Comic Book Collecting 101
Victorian Era (1700s-1800s)
In the 18th and 19th centuries, magazines and smaller-sized publications featured simple gags, single-page cartoons, and stories with humorous pictures. These early publications were often made from rag cotton paper, although the 1870s saw a switch to pulp paper to reduce costs. You may recognize the most iconic character from this era: the Yellow Kid.
Richard F. Outcault — known for creating Buster Brown in 1902 — debuted the Yellow Kid as a minor character in the strip Feudal Pride in Hogan’s Alley in 1894 in Truth Magazine. This character came back in his Hogan’s Alley strip that ran in Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World and later the New York Journal from 1895 to 1898.
Victorian Era (1700s-1800s)
In the 18th and 19th centuries, magazines and smaller-sized publications featured simple gags, single-page cartoons, and stories with humorous pictures. These early publications were often made from rag cotton paper, although the 1870s saw a switch to pulp paper to reduce costs. You may recognize the most iconic character from this era: the Yellow Kid.
Richard F. Outcault — known for creating Buster Brown in 1902 — debuted the Yellow Kid as a minor character in the strip Feudal Pride in Hogan’s Alley in 1894 in Truth Magazine. This character came back in his Hogan’s Alley strip that ran in Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World and later the New York Journal from 1895 to 1898.
Platinum Age (1901-1937)
During this time, comic books were compilations of Sunday and daily newspaper strip reprints and came in various sizes and thicknesses. In 1933, Eastern Color Printing released Funnies on Parade, a saddle-stitched comic book-sized publication that was sent as a promotional item. Later that same year, Dell Publishing released a 36-page one-shot Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics, which many consider to be the first true American comic book.
Due to the popularity of Famous Funnies and comic strip reprintings, Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson founded National Allied Publications in 1935. Soon after, NAP released New Fun, the first comic book with brand new material, rather than reprints. The company released many titles including More Fun Comics, New Comics, and New Adventure Comics. Plagued by financial troubles, Wheeler-Nicholson partnered with printer Harry Donenfeld and Jack Liebowitz to create Detective Comics under Detective Comics, Inc., which was the precursor for what we know today as DC Comics.
Platinum Age (1901-1937)
During this time, comic books were compilations of Sunday and daily newspaper strip reprints and came in various sizes and thicknesses. In 1933, Eastern Color Printing released Funnies on Parade, a saddle-stitched comic book-sized publication that was sent as a promotional item. Later that same year, Dell Publishing released a 36-page one-shot Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics, which many consider to be the first true American comic book.
Due to the popularity of Famous Funnies and comic strip reprintings, Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson founded National Allied Publications in 1935. Soon after, NAP released New Fun, the first comic book with brand new material, rather than reprints. The company released many titles including More Fun Comics, New Comics, and New Adventure Comics. Plagued by financial troubles, Wheeler-Nicholson partnered with printer Harry Donenfeld and Jack Liebowitz to create Detective Comics under Detective Comics, Inc., which was the precursor for what we know today as DC Comics.
Golden Age (1938-August 1956)
Come the Golden Age in 1938, Detective Comics, Inc. absorbed National Allied Publications and debuted Superman in Action Comics #1, an anthology that introduced the superhero genre. Superman’s popularity paved the way for Batman, who appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939.
Due to the popularity of comic books and superheroes, publisher Martin Goodman saw an opportunity and founded Timely Publications. Their first issue Marvel Comics #1 opened the floodgates for more and more titles. One of those was Captain America #1 — released in the midst of World War II — which showed the titular character punching Adolf Hitler. Fighting the evil of the Axis powers became a theme across many comic books, including the debut of Wonder Woman, who first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in 1941 and later got her first feature in Sensation Comics #1 in January 1942.
Another comic publisher, Fawcett Publications, launched in 1940 with Whiz Comics which introduced a hero called Captain Marvel (not that one). This Captain Marvel became increasingly popular and even began outselling DC’s Superman books, and then in 1941 DC sued Fawcett for violating intellectual property rights. 12 years and $400,000 in damages later, Fawcett was required to cease publication. Amidst all of this, Marvel trademarked Captain Marvel after Fawcett folded, and DC later bought the rights to their publications and changed that Captain Marvel to Shazam.
