fans are RABID for the bat. Sure, the first edition sold for $2.22 million, but c’monnnnn surely Bats can do better than that? Let’s go for one billion. I wanna spend Bruce Wayne-levels of money.

7. TALES OF SUSPENSE #39

Oh the suspense is KILLING me. How much is TALES OF SUSPENSE #39 worth? Probs a lot, considering it marks the first ever appearance of Iron Man (who looks more Tin Man than Tony Stark in this iteration). He’s no bazillionaire playboy, but he sure sells like one! This comic was purchased for a cool $2 mil at an auction.

8. DETECTIVE COMICS #27

Despite BATMAN #1 selling for more money, DETECTIVE COMICS #27 is a markedly more important addition to the comic book world. It’s the first time that Bob Kane and Bill Finger’s Caped Crusader appears in the flesh! It was so popular that the publisher changed its name to Detective Comics … a.k.a. DC. It sold for $1.82 million in 2024.

9. ALL-STAR COMICS #8

ALL-STAR COMICS #8 marks the debut of arguably the most famous woman in comic book history, Wonder Woman. Sadly, it’s not Princess Diana of Themyscira gracing the cover but the soon-to-be-forgotten Justice Society of America. Who? Who cares? The comic sold for $1.62 million at a 2022 auction. Make that money Diana, get your bag.

10. FANTASTIC FOUR #1

Before the god-awful ’00s movie series and the equally tepid remake, FANTASTIC FOUR #1 was a respected name in comics. Mr. Fantastic. Invisible Girl. The Thing. The Human Torch. They were big names in the Marvel comics world. So big that they sold for $1.5 million at a 2022 auction. Nice. No wonder they keep trying to make this movie happen.

11. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1

Building off the success of AMAZING FANTASY #15, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko were able to make comic book history with THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1. It’s the first comic where, obviously, Spider-Man is named on the front cover. And so began the “to hyphenate” or “not to hyphenate” argument when referring to Spider-man’s name. It sold for $1.38 million in 2024 to some turbo fan. I wonder what their opinion on the name debate is.

12. SHOWCASE #4

SHOWCASE #4 marks the first appearance of The Flash in a costume that has remained literally unchanged since 1956! Has it at least been washed? I hope so. This marks the origin of Barry Allen, who serves as the first-ever DC Silver Age superhero! It sold for $900,000 at a 2024 auction. Guess only the Golden Age breaks a mil.

13. X-MEN #1

This is CRIMINAL. You’re telling me that X-MEN #1, the comic debut of the coolest superhero group ever written, is the least expensive addition to this last? I have serious questions about people’s priorities. How could you possibly insult the X-Men by purchasing the first issue for only $871,999 at a 2022 auction? What could possibly be more important to spend money on?