Are You Lucky Enough to Own One of These Rare Comic Books?
Truly rare comic books may come along once or twice in a lifetime. Most collectors only dream of finding one.
If you've stumbled across a find of vintage comic books and recognize one or more of the ones on this page, then stop whatever you're doing and contact us immediately for a FREE comic book appraisal!
Chances are you've found a real windfall.
If you want to sell comic books for cash, then we can help you to get the most money for your rare comics.
We've arranged the rare comic books by series or main character: Action Comics, Ant-Man, Batman, Green Lantern etc. Simply click any of the links below to see more details of the rarest comics featuring that character, and the minimum they are worth.
New! REALLY Rare Comic Books You've Never Heard Of
We've added this gallery of really rare comic books because, for all the glamor of the big-name superheroes and villains, these are the REALLY hard books to find.
They are organized pretty randomly, with no attempt to keep them truly in order of value by record sale. But rest assured, if they are here then they are RARE. Really rare comic books.
Suspense Comics #3
Controversial Klan-style bondage and Nazi cover
Record Sale: $262,000
Minimum Value: $1,000
On our top list of the best horror comics ever published.
Amazing Man Comics #5
Origin and 1st appearance of, Amazing-Man, Miniature Man and Ritty, Cat-Man, Mighty Man and Iron Skull
Record Sale: $63,250
Minimum Value: 1,100
Wonder Comics #1
Only appearance of Wonder Man
Record Sale: $68,000
Minimum Value: $2,200
Captain America 128-Page Issue
Extremely rare comic book!
Record Sale: $20,000
Minimum Value: $5,000
Read more about this book on our Captain America Comics price guide page
Daring Mystery Comics #1
All Daring Mystery issues are rare comic books that you will seldom see.
Record Sale: $67,700
Minimum Value: $1,000
Record Sale: $49,300
Minimum Value: $4,300
All-Negro Comics #1
Very rare comic book
Record Sale: $21,000
Minimum Value: $1,100
Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #1
Record Sale: $116,500
Minimum Value: $1,500
Click to see a full price guide to rare Disney comic books.
Human Torch Comics #1
Rare 1940 Timely Comics issue
Record Sale: $92,600
Minimum Value: $2,100
PEP Comics #34
Controversial Nazi cover, rare comic
Record Sale: $57,360
Minimum Value: $5,500
Punch Comics #12
Classic skull cover, one of the most valuable horror comic books
Record Sale: $55,000
Minimum Value: $3,600
Silver Streak Comics #6
Origin and First Appearance of the Golden Age Daredevil
Record Sale: $22,500
Minimum Value: $1,400
Four Color Comics #16
Rare Mickey Mouse issue
Record Sale: $78,000
Minimum Value: $1,200
Rare Action Comics
Action Comics #1 (1938)
Origin and first appearance of Superman
What's It Worth?
The sky's the limit for this comic book!
No matter what shape it's in, you will be glad you found it.
Record sale: $3,400,000
Minimum value: $100,000
Got one? Have it appraised free of charge!
NOTE: Reprints measuring 13 inches along the spine are common and are not valuable.
Action Comics #7
Second Superman cover
What's It Worth?
The early Action Comics sell much better with Supes on the cover.
This one is worth more than #2 to #6.
Record sale: $204,000
Minimum value: $5,200
We'll tell you what yours is worth
Action Comics #10
Third Superman cover
What's It Worth?
Another cover with Superman on it,
and again, worth more than the
issues around it.
Record sale: $258,000
Minimum value: $4,000
Action Comics #23
First appearance of Lex Luthor, first mention of Daily Planet
What's It Worth?
Superman's greatest foe
over the years makes his bow.
Record sale: $72,000
Minimum value: $1,600
Pretty much any issue of Action Comics from #1 through #100 is a scarce to rare comic book, and you can see values of them all by clicking here.
Action Comics values for #101-200 are here.
Other Superman rare comic books are listed lower down this page.
Rare Adventure Comics
During its evolution from a funnies comic into a superhero title, via the transitional title New Adventure Comics, this DC title became very popular with buyers at the time.
However, some issues are considered among the rarest of all DC comics. Read our Adventure Comics article for more details.