Golden Age (1938-August 1956)
Come the Golden Age in 1938, Detective Comics, Inc. absorbed National Allied Publications and debuted Superman in Action Comics #1, an anthology that introduced the superhero genre. Superman’s popularity paved the way for Batman, who appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939.
Due to the popularity of comic books and superheroes, publisher Martin Goodman saw an opportunity and founded Timely Publications. Their first issue Marvel Comics #1 opened the floodgates for more and more titles. One of those was Captain America #1 — released in the midst of World War II — which showed the titular character punching Adolf Hitler. Fighting the evil of the Axis powers became a theme across many comic books, including the debut of Wonder Woman, who first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in 1941 and later got her first feature in Sensation Comics #1 in January 1942.
Another comic publisher, Fawcett Publications, launched in 1940 with Whiz Comics which introduced a hero called Captain Marvel (not that one). This Captain Marvel became increasingly popular and even began outselling DC’s Superman books, and then in 1941 DC sued Fawcett for violating intellectual property rights. 12 years and $400,000 in damages later, Fawcett was required to cease publication. Amidst all of this, Marvel trademarked Captain Marvel after Fawcett folded, and DC later bought the rights to their publications and changed that Captain Marvel to Shazam.
Silver Age (September 1956-1970)
Ushering in the Silver Age was DC’s 1956 release of Showcase #4, featuring a reboot of the Flash—otherwise known as Barry Allen. This Flash was a key part of the DC’s superhero team, the Justice League of America. In 1958, DC introduced the Justice League — a revival of their 1941 Justice Society of America — with Superman, Batman, Aquaman, the Flash, Green Lantern, the Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman. Later, the Justice League expanded to include the Green Arrow, Aquaman, The Atom, Hawkman, and Dr. Fate.
In 1961, Marvel answered with Fantastic Four #1, and thus began the “Marvel Age of Comics.” This era included Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Mighty Thor, Iron Man, The X-Men, The Avengers, Daredevil, and other incredibly popular superheroes. Marvel boosted their own market share in 1968 by giving characters their own titles, including Iron Man #1, Silver Surfer #1, Captain Marvel #1, and Nick Fury #1.
Silver Age (September 1956-1970)
Ushering in the Silver Age was DC’s 1956 release of Showcase #4, featuring a reboot of the Flash—otherwise known as Barry Allen. This Flash was a key part of the DC’s superhero team, the Justice League of America. In 1958, DC introduced the Justice League — a revival of their 1941 Justice Society of America — with Superman, Batman, Aquaman, the Flash, Green Lantern, the Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman. Later, the Justice League expanded to include the Green Arrow, Aquaman, The Atom, Hawkman, and Dr. Fate.
In 1961, Marvel answered with Fantastic Four #1, and thus began the “Marvel Age of Comics.” This era included Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Mighty Thor, Iron Man, The X-Men, The Avengers, Daredevil, and other incredibly popular superheroes. Marvel boosted their own market share in 1968 by giving characters their own titles, including Iron Man #1, Silver Surfer #1, Captain Marvel #1, and Nick Fury #1.
Bronze Age (1970-1983)
The Bronze Age kept superheroes at the forefront, but darker themes began to emerge, along with horror elements that hadn’t been seen since the ‘50s. Sword and Sorcery comics also gained popularity with the introduction of characters like Conan the Barbarian and Swamp Thing.
There were many revamps and redesigns during this era—including Giant Sized X-Men #1 and the advent of The Wolverine in Incredible Hulk #181. This period also saw the debuts of Luke Cage and the New Teen Titans and the revamps of the Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Ghost Rider.
In 1977, Marvel’s Star Wars #1 saw major success with direct distribution in comic book shops. The darker, older themes of Marvel comics resonated with audiences, contributing to their continuing success. A year later came the “DC Explosion,” which DC marketed as an increase in titles, story pages, and higher prices. But audiences weren’t buying—perhaps from the increase in prices or the release of so many titles at once. DC heavily struggled, leading to the “DC Implosion,” which saw major layoffs, title cancellations, and more. By this time, Marvel took the market share.
