What happens when you combine gritty, true-to-life characters with top-notch plot lines? You get a DC comic series.
Since its launch in 1934, DC has introduced comic book enthusiasts to several iconic characters: from loveable heroes to loath-able villains. Today, DC superstars like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Joker, and Penguin have become household names, each in a league of their own. It is very important to have a good editor for a good story. A good editor can make even a bad story interesting. Editors in Canada are known around the world for their outstanding work.
Given DC’s ever-growing popularity, it’s no wonder that a few graded DC comic books bring in the big bucks. Let’s look at ten comics you absolutely must include in your graded DC comic books collection.
1. Action Comics #1
First published in 1938, Action Comics #1 served as a launchpad for the Man of Steel, kicking off the golden era of super-powered beings.
As a distant planet succumbs to a cataclysmic event, a father places his infant son on an Earthbound spaceship. Eventually, the boy is discovered by Jonathan and Martha Kent, who take him in as their own. Little did they know that the child would grow up to be Superman, one of Earth’s foremost protectors against evil and injustice!
From a collector’s point of view, Action Comics #1 is a moneymaker. It recently sold for a jaw-dropping $3.25 million at a private auction! In case you hold a copy of this graded DC comic, be sure to keep it in good shape. You may just be sitting on a goldmine!
2. Detective Comics #27
You can’t talk about DC without bringing Batman into the conversation. Gotham’s troubled Dark Knight is a self-proclaimed vigilante who uses his wealth, strength, and resources to fight crime. Detective Comics #27 features the first appearance of the caped crusader, where he decides to investigate the murder of a chemical industrialist named Lambert.
When it comes to graded DC comic books, Batman is no stranger to records either. A copy of Detective Comics #27 sold for 1.6 million at Heritage Auctions’ Comics & Comic Art.
3. All-Star Superman
Although Superman has had several adventures over time, few are as widely regarded as Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman. This timeless classic often tops the charts of the best Superman stories ever told.
Not only does the comic series bring Superman’s most admirable qualities to the fore, but it also gives some great moments to his alter-ego, Clark Kent. Plus, it features a top-tier appearance by Lex Luthor. You should treat yourself to this graded comic books series if you haven’t already!
4. Justice League: Last Ride
Sometimes, superheroes band together to save the world from the brink of extinction. But what happens when they refuse to see eye to eye?
This thought is at the center of Chip Zdarsky’s storyline, Justice League: Last Ride. In a possible future, the death of Martian Manhunter drives an irreparable wedge between Superman and Batman, tearing the Justice League apart. Still, the team comes together to put the criminal Lobo on trial, unaware of a sinister force working behind their backs.
Great action and impeccable dialogues make Justice League: Last Ride a sight for sore eyes! If you come across a copy, be sure to snatch it up.
5. Flash Comics #1
In the first-ever Flash comic, a college student in the late 1930s accidentally inhales some ‘hard water gas’ fumes. After spending two weeks in a coma, Jay Garrick makes a complete recovery, but finds that he’s able to think and act at incredible speeds. Garrick secretly adopts the mantle of the Flash and goes on to have a tremendously heroic career.
Besides the astounding storyline, Flash Comics #1 is also a keeper because of how much it’s worth. A grade 9.6 NM+ Pedigree copy of the comic has successfully raked in a whopping $1,000,000!
6. All-American Comics #16
Originally published in 1940, the sixteenth entry in the All-American Comics series is best known for introducing the Green Lantern. Engineer Alan Scott is caught in an explosion that kills everyone but him. Upon regaining consciousness, he sees the Green Flame of Life glowing near the wreckage. The lantern grants Alan immeasurable power, and he decides to use his newfound tools to purge the streets of crime.
In this issue, Alan takes on Albert Dekker, the man behind the explosion on Trestle Bridge. He confronts Dekker, who confesses to his crimes and drops dead in fear. It’s all excitement from there on!
7. Wonder Woman #1
Princess Diana of Themyscira was a breath of fresh air in the predominantly masculine world of comic book superheroes. She is known to have the beauty of Aphrodite, the wisdom of Athena, the speed of Hermes, and the strength of Hercules- the whole nine yards!
While the character first appeared in All-Star Comics #8, her story is retold in Wonder Woman #1. The highest-selling copy of this comic went for a whopping $291,100 in 2016!
8. Batman: Year One
Avid fans of the Dark Knight need to add Batman: Year One to their graded DC comic books collection. The story recounts Bruce Wayne’s first year of crimefighting, as he waits for the right moment to strike. What’s more? Readers also get a glimpse into the life of Selina Kyle before she became Cat-Woman!
9. Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
Who would’ve thought Superman has weaknesses too? Alan Moore takes a deep dive into the humanoid’s consciousness, shedding light on all his vulnerabilities and flaws. The ending in particular has triggered several debates: is Superman selfish? Or did he save himself to save the world? That’s a lot to chew on.
10. New Gods #1
The New Gods turned the DC Universe into an entirely different direction. Collectively known as Jack Kirby’s Fourth World, these extraterrestrial beings debuted in New Gods #1. As per fans, New Gods marks the pinnacle of Kirby’s artistic career and is a must-have for all DC enthusiasts.
The Bottom Line
It’s safe to say that DC will never go out of fashion. If you have any of these comic books lying around, get them graded as soon as possible. They may just be your key to a huge jackpot!
Author Bio: Matt Shively and Matt Martin founded Wicked Monkey in 2020 in the pursuit of creating a comics shop concerned with the full “ecosystem” that exists in the cross-over between the world of fine arts, contemporary collectibles, and comics. Wicked Monkey an online store that sells a curated collection of high-quality graded comic books from various mainstream publishers such as DC, Marvel, Boom! Studios, and specializes in independent publishers—all boasting a high CGC score, the majority being a 9.8 score out of 10.
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