New Adventure Comics #26
The rarest ever DC Comic?
So few of these have been discovered
that it's hard to put a value on it.
Only SIX are known to exist!
Record sale: $11,000
Minimum value: $3,000
Adventure Comics #40
1st appearance of Sandman
One of the really important key issues
from this early Golden Age comic
book series, valuable in any shape.
Record sale: $63,000
Minimum value: $5,000
Adventure Comics #48
1st appearance of Hour-Man
Not as well-known as the Sandman,
Hour-Man is rarely seen. There
are only 28 copies known!
Record sale: $54,600
Minimum value: $1,000
Adventure Comics #61
1st appearance of Starman
There are only 30 unrestored copies in the CGC Census!
Record sale: $10,900
Minimum value: $500
Adventure Comics #103
1st Superboy in title
Superboy was launched in More Fun comics, but the title was switched to Adventure in this 1946 issue.
Record sale: $10,900
Minimum value: $960
Adventure Comics #247
1st Legion of Super-Heroes
Much later, but surprisingly uncommon.
Almost always missing from the
1950s runs we are offered.
Record sale: $19,200
Minimum value: $140
Canadian Whites are Truly Rare Comic Books
Rare All-Star Comics
You won't come across these too often, but if you happen to find one of these All-Star rare comic books, then you'll be very happy.
The series that launched the first super-team in the Justice Society of America, and debuted Wonder Woman in comics, is highly collectible.
Click to read our full article on All-Star Comics.
All-Star Comics #3
Origin and 1st Appearance of Justice Society of America
What's It Worth?
The first super-team in comics (though they just sit around talking in this issue...)
Record sale: $358,000
Minimum value: $1,000
All-Star Comics #8
First Appearance of Wonder Woman
What's It Worth?
Hugely important, especially as Wonder Woman is appearing in movies now. Has been under-valued for years!
Record sale: $936,000
Minimum value: $10,000
All-Star Comics ended with issue #57, before being relaunched in the 1970s.
In really nice condition, any issue of this rare comic book series is worth good money. Have yours valued free!
Rare All-American Comics
Some of the most important and rare comic books to be published in the Golden Age appeared as part of All-American Comics (full article).
Key of all of them is All-American #16 (first Golden Age Green Lantern).
All-American Comics #16
1st Appearance of the Green Lantern
What's It Worth?
Seldom sold. Our copy (see below) was incomplete (but had a full cover and full Green Lantern story) and sold for $7,500.
Record sale: $215,100
Minimum value: $8,000
All-American Comics #19
1st Appearance of the Atom
What's It Worth?
Much less desirable than #16, but still an important book, with only 17 unrestored examples known to exist.
Record sale: $51,400
Minimum value: $400
See More Green Lantern Comic Book Values
Less than 50 of these known in the world! Here's a copy of All-American Comics #16 we just acquired. Apologies for the bad hair day!Rare Ant-Man Comic Books
Compared with some of the Golden Age comics on this page, Ant-Man does not appear in any truly rare comic books.
However, there are a couple of valuable issues, notably his earliest appearances in Tales to Astonish. They are rare in high grade.
See our Ant-Man comic book price guide for more details of this character, who's set to hit the big time with a movie in 2015.
Tales to Astonish #27
Origin and 1st appearance of Ant-Man
What's It Worth?
Under-valued Silver Age key. Ant-Man movie appearances have helped it to achieve better prices in the past few years.
Record sale: $200,000
Minimum value: $500
Tales to Astonish #35
2nd appearance of Ant-Man, 1st Appearance of Superhero costume
What's It Worth?
High grade copies of TTA #35 are very tough to find.
Record sale: $51,000
Minimum value: $100
Tales to Astonish #44
1st Appearance of The Wasp
What's It Worth?
High grade copies of TTA #44 are expensive.
Record sale: $26,300
Minimum value: $50
1st Ant-Man Appearance is Hot!
Tales to Astonish #27 is on the list of the most valuable comics of the Silver Age. It's also on the 100 Hot Comics list.
PEP Comics #22
First appearance of Archie Andrews, Betty and Jughead
Record Sale: $375,000
Minimum Value: $25,000
Archie Comics #1
First solo Archie issue
Record Sale: $195,000
Minimum Value: $15,000
Rare Batman Comics
If you have found rare comic books from the same era (1940s) with just the title Batman on the front, then you may be a little confused.
