Market Report JAN 2025: A deep dive into comic sales
The comic book market is constantly shifting, but the January 2025 sales report—powered by GPAnalysis—isn’t just about the eye-popping numbers—it’s a peek into the heartbeat of the collecting world. Sure, we all love seeing a book like Action Comics #1 make headlines with massive sales, but the real story lies beneath the blockbuster figures.
Look closer; you’ll see a market shaped by more than just superhero nostalgia. Rarity, condition, and historical relevance drive value, but subtle trends emerge. Silver Age books with strong cover appeal are holding steady, while high-grade Copper and Modern Age books are making surprising leaps—especially key issues tied to upcoming film and TV projects. CGC grading plays a major role, with collectors willing to pay significant premiums for top-tier slabs.
Rarity, condition, and historical significance still rule, but savvy collectors know it’s not just about what’s hot now but what’s next.
Total Sales by Era (Monthly Top 20 Groups)
Vintage titans: The Platinum/Golden era
At the forefront of the report, the Platinum/Golden category is dominated by legends. Action Comics (1938) #1, selling for a staggering $384,000, representing a foundational piece of comic history that continues to fuel collector passion. Beyond this marquee title, other vintage gems such as Suspense Comics and Detective Comics demonstrate that the allure of early comic book history isn’t solely about the highest price tags. Instead, collectors value these issues for their pioneering art, storytelling, and the tangible link they provide to the medium’s formative years. Even when grades such as 6.5 or 8.0 are seen, these issues maintain their appeal, underscoring that historical significance can often outweigh perfect condition in the vintage market.
TOP 20 Platinum/Golden (monthly)
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Comic Title |
Issue |
Grade |
Publisher |
Notes |
Price |
Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Action Comics (1938) |
No.1 |
6.5 A4 |
DC Comics |
$384,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Suspense Comics (1943-1946) |
No.3 |
4.0 |
Continenta... |
$156,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Detective Comics (1937) |
No.38 |
8.0 |
National P... |
$132,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
More Fun Comics (1936-1947) |
No.52 |
6.5 |
National P... |
$108,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Action Comics (1938) |
No.7 |
6.0 C |
DC Comics |
$75,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Captain America Comics (1941-1954) |
No.1 |
8.0 A2 |
Timely/Mar... |
JSA Authentic: Jack Kirby Authenticated Autograph / Trimmed |
$72,000 |
Jan 2025 |
Batman (1940) |
No.1 |
1.5 |
National P... |
$72,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
More Fun Comics (1936-1947) |
No.73 |
5.0 |
National P... |
$66,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Batman (1940) |
No.1 |
1.0 |
National P... |
$63,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Black Cat Mystery Comics (1951-1963) |
No.50 |
9.4 |
Harvey Pub... |
File Copy |
$55,200 |
Jan 2025 |
All-Star Comics (1940-1978) |
No.8 |
5.5 |
National P... |
$55,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Sensation Comics (1942-1952) |
No.1 |
5.5 |
National P... |
$46,800 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Wonder Woman (1942-1986) |
No.1 |
6.0 |
National P... |
$40,800 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Startling Comics (1940-1948) |
No.49 |
9.0 |
Better Pub... |
$40,800 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Suspense Comics (1943-1946) |
No.1 |
8.5 |
Continenta... |
Crowley Copy |
$34,800 |
Jan 2025 |
Detective Comics (1937) |
No.39 |
8.5 |
National P... |
$33,600 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Crime SuspenStories (1950-1955) |
No.22 |
8.5 |
E.C. Comics |
Gaines File Copy |
$31,200 |
Jan 2025 |
More Fun Comics (1936-1947) |
No.53 |
8.5 |
National P... |
$31,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Weird Tales (1923-1954) |
No.118 |
7.5 |
Popular/Sh... |
$31,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
More Fun Comics (1936-1947) |
No.55 |
7.0 |
National P... |
$30,000 |
Jan 2025 |
Silver Age spotlight: Iconic Marvel and DC titles
Transitioning into the Silver Age, the report highlights titles that redefined superhero narratives. Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy #15 and Fantastic Four #48 reached sale prices of $69,000, reflecting the era’s impact on modern storytelling. What stands out here isn’t just the monetary value, but also the attributes that drive demand—special attributes like variant covers and authenticated signatures. Collectors are drawn to editions that carry a “signature series” distinction or come with the autograph of a legendary creator like Stan Lee, lending an extra layer of provenance and rarity. This dynamic blend of quality, historical context, and collectible features continues to push Silver Age comics to the forefront of the market.
