Superman Comic Book Prices
Value of Superman Comics
Superman comic book prices are among the highest in the history of the industry, with a first issue of Action Comics being the most expensive comic ever sold. More than any other character, Superman helped to popularize the superhero genre and set the tone for comic books for decades to come. In addition to his influence on the printed page, Superman has also enjoyed success in other mediums, including video games, television, movies, cartoon strips, radio programs, and countless merchandise appearances. It’s not even that unusual to see someone, including basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, sporting a Superman tattoo on their arm or other piece of anatomy.
In addition to titles like Action Comics and Superman, the Man of Steel has also appeared in a staggering number of comic books ranging from the Justice League of America to those focusing on supporting characters such as Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.
This article will cover some of the more notable Superman comic book prices, as well as give you a few suggestions on how to start building your collection. If you want to make some serious long-term money with comics, investing in Superman is a wise move.
Golden Age Superman Comics
Action Comics #1 was published in 1938, and Superman made his first appearance thanks to his creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The title was a major success, and Superman would receive his own self-titled series the following year. Golden Age Superman comics still remain the most valuable issue for collectors. Just take a look at what various issues of Action Comics #1 have sold for over the years:
- An 8.5 graded edition sold for $1,500,000 in 2010. As of this writing, it’s the most expensive comic book ever.
- In 2010, an 8.0 issue sold for an even $1,000,000.
- A 6.5 issue sold for $625,000 in 2011.
- An issue graded 5.0 sold for $436,000 in 2010.
- In 2011, a 4.5 graded issue sold for $345,000.
- A graded 6.0 issue sold for $317,200 in 2009.
- A weathered issue graded at 3.0 still sold for a generous $300,000 in 2010.
As you can see, Golden Age Superman comics are a gold mine, especially when you’re talking about the first issue of Action Comics.
World’s Finest Comics would appear in 1941, and each issue would feature Superman and Batman teaming up for an adventure. This series enjoyed an impressive 45-year run from 1941 until 1986. I didn’t see any first issues of World’s Finest on eBay, but they had a number of World’s Finest Comics #2 ranging in price from $1,599 to $850.
In addition to his own title, Superman also appeared in All Star Comics to interact with the Justice Society of America (#7 being his first appearance). 1945 saw Superboy debut in the pages of More Fun Comics #101. In 1954, perennial Superman sidekick Jimmy Olson even got his own title with Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson (which featured work from Jack Kirby and introduced characters such as Darkseid and the New Gods). One copy of More Fun Comics #101 was listed on eBay for $4,250 (graded at 7.0), and a 7.5 graded edition of All Star Comics #7 was available for $1,699.
Silver Age Superman Comics
The Silver Age of comics is considered to have lasted from 1956 until 1970, and it was during this time that the Superman of Earth-Two (Kal-L) was introduced in the pages of Justice League of America #73. This allowed the company to explain how Superman had existed through the decades and been a member of both the Justice Society of America and the Justice League of America. Copies of this issue were found on eBay for $52.95 and $44.99.
Prior to the events in the crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths, Superman (and Superboy) appeared in the pages of Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes; Supergirl; The New Adventures of Superboy; Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane; Adventure Comics; DC Comics Presents; and many other titles.
Modern Age Superman Comics
Following the events of the Crisis on Infinite Earths (including the death of Supergirl), the Superman franchise got an overhaul. There are two works that best exemplify this, and series collectors are urged to purchase both.
The first was “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow,” and it took place in Superman #423 and Action Comics #583. Written by Alan Moore, penciled by Curt Swan, and inked by George Perez, it was meant as a farewell to the Silver Age Superman. Swan, by the way, was the creative force most associated with Superman from the 1950s to the 1980s, and this would be his last major work on the franchise. A 9.8 graded copy of Superman #423 was on eBay selling for $100.
Soon after this story was complete, John Byrne took the reigns of the Superman franchise and overhauled the character in the pages of The Man of Steel, a six-issue limited series that rebooted the character and gave him a new origin. The backgrounds of numerous supporting characters were also altered, and Byrne would deliver this same treatment to other superhero titles over the decades. I found one lot on eBay that was selling all six issues for only $18.50, which just proves that older Superman issues are the way to go for serious collectors.
Of the Modern Age Superman comics, another story arc that shocked readers and gained massive levels of mainstream attention was “The Death of Superman,” a storyline that took a whole year to complete and saw Superman die at the hands of the monstrous Doomsday and later to return to life after a number of difficulties. Superman (vol.2) #75 is the most famous of these titles, as it depicts Superman and Doomsday both dying from their wounds after a heated battle across the planet. In a move that reduced numerous readers to tears, Superman expired in the arms of longtime love Lois Lane.
Since his distinctive logo is recognized around the globe, it’s little wonder that Superman comic book prices outstrip all competitors. This will only become more evident in the future, as titles from the 1930s and 1940s will eventually be worth several million dollars. The Man of Steel’s opponents have found that he’s almost impossible to keep down in a fight, and the same goes for the books that feature him.