Bronze Age (1970-1983)
The Bronze Age kept superheroes at the forefront, but darker themes began to emerge, along with horror elements that hadn’t been seen since the ‘50s. Sword and Sorcery comics also gained popularity with the introduction of characters like Conan the Barbarian and Swamp Thing.
There were many revamps and redesigns during this era—including Giant Sized X-Men #1 and the advent of The Wolverine in Incredible Hulk #181. This period also saw the debuts of Luke Cage and the New Teen Titans and the revamps of the Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Ghost Rider.
In 1977, Marvel’s Star Wars #1 saw major success with direct distribution in comic book shops. The darker, older themes of Marvel comics resonated with audiences, contributing to their continuing success. A year later came the “DC Explosion,” which DC marketed as an increase in titles, story pages, and higher prices. But audiences weren’t buying—perhaps from the increase in prices or the release of so many titles at once. DC heavily struggled, leading to the “DC Implosion,” which saw major layoffs, title cancellations, and more. By this time, Marvel took the market share.
Copper Age (1984-1991)
When the Copper Age began, the industry faced rising print costs, which caused difficulties for brick-and-mortar shops and for many indie publishers. But that didn’t stop Mirage Studios from publishing the hit comic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 in 1984. This magazine-sized book became the most successful comic of the era and even crossed over into games, toys, movies, and a TV series.
Some important debuts from this era include Deadpool, Nightwing, Venom, the Watchmen series, and Barbie comics.
Copper Age (1984-1991)
When the Copper Age began, the industry faced rising print costs, which caused difficulties for brick-and-mortar shops and for many indie publishers. But that didn’t stop Mirage Studios from publishing the hit comic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 in 1984. This magazine-sized book became the most successful comic of the era and even crossed over into games, toys, movies, and a TV series.
Some important debuts from this era include Deadpool, Nightwing, Venom, the Watchmen series, and Barbie comics.
Modern Age (1992-Present)
The current era of the Modern Age is the longest-running era, although when this era began has been widely debated. The Modern Age is also referred to by some as the Dark Age of Comic Books, as the themes in this era are indeed darker. For example, DC’s The Death of Superman saga became one of the most popular series of the ‘90s. In 2003, The Walking Dead series was introduced, later spinning off into the extremely successful TV series.
Some notable first appearances include:
Carnage: Amazing Spider-Man #361
Doomsday: Superman: The Man of Steel #18
Harley Quinn: Batman Adventures #12
Miles Morales: Ultimate Fallout #4
Spawn: Spawn #1
Modern Age (1992-Present)
The current era of the Modern Age is the longest-running era, although when this era began has been widely debated. The Modern Age is also referred to by some as the Dark Age of Comic Books, as the themes in this era are indeed darker. For example, DC’s The Death of Superman saga became one of the most popular series of the ‘90s. In 2003, The Walking Dead series was introduced, later spinning off into the extremely successful TV series.
Some notable first appearances include:
Carnage: Amazing Spider-Man #361
Doomsday: Superman: The Man of Steel #18
Harley Quinn: Batman Adventures #12
Miles Morales: Ultimate Fallout #4
Spawn: Spawn #1
DC
DC Comics was founded in 1934 and initially called National Allied Publications. It published its first series New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine #1 in February 1935. While 1935 saw one of the earliest superheroes with Doctor Occult in the sixth issue of New Fun Comics, the concept wouldn’t become as popular for a few more years. By 1936, the company became Nicholson Publishing.
In March 1937, the company published its Detective Comics series, and Detective Comics, Inc. was founded the same year. Due to financial difficulties, National Allied Publications was folded into Detective Comics Inc.
Sister company All-American Publications published Action Comics #1 in 1938, which introduced Superman and effectively launched the superhero genre. Audiences couldn’t get enough of superheroes, and by 1939, Detective Comics debuted their own superhero — Batman — in Detective Comics #27.