Batman was so popular that DC spun him off into his own series. Issue #1 was published on April 7th, 1940 (just a few days after Detective Comics #38 introduced Robin for the first time).
Let's look at some of the rare comic books from Batman's own series.
Batman #1
First appearance The Joker and The Cat (Catwoman)
What's It Worth?
Batman #1 is a highly sought-after book. If you want a run, it won't be complete without it!
Record sale: $2,220,000
Minimum value: $15,000
Batman #3
First appearance Puppetmaster
What's It Worth?
Not as much as you might imagine, but no early Batman comics are worthless. Dark cover is hard to find in really fine condition.
Record sale: $40,000
Minimum value: $250
Batman #11
Classic Joker cover
What's It Worth?
Joker covers are huge right now, and this early Batman issue has one of the classic Joker comics images. A gem.
Record sale: $65,000
Minimum value: $750
Other Issues of Batman Comic to Look Out For
Pretty much any issue from Batman comic book #1 to #100 are worth money. They are strongly collected by comic fans around the world.
Also see our fully-detailed Batman comics #101-200 values article here.
Rare Captain America Comics
While there are some valuable Silver Age comic books featuring Captain America, none are truly rare comic books in the way that the Golden Age issues are.
You'll come across Avengers comics much more often than the Captain America Comics of the 1940s and 50s.
Found some? Get in touch and we'll help you figure out their value. Here are some typical issues. You can read more about Captain America comic books here.
Captain America Comics #1
Origin and 1st Appearance of Captain America; Patriotic WW2 cover
What's It Worth?
Big bucks. The first appearance of Cap
and Bucky is worth a lot.
Record sale: $915,000
Minimum value: $10,000
Captain America Comics #2
2nd Appearance of Cap and Bucky; Another very rare Superhero comic
What's It Worth?
Not as much as issue #1, but the
record for this comic is still six figures.
Record sale: $103,000
Minimum value: $1,000
Any Golden Age Captain America appearances are worth money, the condition being vital of course. Send us details of yours and we'll help you to figure out their worth.
Rare Batman Detective Comics
When it comes to rare comic books, few are as important as the origin and 1st appearance of Batman.
Detective Comics #27 is the big issue that any Batman comic collector dreams of owning.
Batman is one of the world's best-known and most-loved superheroes. Over the years, he has been through many incarnations, from the sublime Dark Knight, to the ridiculous Adam West era.
Here are the rare Batman comics to look for. If you've found one or more, get in touch immediately for a free appraisal of their value.
Detective Comics #27
Origin and 1st appearance of Batman
What's It Worth?
No matter what the condition, if you've found one of these rare comic books, then you have an exciting discovery!
Record sale: $2,100,000
Minimum value: $75,000
Detective Comics #29
2nd Batman cover
What's It Worth?
While Detective Comics #28 is the 2nd appearance of Batman, collectors prefer issues with him on the cover.
Record sale: $102,000
Minimum value: $5,000
Detective Comics #31
3rd Batman cover, classic cover
What's It Worth?
This awesome early Batman is considered a classic cover illustration. Collectors love it!
Record sale: $175,000
Minimum value: $12,000
Detective Comics #33
Minimum Value: $5,000
Detective Comics #35
Minimum Value: $3,000
Detective Comics #36
Minimum Value: $1,000
Detective Comics #37
Minimum Value: $1,000
Detective Comics #38
1st appearance of Robin, the Boy Wonder
What's It Worth?
Love him or loathe him, Robin has been a major character for the rest of the Batman universe since April Fool's Day, 1940.
Record sale: $107,750
Minimum value: $3,500
Detective Comics #40
First appearance of Clay-Face
Record Sale: $32,200
Minimum Value: $1,000
Detective Comics #73
First Scarecrow comics cover
Record Sale: $28,900
Minimum Value: $780
Detective Comics #168
Origin of the Joker
Record Sale: $35,000
Minimum Value: $1,000
Other Rare Detective Comic Books
While Detective #1 through #26 ("pre-hero era") do not feature Batman, they are still rare comic books, especially in fine condition.
