The Silver Age of comics reigned in a renaissance of reinvigorating ideas, breathing in new and fresh concepts that evolved the fantasy and mystical elements of the Golden Age into a more science-fiction intrinsic medium beginning in the mid-1950s.
Though comics of the era did not fetch for numbers that peaked with Batman and Superman's introduction, the Silver Age comics fared in pulling in some astounding numbers in regards to record sales.
10 Tales to Astonish #27 (Ant-Man First Appearance): $205,000
Published in January of 1962, Tales to Astonish #27 would introduce none other than the Ant-Man, Henry Pym. Better-known as Hank, Dr. Pym would develop the Pym Particle, a chemical compound he'd perfected that shrank or grew whatever it contacted. Upon testing it on himself, a miniature Hank would fall into a predicament when the growth serum is left on the window still, virtually the moon for all intents and purposes. Hank would go through several troubles to get his way back to the serum but is saved when a "friendly ant" aids in getting Dr. Pym up to it, in which Hank would regrow and dispose of the serums. Valued at a reasonable $450, a BIG Ant-Man fan has the record sale for this comic at $205k.
9 Justice League of America #1 (First Solo Issue): $215,000
Most would believe the Justice Leagues gathering and first appearance in Brave and the Bold #28 would hold the record sale for the particular group but in fact, their solo comic after an overwhelming reception would hold that title at a sale of $215k, while Brave and the Bold #28 rest at $120k. However, nuance gets involved in the values because while Justice League of America #1 is valued at $200, Brave and the Bold #28 is valued at $500. The solo-issue involved an interesting, yet cooky plot with a villain named Despero challenging Barry Allan to a chess match, in which the chess pieces were ensnared JLA members. If Despero wins, he conquers earth in his ongoing conquest, and as villains do, he tampers with the game to win. Nevertheless, this is Silver Age comics and he is ultimately stopped by having his energy absorbed.
8 Amazing Spider-Man #1 (First Solo Issue, Fantastic Four Crossover): $262,000
Spider-Man would undoubtedly get his own comic after his first appearance changed how Marvel told their stories, introducing a teenage hero. If that wasn't enough, the injection of the Fantastic Four made this particular issue a revered crossover. Valued at $800, the record sale is at $262k. Following Uncle Ben's death, a struggling Peter Parker is having a hard time getting by financially, & Spider-Man is constantly being grilled by the Daily Bugle as a menace in which public opinion reflects that. He seeks out the Fantastic Four for employment and breaks into the Baxter Building as Spider-Man but explains his intentions after encountering the group. Reed explains they're a non-profit group, receiving no salaries resulting in Peter leaving disappointed.
7 Avengers #1 (The Avengers First Appearance): $274,000
Earth's Mightiest Heroes, and after 2018s and 2019s Infinity War and Endgame respectively, debatably the most popular. The origin and "assembly" of the Avengers in September of 1963 introduced a rotating door of Marvels' most popular heroes with the first iteration bringing together various Golden Age heroes to battle the Incredible Hulk who had been duped by the God of Mischief himself, Loki.
After his machinations are revealed, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and Ant-Man and the Wasp come together to defeat Loki, in which upon celebration Wasp spontaneously gives them the name, The Avengers. Valued at $500, the record sale for this landmark comic is at $274k.
6 Journey Into Mystery #83 (Thor First Appearance): $275,000
The God of Thunder's introduction to Marvel Comics would open the floodgates to some of the best storytelling of the character in the modern era. However, from comics to film, Thor is a fan favorite for his aptitude to completely destroy and conquer every opponent he comes across, all while yelling, FOR VAHALLA! So undoubtedly his origin and first appearance would be worth a pretty penny, and it is which is why it on this list. Valued at $500 with the record sale at 275k, Journey into Mystery #83 introduces Donald Blake who after being pursued by aliens from Saturn, is trapped in a cave where he finds a walking stick. After hitting the stick on a boulder he transforms into Thor, the God of Thunder, and makes quick work of the alien invaders.
5 Fantastic Four #1 (Fantastic Four First Appearance): $300,000
The introduction of Marvel's First Family rocked the comic book landscape with the group introducing family aspects and goings-on with superhero antics. Published in November of 1961, their origin fed off the space race of the era, having Reed, Susan, Johnny, and Ben attempting to beat the Communists into space and subsequently sneaking aboard a rocket. Fortunately, the ship is besieged with cosmic rays, knocking the four unconscious, though they would make it back to earth via auto-piolet. They'd awaken to find they had astounding superhuman abilities, christening themselves the Fantastic Four. Valued at $1,000, the record sale for this pillar of a comic is at $300k.
4 Incredible Hulk #1 (Hulk First Appearance): $375,000
Believe it or not, the Hulks iconic green pigment happened to be the result of serendipity as his original idea was for him to be grey and dull. When the printing press was unable to stay consistent in color schemes, Stan Lee changed his appearance to the classical mean and green look that's made him a fan favorite for years.
The story introduces Bruce Banner, a gamma scientist testing a gamma-bomb in the New Mexico desert, whence upon administering the countdown, sees a teenage boy through a set of binoculars out on the test field. Rushing out to save him, he throws him down a trench but is hit with the explosion, giving birth to The Incredible Hulk. Valued at $2,500, the record sale for this issue is at $375K.
3 Tales of Suspense #39 (Iron Man First Appearance): $375,000
Published in March of 1963, Iron Man's comic book introduction wasn't as well-received as his MCU counterpart was in 2008. Before Robert Downy Jr. revolutionized the character most people thought Iron Man was a robot as opposed to a man in a suit of armor, and thanks to this height in popularity the comic is valued at $2,500, with a record sale of $375k. The origin-comic transpires similarly to the movie adaptation though Tony is captured in Vietnam as opposed to the Middle East.
2 X-Men #1 (X-Men First Appearance): $492,000
This landmark comic brought forth one of the most nuanced, complex, and intriguing groups in comics with a history rife with reboots, continuity errors, and plot devices. Having one of the most expansive rosters in comics, the team has had many volumes and adaptations, with a myriad of X-"Title" spin-offs that expand and make the mythos that more immersive, or debatably confusing and complicated. Valued at $450, this origin comic proves to be "X-Pensive" with a record sale of $492k. Professor X brings together a band of teenage mutants that's he's been training at his Xaviers School for Gifted Youngsters, together they defeat the complex villain Magneto who had overtaken Cape Citadel and threatened to annihilate humanity.
1 Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man First Appearance): $1,100,000
Where most would agree that the revolutionary shift from classic good versus evil Golden Age comics to a more nuanced, science-fiction driven era of the Silver Age would come way of Barry Allen's first appearance in DC Showcase #4, The Flash, as much as I personally favor him, was no Spider-Man. The introduction of a teenage hero completely reimagined the way stories could now be told with Peter Parker not being someones measly sidekick but being the star of the show. The trials and tribulations of Peter Parker from his geeky teenage years to his adulthood has always reflected the struggles of the everyday person, and with comics of the era geared mostly towards young/teenage boys, the comic sold like gangbusters. Valued at $3,000, another pillar in the comic book industry puts this comic with a record sale of 1.1 million.