Just as the heroes of comics have taken to the skies and inspired millions, so too have the prices of some of the most celebrated stories. With well over a century of history behind it, the American comic market has had plenty of time to deliver memorable, and expensive, milestones. Here are some of the most valuable comics that still have a place as the crown jewels of any collection. 

The Top 5 Most Valuable Comics

1. Action Comics #1

Even a cursory knowledge of comics likely includes Action Comics #1. It's the ultimate collectible comic for a reason: The 1938 issue marks the first appearance of Superman. Multiple copies have sold for over a million dollars in the past, and according to CBR.com, a high-quality, 9.0-rated copy went for over three million in 2014.  

2. Detective Comics #27

While the first issue of Detective Comics is no slouch, issue 27 is where history was truly made. This issue features the first appearance of Batman, and it would probably break a few more records if anyone was actually willing to part with a near-mint copy. As it stands, you can expect this 1939 comic to fetch at least a million dollars. 

3. Amazing Fantasy #15

As you might have noticed, first appearances are a huge deal. Any time you have an iconic character stepping onto the stage for the first time, you can expect said issue to be highly coveted. That's why 1962's Amazing Fantasy #15—which includes the first appearance of Spider-Man—is another comic that can easily fetch a cool million in the right condition. 

4. Tales of Suspense #39 

A comic’s value isn’t just about how old it is; it's about the cultural cache of a particular character. Iron Man wasn't always the ticket-seller he is today, but Marvel's movies have made him a headliner. Thus, his first appearance in 1959's Tales of Suspense #39 can fetch quite the price in the modern market.

5. X-Men #1 

Many of these valuable issues are centered on individual heroes, which is one of the reasons X-Men #1 is so special. Professor X and his team of Mutants stormed the scene in 1963, and a highly-rated copy can net the seller upwards of $500,000.  

The comic collecting market can be unpredictable at times, but these are a few examples of true collector's items that have all weathered the test of time extremely well. The tumultuous nature of the industry is part of the excitement, though, so keep an eye on today's comics in search of tomorrow's high-priced legends. 

For newcomers and longtime fans alike, the best comic shop in Indianapolis, IN, is Comics Elite. Not only can you buy comics, but you can also get them professionally graded to ensure the most accurate value. They also offer an awesome comic subscription service, so visit them online for a look at the hottest new books, follow them on Facebook, and give them a call at (317) 755-2533.