Pretty much any issue of Detective Comics featuring Batman up to #250 is well worth having appraised. If you have later issues, then see our Detective Comics price guide for values.
Rare Captain Marvel Comic Books
One of the 'forgotten' heroes of the Golden Age, Captain Marvel (click for article) first appears in one of the rarest and most sought-after of all comics, Whiz Comics #2.
The Shazam! movie restored some interest in this character, but his similarity to Superman and the relatively scarce nature of the comic books means collectors don't have as much affinity to this Golden Age hero.
Whiz Comics #2(#1)
Origin and 1st appearance of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam!
What's It Worth?
A very rare comic book. There are so few of these comic books on the market that it's very hard to say, but a LOT!
Record sale: $385,000
Minimum value: $8,000
Captain Marvel Adventures #1
The first stand-alone Captain Marvel comic book. See our article for more information
What's It Worth?
Not as valuable as Whiz for sure. The highest known unrestored copy of this book is only 5.0 out of 10! Unrestored examples are extremely rare.
Record sale: $38,240
Minimum value: $800
Marvel Family #1
First appearance of Black Adam
Record Sale: $186,000
Minimum Value: $500
Rare Fantastic Four Comics
The birth of the "Marvel Age of Comics" began with Fantastic Four #1, a classic cover that every collector would love to own.
There are not too many actually RARE comic books featuring the FF, but in nice condition, they can be very valuable. Most early issues of FF are rare in high grade.
Check out our Fantastic Four comic books article for more.
Fantastic Four #1 (1961)
Origin and 1st appearance the Fantastic Four, 1st appearance Mole Man
What's It Worth?
Condition is really vital, but this is such an iconic book that even in bad shape, it has value.
Record sale: $300,000
Minimum value: $900
Fantastic Four #5 (1962)
Origin and 1st appearance of the awesome villain, Doctor Doom
What's It Worth?
While this is not a mega-money book in low grade, VF copies are getting expensive.
Record sale: $138,000
Minimum value: $1,500
Other issues of Fantastic Four Worth Finding
Pretty much any issues from Fantastic Four #1 - 20 are highly collectible, though not really rare comic books.
A few later issues are now considered "key":
Fantastic Four #48: 1st Silver Surfer and Galactus
Fantastic Four #52: first Black Panther
Get in touch if you have any of those mentioned, and we'll help you to figure out what they're worth.
Read more in our detailed Fantastic Four Comic Book Price Guide here.
Rare Flash Comics
There are plenty of rare comic books with Flash as the central character. The Flash is less popular amongst collectors than Superman, Spiderman and Batman.
However, you may still have a treasure or two if you've found some Flash comics. Let's have a look at the best of them.
Flash Comics #1
Origin and first appearance The Flash, and other characters
What's It Worth?
This issue from 1940 is definitely one of the rare comic books that every collector wants.
Record sale: $450,000
Minimum value: $6,000
All-Flash Quarterly #1
Origin of The Flash retold
What's It Worth?
This is a pretty rare comic book from 1941. Even if your copy is beaten to heck, it's still got some value!
Record sale: $33,000
Minimum value (in really bad shape): $500
Showcase #4
First Silver-Age appearance of The Flash
What's It Worth?
Even in really poor condition, this is a KEY comic book and really great if you have happened to found one!
Record sale: $179,000
Minimum value: $2,000
Flash #105
First Silver-Age dedicated Flash comic, first Mirror Master
What's It Worth?
It's a rare comic book in top shape. But even beat-up copies have some value.
Record sale: $58,000
Minimum value: $350
Other Flash comics to look for:
Pretty much any Flash comic from the 1940s is worth good money, and those early issues are truly rare comic books.
Anything later must be in better shape to be truly valuable.
If you have found a pile of old Flash comics, we'll help you figure out what they are, and what they're worth.
Rare Green Lantern Comics
There are some really rare comic books featuring the Green Lantern.
This Golden Age character was rather obscure, like The Flash, until the movie of 2011, when he suddenly became popular with a new generation.
Here are the big ones to watch for.
All-American Comics #16
Origin and 1st appearance of the Green Lantern
What's It Worth?