TOP 20 Silver (monthly)
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Comic Title |
Issue |
Grade |
Publisher |
Notes |
Price |
Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amazing Fantasy (1962-1996) |
No.15 |
6.0 |
Marvel Comics |
$69,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Fantastic Four (1961) |
No.48 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
Sgnt series / Signed by Stan Lee |
$69,000 |
Jan 2025 |
Action Comics (1938) |
No.252 |
9.0 |
DC Comics |
$48,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.1 |
8.0 |
Marvel Comics |
$45,600 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Daredevil (1964-1998) |
No.1 |
9.4 |
Marvel Comics |
$43,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Silver Surfer, The (1968-1982) |
No.4 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$42,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Journey Into Mystery (1952-1998) |
No.83 |
8.0 |
Atlas/Marv... |
$38,400 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Amazing Fantasy (1962-1996) |
No.15 |
4.5 |
Marvel Comics |
$38,400 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Incredible Hulk, The (1962-1999) |
No.1 |
5.0 |
Marvel Comics |
Sgnt series / Signed by Stan Lee |
$31,400 |
Jan 2025 |
Amazing Fantasy (1962-1996) |
No.15 |
4.5 |
Marvel Comics |
$31,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.1 |
7.5 |
Marvel Comics |
$30,068 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Green Lantern (1960-1988) |
No.59 |
9.8 |
National P... |
$30,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.20 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$28,800 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Showcase (1956-1978) |
No.4 |
6.0 |
National P... |
$27,600 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Tales of Suspense (1959-1968) |
No.39 |
6.5 |
Atlas/Marv... |
Sgnt series / Signed by Lee / Colan |
$24,000 |
Jan 2025 |
Showcase (1956-1978) |
No.4 |
5.0 |
National P... |
$21,600 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Tales of Suspense (1959-1968) |
No.39 |
7.5 |
Atlas/Marv... |
$20,600 |
Jan 2025 |
|
X-Men, The (1963-1981) |
No.1 |
7.0 |
Marvel Comics |
$20,533 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Fantastic Four (1961) |
No.1 |
5.0 |
Marvel Comics |
$20,400 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Fantastic Four (1961) |
No.1 |
5.0 |
Marvel Comics |
UK Price Variant |
$19,200 |
Jan 2025 |
Bronze era brilliance: A testament to transformation
The Bronze Age marks a transformative period in comic book history, and the sales data mirrors this evolution. In this category, titles such as Hero For Hire #1 and multiple high-graded X-Men issues illustrate a market that values both the narrative shift and the aesthetic evolution of comics during this period. Despite the high-grade scores—often at 9.8—the price range in Bronze comics is more moderate, from nearly $50,000 to figures below $10,000. This pricing diversity indicates a healthy market with broad appeal: while some collectors seek the top-tier issues that represent cultural milestones, others are investing in titles that capture the era’s innovative spirit and stylistic experimentation.
TOP 20 Bronze (monthly)
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Comic Title |
Issue |
Grade |
Publisher |
Notes |
Price |
Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hero For Hire (1972-1973) |
No.1 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$49,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
X-Men, The (1963-1981) |
No.94 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$40,800 |
Jan 2025 |
|
X-Men, The (1963-1981) |
No.94 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$38,400 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Batman (1940) |
No.251 |
9.8 |
National P... |
$26,400 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.129 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$19,800 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.101 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$19,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Tomb of Dracula (1972-1979) |
No.10 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$18,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Tomb of Dracula (1972-1979) |
No.10 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$16,800 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Giant-Size X-Men (1975) |
No.1 |
9.6 |
Marvel Comics |
$15,600 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Marvel Spotlight (1971-1981) |
No.5 |
9.4 |
Marvel Comics |
$12,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Green Lantern (1960-1988) |
No.76 |
9.6 |
National P... |
$11,400 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Green Lantern (1960-1988) |
No.87 |
9.8 |
National P... |
$10,800 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Marvel Spotlight (1971-1981) |
No.5 |
9.4 |
Marvel Comics |
Sgnt series / Don Rosa Collection / Signed by Stan Lee |
$10,600 |
Jan 2025 |
Giant-Size X-Men (1975) |
No.1 |
9.6 |
Marvel Comics |
$10,500 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Incredible Hulk, The (1962-1999) |
No.181 |
9.4 |
Marvel Comics |
$10,434 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Ghost Rider (1973-1983) |
No.1 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$10,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Weird War Tales (1971-1983) |
No.1 |
9.8 |
National P... |
$9,600 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Marvel Feature (1971-1973) |
No.1 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
$9,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Batman (1940) |
No.232 |
9.8 |
National P... |
$9,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Incredible Hulk, The (1962-1999) |
No.181 |
9.2 |
Marvel Comics |
$8,650 |
Jan 2025 |
Modern market dynamics: Accessibility and niche appeal
Modern comics, defined by their relative recency, present a fascinating contrast. Although high grades are still achievable—witness the perfect 10.0 on Batman: The Cult #1—the top sale prices in the Modern category tend to be lower. This disparity underscores a key market dynamic: modern comics are more accessible and often produced in larger quantities, which can dilute scarcity compared to vintage counterparts. However, the contemporary market isn’t without its charms. Variant covers, limited print runs, and signature editions inject excitement into modern releases, appealing to a new generation of collectors and ensuring that even modest price points can be the site of passionate competition among enthusiasts.
