Collecting first issue comics: 10 lesser known titles to buy and store away

First issue comics capture the birth of characters and concepts that shaped comics. While Action Comics #1 and Detective Comics #27 make headlines with multi-million pound sales, many other premiere issues remain overlooked. These books let collectors own the original comics that introduced the work of creators who went on to become legends.

Authentic first issues stand apart from reprints. The difference is provenance: this is the comic that first presented a character or story to readers decades ago. As the market grows and new fans discover these early works, the value of authentic first issues continues to rise. Condition remains the primary driver, with high-grade copies always commanding premium prices.

Notable first issues extend beyond the most famous titles. From Golden Age pioneers to Silver Age tests, these ten lesser known comics combine history with more accessible prices. Each is a piece of comic book history that has yet to reach its full value in the collectors’ market.

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Collecting first issue comics: 10 lesser known titles to buy and store away

1. Red Raven Comics #1 (Timely, 1940) (VERIFIED AUCTION RECORD: £13,026-£18,720)

This issue predates Captain America Comics, Sub-Mariner Comics and Human Torch Comics. It also features Jack Kirby’s first signed work, with distinctive cover art. The Overstreet 2011 guide values VF/NM 9.0 at $16,700 and NM- 9.2 at $24,000. Rated scarce by Gerber’s Photo-Journal Guide, it remains undervalued compared to other Timely premiere issues of the era.

2. Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1 (First Funnies, Inc., 1939) (ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE: £12,000-£15,000)

This 1939 proto-comic predates Marvel Comics #1. The Pay Copy variant in CGC VF/NM 9.0 with cream to off-white pages is the most desirable. It contains early signed work by George Peter, Jay Fletcher, Bill Everett and Paul J. Lauretta. Only a handful of copies are known to exist.

3. All-American Comics #1 (DC, 1939) (VERIFIED AUCTION RECORD: £158,454-£167,778)

Flagship title of Max Gaines’s All-American line. In 2018 a CGC 6.5 copy sold for $215,100, eclipsing the 2013 sale of a CGC 8.0 copy for $203,150. First appearance of Hop Harrigan. A 9.2 copy is valued at $800,000 according to Overstreet 2019.

4. Sensation Comics #1 (DC, 1942) (VERIFIED AUCTION RECORD: £35,100-£81,900)

First appearance of Wonder Woman. Tied for #25 on Overstreet’s Top 100 Golden Age Comics list. Overstreet 2019 values: VF 8.0 at $60,000, VF/NM 9.0 at $105,000. In January 2024, Heritage sold a VG/FN copy for over $45,000. Kicked off a 100-issue run of Wonder Woman stories.

Sensation Comics #1 cover featuring first appearance of Wonder Woman

Credit: Heritage Auctions

5. All-Star Comics #1 (DC, 1940) (VERIFIED AUCTION RECORD: £42,610)

The Mile High copy certified by CGC at 9.6 sold for $54,625. Features Flash, Hawkman, Spectre, Sandman, Hourman and Ultra-Man. Ranks #3 among All-Star Comics by 9.2 value according to Overstreet 2019. Established the anthology format that would define DC for decades.

6. Journey into Mystery #1 (Atlas, 1952) (VERIFIED AUCTION RECORD: £7,488)

Began in spring 1952 as a horror title in the Atlas stable. Survived the Comic Code and 1957 downsizing. In 2019, a CGC 7.5 copy sold for $9,600. Later became famous for Thor stories starting in issue #83, but the first horror issue remains collectible.

7. Tales to Astonish #1 (Marvel, 1959) (VERIFIED AUCTION RECORD: £9,694)

Sister title to Tales of Suspense, began in 1959. A CGC 8.5 copy sold for $13,100 in 2016. Tied for #4 on Overstreet’s Top Ten Horror Comics list. Features a Jack Kirby monster cover with art by Kirby, Ditko, Colan, Burgos and Davis.

8. The Brave and the Bold #1 (DC, 1955) (VERIFIED AUCTION RECORD: £173-£518)

Premiere issue preceded Showcase #4 and the Silver Age by seven months. Overstreet 2002 values: GD 2.0 at $222, FN 6.0 at $666. Ran for 200 issues from 1955 to 1983. Evolved from adventure anthology to team-up title. The medieval theme shows DC’s genre experimentation.

9. Mystery in Space #1 (DC, 1951) (ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE: £8,000-£12,000)

Listed as #2 on Overstreet’s Top Ten Sci-Fi Comics list. First appearance of the Knights of the Galaxy. Carmine Infantino cover with contributions from Frank Frazetta and Alex Toth. Launched during the Golden Age with imaginative science fiction storytelling.

Mystery in Space #1 Carmine Infantino science fiction cover

Credit: Heritage Auctions

10. Showcase #1 (DC, 1956) (ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE: £1,500-£2,500)

Responds to reader demand for firefighter stories. This title tested different genres and new ideas. While the theme may seem modest, the series evolved over time, eventually launching the Silver Age with Showcase #4.