This is one of the big rare comic books that is a dream if you find one! In top condition, the sky's the limit.
Record sale: $215,100
Minimum value: $7,500
All-American Comics #17
2nd appearance of the Golden Age Green Lantern
What's It Worth?
Nowhere near as much as #16,
but it's still a nice one to
find by chance...
Record sale: $20,300
Minimum value: $450
Green Lantern (volume 1) #1
Origin of the Green Lantern retold; dark cover is scarce in high grade
What's It Worth?
While not as knockout as All-American #16, the first dedicated Green Lantern comic
is very desirable.
Record sale: $44,800
Minimum value: $500
Showcase #22
1st Silver Age appearance of the Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
What's It Worth?
Hal Jordan is the continuity Green Lantern, so this Silver Age comic has rocketed in value!
Record sale: $105,000
Minimum value: $800
See our articles for more detail:
Golden Age Green Lantern Comics | Silver Age Green Lantern Comics
Rare Incredible Hulk Comics
Hulk SMASH! Yes, he's green, he's mean, and if you have one of these rare Hulk comics, you won't need to be 'mean with the green' any more.
Like the Fantastic Four, these Hulk comics are not really that rare, but you seldom see them in fine condition.
"Marvel chipping" (scoop-shaped bits of color loss at the edges) is common on these comics. See our article on Incredible Hulk comics for more detail on the value of these popular comics.
Incredible Hulk #1
Origin and 1st appearance The Incredible Hulk (with gray skin)
What's It Worth?
The majority of Hulk #1s coming to market are creased and chipped. If yours is in fine condition or better, then you're in the money!
Record sale: $375,000
Minimum value: $3,000
HOT BOOK ALERT!
Incredible Hulk #1 is on the Hot Comics 100
Incredible Hulk #2
First green-skinned Hulk
What's It Worth?
We've all known him as green, so you were probably surprised to discover that Hulk was gray in the first place! Want to discover its value? We can help.
Record sale: $47,000
Minimum value: $400
Incredible Hulk #181
Full 1st Appearance of Wolverine
What's It Worth?
Here's where supply and demand work their magic! Definitely NOT a rare comic book. There are thousands out there, but they're hot property. Worth money in any condition.
Record sale: $150,000
Minimum value: $200
Show us your copy. We'll assess its value free.
HOT BOOK ALERT!
Incredible Hulk #181 is on the Hot Comics 100
Other Hulk comics to look out for:
Pretty much any of issues #1 to #6 are highly sought-after. There is then a five-year gap, with Incredible Hulk #102 being the "next" issue in 1968.
Hulk appears in the last issues of Tales to Astonish. He also battles the Thing in Fantastic Four #112, the entire Fantastic Four team in Fantastic Four #12, and Spider-Man in Amazing Spider-Man #119 and Amazing Spider-Man #120.
Hulk even makes an appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #14, which is more famous for the first appearance of the Green Goblin.
There are many other Hulk appearances for collectors to seek out, but the ones pictured above are the only really rare comic books with Hulk.
Rare Iron Man Comics
Thanks to Robert Downey Jr. and the movie franchise, Iron Man has become one of the hottest comic characters. Just like Hulk, there are few really rare Iron Man comics, but the key is to get them in top condition.
Here are the ones to really look for. See our Iron Man comic books article for more details.
Tales of Suspense #39
Origin and 1st appearance, Iron Man
What's It Worth?
Often found with the pale olive green color faded out.
Record sale: $262,900
Minimum value: $650
Send us details if you have one
Iron Man #1
First Iron Man solo title
What's It Worth?
Relative peanuts compared to ToS #39. But it's still a great find in top shape.
Record sale: $26,400
Minimum value: $40
Iron Man #55
1st appearance of Thanos
What's It Worth?
A surprising amount! This 1973 book is only rare in NM condition.
Record sale: $9,000
Minimum value: $100
Other Iron Man comics:
There are lots of other Iron Man comics, and you should definitely have us appraise them if they are in REALLY nice shape (look like they have hardly been read).
Examples are: Tales of Suspense 40 - 41 - 48 - 50 - 52 - 57
Most are not rare comic books, but still collected.