Then in 1946, All-American Publications and National Allied Publications merged into National Comics Publications, which later became National Periodical Publications. However, at this time the company branded itself as Superman-DC, which eventually became DC Comics. The DC Comics name wasn’t officially adopted until 1977.
Throughout all of the comic book ages, the DC Universe allowed for reboots and resets of various characters while staying true to their star players like Batman and Superman. This led to successful screen adaptations, including Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), and Tim Burton’s Batman (1989).
The DC Universe was reset multiple times between 2005 and 2016 with Infinite Crisis, Flashpoint, The New 52, and Rebirth. The success of 2016’s DC Universe: Rebirth ushered in a new era of comics, with new big- and small-screen versions of some of the world’s most beloved superheroes.
Marvel
Marvel Comics began as Timely Comics, founded in 1939 by Martin Goodman. In October 1939, the company released their first publication: Marvel Comics #1. This comic featured the debut of the Human Torch and Namor the Sub-Mariner. With the success of these comics and the rise in the popularity of superheroes due to Detective Comics’ releases, Timely Comics launched their own superhero in 1941 with Captain America in Captain America Comics #1.
During this time, Goodman had hired 16-year-old Stanley Lieber (his wife’s cousin) as an office assistant. He began writing under the pseudonym Stan Lee, contributing as an interim editor and writer for numerous titles.
By 1951, the company was known as Atlas Comics. But come 1961, it officially became Marvel Comics. Under this new name, Journey into Mystery #69 and Patsy Walker #95 were published. Then, in November 1961, the Marvel Age truly began with Stan Lee’s introduction of Marvel’s first superhero team with The Fantastic Four #1. It was a huge success and shifted the way Marvel publications proceeded.
Marvel became known for featuring more adult issues and took on a “superheroes in the real world” approach that showcased heroes with more human qualities and struggles. The perfect example of this was the introduction of Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15, which was so successful that Peter Parker got his own series, The Amazing Spider-Man, in March 1963. This became one of Marvel’s most successful comics, and by the 1970s, Marvel was outselling rival house DC Comics.
In the 1980s, Marvel’s popularity continued to grow, and the company began featuring company-wide crossovers where characters from one book appeared in another.
After a difficult decade with a declining industry and several failed endeavors, Marvel started to bounce back in the 2000s with successful and popular movie franchises like Blade, X-Men, and Spider-Man. This was the beginning of Marvel’s cultural dominance in the new millennium, which further skyrocketed with their acquisition by Disney in 2009 and the dawn of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Big Names to Collect
There is a large pantheon of characters within the comic book space. As a collector, it can be helpful to understand why certain subjects are popular, as it can inform your collecting decisions and set expectations for demand rarity. The popularity of a specific character often contributes to a comic book’s desirability.
First Appearances — comic books in which a certain character appears for the first time — may be perceived by the market as highly collectible, similar to how a rookie card is widely considered collectible for a specific athlete.
Here are some of the hobby’s biggest names, and where they first appeared in print:
Avengers: Avengers #1 (September 1963)
Batman: Detective Comics #27 (May 1939)
Captain America: Captain America Comics #1 (March 1941)
Fantastic Four: Fantastic Four #1 (November 1961)
The Flash: Flash Comics #1 (December 1939 - January 1940)
Harley Quinn: Batman Adventures #12 (September 1993)
The Hulk: Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962)
Iron Man: Tales Of Suspense #39 (March 1963)
The Joker: Batman #1 (April 1940)
The Mighty Thor: Journey into Mystery #83 (August 1962)
Spider-Man: Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962)
Superman: Action Comics #1 (June 1939)
Wolverine: Incredible Hulk #180 & #181 (October - November 1974)
Wonder Woman: All Star Comics #8 (December 1941)
X-Men: X-Men #1 (September 1963)
Other Publications & Comic Houses
Third-party and independent comics have also been around for decades. But with the rise of the internet and digital platforms, it became easier for indie publishers and self-publishers to reach wider audiences. The growth of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, has given independent creators the ability to finance projects and extend their reach.