TOP 20 Modern (monthly)
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Comic Title |
Issue |
Grade |
Publisher |
Notes |
Price |
Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.238 |
9.9 |
Marvel Comics |
$31,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.667 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
Dell'Otto Variant Cover |
$28,800 |
Jan 2025 |
New Mutants, The (1983-1991) |
No.98 |
9.9 |
Marvel Comics |
$24,000 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1984-1993) |
No.1 |
8.0 |
Mirage Publ |
Signed / Remarked Eastman / Laird |
$14,950 |
Jan 2025 |
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.667 |
9.6 |
Marvel Comics |
Dell'Otto Variant Cover |
$14,400 |
Jan 2025 |
Gobbledygook (1984) |
No.1 |
5.5 |
Mirage Stu... |
$13,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1984-1993) |
No.1 |
7.5 |
Mirage Publ |
$10,200 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Wolverine (1988) |
No.145 |
9.8 Q |
Marvel Comics |
Foil Edition |
$8,988 |
Jan 2025 |
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1984-1993) |
No.1 |
6.5 |
Mirage Publ |
$8,900 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Amazing Spider-Man (2014) |
No.1 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
Sgnt series / Sketch Edition / Signed / Remarked Stan Lee |
$6,900 |
Jan 2025 |
Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963) |
No.300 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
Sgnt series / Signed by Lee / McFarlane |
$6,295 |
Jan 2025 |
Legends of the Dark Knight (2019) |
No.41 |
9.8 |
DC Comics |
Sgnt series / Special Edition / Signed by Jim Lee |
$6,000 |
Jan 2025 |
Sandman (1989-1996) |
No.8 |
9.8 |
DC Comics |
Editorial Variant |
$6,000 |
Jan 2025 |
Spider-Man (1990-1998) |
No.1 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
Sgnt series / Platinum Edition / Signed by Todd McFarlane |
$6,000 |
Jan 2025 |
Despicable Deadpool (2017) |
No.287 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
Sgnt series / Sketch Edition / Signed & "I only have 12 bullets - you'll have to share!" by Stan Lee |
$5,900 |
Jan 2025 |
Malibu Sun |
No.13 |
9.2 |
Malibu Comics |
Sgnt series / Error Edition / Signed by Todd McFarlane |
$5,760 |
Jan 2025 |
Avengers (2013-2015) |
No.1 |
9.8 |
Marvel Comics |
Sgnt series / Sketch Edition / Signed and "Superheroes in New York? Give me a break!" by Stan Lee |
$5,200 |
Jan 2025 |
Batman: The Cult (1988) |
No.1 |
10.0 |
DC Comics |
Sgnt series / Signed by Wrightson / Starlin |
$5,160 |
Jan 2025 |
Teaching with Calvin and Hobbes (1993) |
nn |
9.8 |
Playground... |
$5,040 |
Jan 2025 |
|
Batman (1940) |
No.608 |
9.8 |
National P... |
City of Burbank Special Edition |
$5,000 |
Jan 2025 |
Beyond the numbers: Grading, signatures, and market trends
A deeper look into the report reveals that grading and unique attributes drive value across all eras. High grades—often approaching 9.8 and above—are a common denominator in high-value sales, reflecting collectors’ preference for issues that have retained their original appeal over time. Additionally, including signature series editions and variant covers enhances the rarity and narrative behind a comic, transforming each sale into a story.
This layered approach to valuation demonstrates that the market is not solely about historical legacy or condition but also the story behind each issue. Whether it’s the mystique of a century-old comic or the innovative flair of a modern variant, collectors increasingly consider these pieces multifaceted investments that combine art, history, and cultural significance.
The January 2025 comic sales report is more than a ledger of top sale prices—it is a window into the soul of a market where history, artistry, and passion converge. As the market evolves, this report encourages enthusiasts to look beyond the headlines and appreciate the diverse factors that make each comic a treasured cultural heritage.