Rare Justice League of America Comics
Justice League of America comics (click for main article) have peaked and then declined in value, as speculation and then profit taking around the JLA movie came and went.
Even if they're not rare comic books, they are collectible.
The key JLA comic books to find are:
- Brave and the Bold #28 (first appearance)
- Brave and the Bold #29 (second appearance)
- Brave and the Bold #30 (third appearance)
- Justice League of America #1 (first solo comic)
Brave and the Bold #28
First appearance of the JLA
Finally, this super-team has been promised a movie treatment.
Prices of this book (long under-valued) are rising fast.
Record sale: $122,000
Minimum value: $400
Justice League of America #1
First appearance in own comic
What's it Worth?
The second most valuable JLA book, rare in high grade.
Record sale: $215,100
Minimum value: $200
If you've found any of these great JLA comics, then have them appraised for free by Sell My Comic Books.
Rare Marvel Mystery Comics
Back in the Golden Age, Marvel Mystery Comics (click for full article) (initially called Marvel Comics) heralded the creation of the world's most famous comic book brand.
There are some REALLY rare comic books in this run!
Marvel Comics #1
Very rare early comic book
What's it Worth?
Only 26 unrestored examples of this book are known to exist. Recent 9.4 sale smashed the $1m barrier!
Record sale: $1,260,000
Minimum value: $19,000
Marvel Mystery Comics #2
Second in the series, renamed
What's it Worth?
Much less valuable than #1,
though it's actually rarer.
Record sale: $55,500
Minimum value: $800
Pretty much any issues of Marvel Mystery Comics have value. They are rare comic books in high grade, but in lower grades, are still worth decent money. Have yours appraised today.
Rare Phantom Lady Comic Books
The Phantom Lady Matt Baker comics (click for full article) are highly sought-after by collectors of so-called Good Girl Art. They are super-sexy and definitely seem 'edgy' even today!
The run was short, just 11 issues, many of them 'edgy', and all Phantom Lady issues are rare comic books and hotly collected.
If you've found any Phantom Lady comics, then you know what to do! Have yours appraised FREE today.
Rare Planet Comics
From the era of Pulps, Planet Comics emerged. With their campy sexy sci-fi covers featuring a lot of bare skin and bug-eyed monsters, these are highly sought-after and rare comic books.
The cover condition is more important than the interior. Issue #1 is the big one.
Planet Comics #1
The first cover is quite tame by later standards, but this is a truly rare comic.
What's it Worth?
Record sale: $108,600
Minimum value: $1,000
Planet Comics #2
The second in the series is definitely not as exciting a find as #1, but still cool.
Record sale: $40,200
Minimum value: $1,000
Planet Comics #26
Bondage / Bug-Eyed Monster cover
Record Sale: $2,800
Minimum Value: $200
Other Planet Comics: pretty much anything in the series with a great condition front cover will do well. Especially ones featuring attractive women in awkward alien encounters...
This is a very niche market, so don't expect the prices to match Superhero comics of the same era. Click for more on this series.
Rare Spider-man Comics
- Fact. Spider-Man is the world's most collected comic book hero.
- Fact. There are NO truly rare Spider-Man comics.
- Fact. This doesn't matter -- Amazing Spider-Man comic early issues and Amazing Fantasy #15 continue to rise and rise in value!
Here are the best comics to look for featuring the web-spinner.
Amazing Fantasy #15 (click for full article)
Origin and 1st appearance of Spider-Man
What's It Worth?
This is the most valuable Spider-Man comic. In any condition, it's a good one to find. Well done! Don't wait.
Record sale: $3,600,000
Minimum value (in really bad shape): $3,000
Have yours valued free
HOT BOOK ALERT!
AF15 is on the Hot Comics 100
Reprints exist. There is a Marvel Milestone Edition (silver border around the front cover) and a Collectible Series (black border around the cover).
Amazing Spider-Man #1
2nd appearance of Spider-Man
What's It Worth?
Much less than Amazing Fantasy #15, but still a great comic if you've found one!
Record sale: $262,900
Minimum value: $600
What's yours worth? Find out now for free!
Reprints exist.
Amazing Spider-Man #14 (1964)
First appearance The Green Goblin
What's It Worth?