Some of the most popular publishers include:
Dark Horse (Founded in 1986)
Viz Comics (Founded in 1986)
Image Comics (Founded in 1992)
IDW Publishing (Founded in 1999)
Dynamite Entertainment (Founded in 2004)
Boom! Studios (Founded in 2005)
Other Publications & Comic Houses
Third-party and independent comics have also been around for decades. But with the rise of the internet and digital platforms, it became easier for indie publishers and self-publishers to reach wider audiences. The growth of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, has given independent creators the ability to finance projects and extend their reach.
Some of the most popular publishers include:
Dark Horse (Founded in 1986)
Viz Comics (Founded in 1986)
Image Comics (Founded in 1992)
IDW Publishing (Founded in 1999)
Dynamite Entertainment (Founded in 2004)
Boom! Studios (Founded in 2005)
Production Errors
Like with other collectibles, sometimes printing and manufacturing hiccups occur, causing errors to appear in comic books. While these errors are less common, they create variations that many collectors seek.
One example of a printing error is missing color layers. In the example here, the Fantastic Four comic on the left is normal. However, for the one on the right, two of the four ink colors were applied to the wrong plates before printing, causing the cover to take on an erroneous color scheme.
Production Errors
Like with other collectibles, sometimes printing and manufacturing hiccups occur, causing errors to appear in comic books. While these errors are less common, they create variations that many collectors seek.
One example of a printing error is missing color layers. In the example here, the Fantastic Four comic on the left is normal. However, for the one on the right, two of the four ink colors were applied to the wrong plates before printing, causing the cover to take on an erroneous color scheme.
Canadian Editions
The history of Canadian comics goes back to the 1930s, when Canada began selling US-issued books. The only difference being the cover price, which changed based on the exchange rate. But after WWII ended, Simcoe Publications began reprinting titles with subtle changes like different back cover and interior cover advertising.
Then in the 1960s, books printed in the US were once again shipped to Canada with only a difference in the cover prices. Due to a smaller market, these issues had lower print runs—and these can sometimes fetch higher secondary market prices.
Canadian comics can primarily be identified with the difference in cover price, however, these prices are not fixed and change based on the shifting exchange rate between the US and Canada.
Canadian Editions
The history of Canadian comics goes back to the 1930s, when Canada began selling US-issued books. The only difference being the cover price, which changed based on the exchange rate. But after WWII ended, Simcoe Publications began reprinting titles with subtle changes like different back cover and interior cover advertising.
Then in the 1960s, books printed in the US were once again shipped to Canada with only a difference in the cover prices. Due to a smaller market, these issues had lower print runs—and these can sometimes fetch higher secondary market prices.
Canadian comics can primarily be identified with the difference in cover price, however, these prices are not fixed and change based on the shifting exchange rate between the US and Canada.
UK Editions
Although publishers in the US shipped comics to the UK for distribution, the UK had their own publishers that would take the US comic book stories and fit them with different covers. The UK-printed reprints featured different sizes, which is clearly indicated on the indicia. These were simultaneously published, with the notable difference being the price on the cover. You can also find “Printed in the United Kingdom” at the bottom line of the indicia—at the bottom of the inside front cover or first page. Prices were denoted by “p” for “pence,” or a “d,” which also denoted pence.
Newsstand vs. Direct
Before the 1970s, comic books were found at newsstands, drug, grocery, convenience, and toy stores. Comic book shops were few and far between until the late ‘70s, but during this time the comic industry was in trouble due to rising print costs. When newsstands had leftover comics, they had to be returned for a percentage of the cover price or destroyed, which was incredibly cost-prohibitive.
Comic book distributor Phil Seuling had developed the idea of direct market distribution, selling nonreturnable and heavily discounted books to comic shops. One of the successes was Star Wars #1 in 1977, published by Marvel Comics to align with the release of the first film. With the direct distribution model, shops could order titles to meet the demands of their customers and sell unused inventory, which developed a market for back issues.
Typically, the difference between editions is the barcode. Newsstand comics will have an unobstructed barcode on the front cover, as seen on the left. Direct comics will have an obstructed barcode appearing as a slash or a character’s logo or iconography.
