In this chapter of our two-part series, we dive deeper into our highly anticipated April 4-7 comic book Signature sale, which is overflowing with pivotal first appearances that have shaped the landscape of the industry. In our initial post, we spotlighted six monumental issues, including Action Comics #1, Detective Comics #27, and Amazing Fantasy #15, each a cornerstone in the foundation of the comic book industry. Now, we’re excited to spotlight six additional iconic issues, each marking the debut of one or more of the most legendary superheroes ever to appear in print. Join us as we continue our journey through these historic treasures that have entertained fans and collectors alike for generations.
1. The Avengers #1 (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages.
In the realm of comic book collectibles, The Avengers #1 stands out not just for its historical significance, but also for the exceptional condition of this particular copy. The vibrant cover art, bursting with color and action, marks the debut of Marvel’s most dynamic supergroup. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced the team as Marvel’s answer to the already popular Justice League from DC, sparking a new era of superhero collaborations. This inaugural issue unfolds with Loki’s scheme to ensnare Thor through the Hulk, accidentally catalyzing the heroes’ unification. Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, and Wasp, finding strength in unity, overcome Loki and establish the Avengers to tackle menaces too great for any one hero, adopting the now-legendary catchphrase, “Avengers Assemble!”
2. Tales of Suspense #39 (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages.
“CGC census 3/24: 1 in 9.8, none higher.” Yes, this is the nicest copy of Tales of Suspense #39—featuring the first appearance of Iron Man—that CGC has graded in its entire history of slabbing comic books. For me, Iron Man has always been a top-tier character, thanks to his involvement with The Avengers, his long-running solo series, his awesome suit of armor, and his overall cool factor. However, to many fans, he was considered a B-lister prior to the advent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first official MCU film was indeed Iron Man (2008), with Robert Downey Jr. cast perfectly in the title role and as Iron Man’s civilian identity, Tony Stark. This and subsequent films rocketed Iron Man to premier status among Marvel heroes, just a notch below Spider-Man. In short, this is an amazing copy of one of the most important comic books of the Silver Age.
3. X-Men #1 Signed by Stan Lee (Marvel, 1963) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages.
When I worked at Lone Star Comics in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 1989 and 1990, and then co-owned a couple of comics shops during the early 1990s, The X-Men were the most popular superhero team on the planet. Sure, certain Justice League members were more famous, but for hardcore comics fans, it was all about the X. This inauspicious debut of the mutant supergroup features the origin and first appearance of the X-Men (Angel, Beast, Cyclops, Iceman, and Marvel Girl), as well as the introduction of Professor X and Magneto. Yes, it all started here, folks: the multi-billion-dollar, multimedia X-Men empire is rooted in this humble, yet now-legendary comic book, appearing on stands more than a decade before Wolverine’s inception. This gorgeous copy is signed on the first page by Stan Lee, who created the team with Jack Kirby.
4. Daredevil #1 (Marvel, 1964) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages.
One day during the 1980s, I wandered into Fantastic Worlds comic book store in Hurst, a Fort Worth suburb, in search of something fresh to read. Already a fan of Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Avengers, and The Incredible Hulk, I opted to explore Daredevil, intrigued by the character’s unique premise. My introduction was through a Denny O’Neil issue amidst Frank Miller’s influential run, and it instantly resonated with me. This experience prompted me to add Daredevil to my pull list, leading to a massive collection of the series over time. While the first issue of the series, featuring DD in a yellow and black costume (he began wearing red in #7), portrayed him as something of a Spider-Man knockoff, it laid the groundwork for the dark, complex, and compelling stories that would come to characterize the character, securing his distinct place in the Marvel Universe.
5. Fantastic Four #48 Signature Series: Stan Lee (Marvel, 1966) CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages.
In Fantastic Four #48, the Marvel Universe was forever altered with the debut of two cosmic entities: the mysterious Silver Surfer and the impossibly powerful Galactus. In this pivotal issue, Black Bolt and the Fantastic Four combat Maximus’s deadly plan against humanity. Back in New York, the FF are warned by the Watcher of Galactus’s approach, heralded by the Silver Surfer. The storyline not only expanded the cosmic scope of Marvel comics but also introduced characters who would become central to its mythology. This particular issue of Fantastic Four #48 is truly stunning. Not only is it an impeccable CGC 9.8, but it’s also signed—in silver, fittingly enough—by Stan Lee, who wrote the story.
6. The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (Marvel, 1974) CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages.
In the world of comic book milestones, The Amazing Spider-Man #129 stands out as the historic first appearance of one of Marvel’s most iconic anti-heroes, The Punisher. This landmark issue, which also introduces Jackal, showcases the Punisher’s relentless pursuit of Spider-Man, whom he mistakenly believes to be a criminal. The intense narrative and complex characterization of the Punisher as a vigilante driven by vengeance instantly captured the imaginations of readers, setting the stage for the character’s enduring popularity. Fans were also struck by his cool costume featuring the distinctive skull design. We’re proud to offer this gorgeous copy of the highly coveted title, which currently shares the #11 spot on Overstreet’s Top 25 Bronze Age Comics list.