Spider-Man's most famous foe drives up the price of this early issue.
Record sale: $210,000
Minimum value: $120
Find out how much yours is worth!
HOT BOOK ALERT!
Amazing Spider-Man #14 is on the Hot Comics 100
Amazing Spider-Man #129
First appearance The Punisher and The Jackal
What's It Worth?
This is one of the "key" bronze age (1970s) comic books. Though not in the least rare, demand drives the price. Tough to find in CGC 9.8.
Record sale: $43,200
Minimum value: $150
Find out how much yours might be worth!
HOT BOOK ALERT!
Amazing Spider-Man #129 is on the Hot Comics 100
Other Spider-Man comics worth looking for:
Pretty much any early issue of Amazing Spider-Man, from #1 to #150. This especially applies to #1 to #50. They sell no matter what the condition, though the nicer the shape, the better.
Amazing Spider-Man #121 (death of Gwen Stacey) and #122 (death of Green Goblin) are always popular books with collectors.
Also, Spider-Man annuals #1 to #5 are very collectible.
Rare Superman Comics
Superman may not be everybody's cup of tea, but you can't argue with history.
The world's most famous comic is Action Comics #1. It currently holds the world record for most expensive, at a shade over $3.2m. (See details above.)
Most copies are worth much less, but the good news is, if you have one of these truly rare comic books, then you're certainly sitting on a prized asset that any comic book collector would be envious of.
See our Superman comic books article for more details.
Superman #1
First in new dedicated Superman series
What's It Worth?
While not as spectacular as Action #1, Superman #1 is still a 'super' find if you come across one. Very rare in original, unrestored state.
Record sale: $5,800,000
Minimum value (in really bad shape): $25,000
Get your Superman #1 valued for free
NOTE: Reprints measuring 13 inches along the spine are common and are not valuable.
New York World's Fair Comic (1939 and 1940)
What's It Worth?
Very rare in great condition, these comics are both really tough for
collectors to add to their Superman run.
Remember, comics only cost 10c, right from the earliest days into the early 1960s.
The cover price of 15c must have been a shocker.
This is good news if you own copies of these rare comic books today.
Even in rough shape, they fetch good money.
Record sale for 1939: $25,300
Minimum value for 1939: $1,200
Record sale for 1940: $9,000
Minimum value for 1940: $200
Other Superman comics to look for:
All early Superman and Action Comics are worth money, no matter what their condition. In better shape, unrestored, you are likely to get serious cash for your find.
Action Comics #1 through #200, Action Comics #242 (first appearance of Brainiac), and Action Comics #252 (first Supergirl comic).
Superman #1 through #100, #123, #199, and annuals #1 to #4.
Read more about collectible Superman comics here and our Action Comics price guide here.
Rare Journey into Mystery and Thor Comics
There really are not too many truly rare Thor comic books.
However, the interest in the character ramped up by the Avengers movies has made the early appearances of Thor very hot property.
See our Thor comic books article and Journey into Mystery comic price guide for more.
Journey Into Mystery #83
Origin and first appearance of Thor
What's It Worth?
This is not a really rare comic book. However, it is rare, and very valuable, in truly high grade (8.0 or nicer).
Record sale: $319,800
Minimum value: $1,000
We'll appraise your JIM #83 for free
Journey Into Mystery #84
Second appearance of Thor
What's It Worth?
Again, a really beaten up copy of this comic is not going to command big bucks, but it's a nice find in top condition.
Record sale: $35,850
Minimum value: $150
Journey into Mystery #85
First appearance of Loki
What's It Worth?
The arch-villain of the Avengers universe made his first appearance in this comic, which is rare in high grade.
Record Sale: $53,300
Minimum Value: $100
Avengers #1
First appearance of The Avengers
(Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Ant-Man, Wasp)
What's It Worth?
Another hot, hot comic, worth money in any shape. The appeal comes from so many major characters in one team. Hulk, Ant-Man, Thor, Cap...
Record sale: $369,000
Minimum value (in really bad shape): $300
Avengers #4
Captain America is revived and
joins the Avengers
What's It Worth?
Not a rare comic book as such, but
hard to find in top condition, and
sought-after.
Welcome back, Cap!