Variant Covers
Much like trading cards, comic books are printed with collectible variant covers. While the interior content is the same, the cover artwork differs. The first comic book marketed with a variant cover was the 1986 Man of Steel #1, which featured two different covers.
1:10, 1:25, 1:50: These are ratio variants based on the number of copies of an individual book. The seller must order 10 copies to receive the 1:10, 25 for the 1:25, and so on. Print runs can vary based on the popularity of the book and issue.
A/B (and C) covers: These are incentive-based variants, based on a shop’s overall order numbers. If the shop hits a certain threshold of monthly orders from a particular publisher, they receive the alternate B covers, and occasionally C covers (when available).
Artist Blanks/Hand-Drawn Covers
Artist blanks, or hand-drawn covers, have increased in popularity over the years due to a renewed interest in artist’s sketches and signatures. Blank covers provide a large canvas for artists to create sketches and sign them. While this type of artwork started off slowly, it has since expanded significantly. Several publishers create blank cover versions for their various titles.
Artist Blanks/Hand-Drawn Covers
Artist blanks, or hand-drawn covers, have increased in popularity over the years due to a renewed interest in artist’s sketches and signatures. Blank covers provide a large canvas for artists to create sketches and sign them. While this type of artwork started off slowly, it has since expanded significantly. Several publishers create blank cover versions for their various titles.
Virgin Variants
Usually tied to a high number of retailer-ordered books, these versions are devoid of the trade markings that usually adorn comic covers:
No logos, issue numbers, or barcodes — virgin variants focus solely on the art
Often tied to a specific order threshold — for example, comic shops may need to order 100 copies of a specific book to receive one virgin variant copy
Typically have lower print numbers
Virgin variants can show clean versions of the base art or completely different artwork altogether
Virgin Variants
Usually tied to a high number of retailer-ordered books, these versions are devoid of the trade markings that usually adorn comic covers:
No logos, issue numbers, or barcodes — virgin variants focus solely on the art
Often tied to a specific order threshold — for example, comic shops may need to order 100 copies of a specific book to receive one virgin variant copy
Typically have lower print numbers
Virgin variants can show clean versions of the base art or completely different artwork altogether
Notable Artists
Like characters, certain artists can sometimes affect the perceived collectability of certain comic books. Some significant artists in the industry include:
Alex Ross
Brian Michael Bendis
Bruno Redondo
Carmine Infantino
Chris Samnee
Curt Swan
Ed Brubaker
Frank Miller
Gene Colan
George Perez
Gil Kane
Jack Kirby
Jim Lee
Joe Shuster
John Buscema
John Romita Sr.
John Romita, Jr.
Neal Adams
Rob Liefeld
Steve Ditko
Todd McFarlane
Notable Writers
The perceived collectability of certain comic books may also be affected by the writers. Here are some notable and significant writers you may see:
Alan Moore
Alex Ross
Bill Finger
Chris Claremont
Frank Miller
Gardner Fox
Geoff Johns
Jeph Loeb
Jerry Siegel
Judd Winick
Mark Waid
Marv Wolfman
Stan Lee
Comic Book Grading
Collectors may get their comic books professionally graded and encapsulated for a variety of reasons—preservation, presentation, sentimental value, and/or guarantee of authenticity. There’s also the potential for an increase in secondary market value compared to an ungraded example, depending on the grade and other market factors.
PSA is excited to channel its superpowers — over three decades of expertise in grading and authentication of various items, a team that includes some of the world’s finest authenticators and graders, an adept research department, and an integrated product and technology team committed to serving collectors and their collectibles — into some of the most important comic books and magazine titles in history.
With such a wide array of services and products available at launch, PSA is poised to serve the comic and magazine collector community with the same expertise, dedication, and authority it’s been delivering for years to trading card collectors around the world.
PSA's Holders
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Includes PSA labels with comic book information, grade, cert number, and more.
The content within this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not reflect Collectors Universe, Inc.’s or any of its affiliates' opinions on the value of any individual collectibles or the comic market as a whole. Neither Collectors Universe, Inc. nor any of its affiliates is providing financial or investment advice in connection with this article. Any discussion of past value or prices is not indicative of future value or prices.