Record sale: $143,400
Minimum value: $100
Other Thor comic books worth looking for:
This is a very popular character, and any comics in really fine shape will find an appreciative home with collectors.
Journey Into Mystery #85 through #120
Avengers #1 through #20, #57
See our full Thor comic books article for more about this character.
Rare Wonder Woman Comics
The principal difference between Marvel and DC comics is that DC have characters who have appeared in unbroken runs since the Golden Age (1930s-50s).
Wonder Woman is one of them, and as you'd imagine, some of the early issues are among the most rare comic books.
All-Star Comics #8
Origin and first appearance of
Wonder Woman
What's It Worth?
Any true collector of Wonder Woman comics would want a copy of
All-Star #8. It's the crown jewels of WW.
Record sale: $936,200
Minimum value: $6,000
Sensation Comics #1
Origin of Wonder Woman continues from All-Star #8. 1st Wonder Woman cover appearance
What's It Worth?
Another great comic to find, as collectors will want a complete set of WW comics.
Record sale: $399,000
Minimum value: $5,000
This is a 'sensational' find! Get yours appraised
Oversize reprint exists measuring 13".
Wonder Woman #1
More detailed origin story retold
What's It Worth?
A collector who can't afford the first two rarities will still want a copy of Wonder Woman #1 in their collection.
Record sale: $291,000
Minimum value: $2,500
Have your Wonder Woman #1 appraised for free by Sell My Comic Books
Other rare Wonder Woman comics:
Any of the early issues of Sensation Comics featuring the lasso-toting lass are worth money, especially in nicer condition.
All-Star Comics #11 sees Wonder Woman return, and she appears in several issues. All are collectible.
Wonder Woman comic issues #1 through #107, though in bad shape they are worth just a few bucks each. Fine condition is worth much more.
See our Wonder Woman comics article here.
Rare (Uncanny) X-Men Comics
Again, there are no truly rare X-Men comics (click for full article), but condition is vital.
With the exception of a few issues, which have value no matter what their shape, when you get into late 1960s and even 1970s comics, only top condition examples are worth big bucks.
(Uncanny) X-Men #1
Origin and first appearance of the X-Men
What's It Worth?
One of the few X-Men comics that is worth decent money in poor shape.
It's a must-have for collectors.
The white cover is seldom found clean.
Record sale: $807,300
Minimum value (in really bad shape): $800
X-Men #4
1st Appearance of the Brotherhood
of Evil Mutants, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver
What's it Worth?
One of the hotter books from the
Silver Age X-men run, this has
doubled in value in most grades lately.
Record sale: $26,300
Minimum value: $100
X-Men #12
1st Appearance of Juggernaut
What's it Worth?
One of the more challenging X-Men comics to find in very high grade, and heating up in price.
Record sale: $43,700
Minimum value: $100
Giant-Size X-Men #1
First appearance new X-Men, second appearance Wolverine
What's It Worth?
Another comic that you really want to find in top condition. "Key" 1970s comics are in high demand, but there are plenty around.
Record sale: $38,400
Minimum value: $100
Uncanny X-Men #94
Origin and first appearance of the new X-Men team
What's It Worth?
You'll need to find one in near mint
condition before you get very excited.
Another must-have for X-Men fans.
Record sale: $63,000
Minimum value: $100
Are there any other rare comic books featuring the X-Men?
None really, but the most exciting find is a "run" of 1960s to 1970s comics. Some Wolverine comics are worth serious money too.
If you have an old collection featuring plenty of the earlier issues of X-Men, say from #1 through #40, then you have a nice, valuable asset there. If they're in great shape, all the better.
The early X-Men Specials or Annuals are a nice find too, but only worth big money in near mint condition.
Have Questions About Rare Comic Books?
If you have found any of these rare comic books, or have others you want us to look at for you, then please contact Sell My Comic Books. We'll be happy to help.
More of our Comic Price Guides
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Rare Timely Comics
Learn the value of rare comic books published by Timely, the forerunner to Marvel.
Rare DC Comic Books
Find out values of the rarest DC comics, including Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, the Flash.
Rare Marvel Comics
Discover the values of the rarest key issues of characters like the Hulk, Fantastic Four, Avengers, and Dr. Strange.
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