What is the Single Best-Selling Comic Book of All Time?

a pile of Marvel comic books

What is the Single Best-Selling Comic Book of All Time?

Any comic book fan, especially one with a comic book collection or a desire to sell comic books, has probably wondered at some point what the best comic book of all time is. While there is plenty of debate on that front, given all the factors that weigh into what makes a comic book the best, there is more definitive data on the single best-selling comic book of all time. Comic books peaked in popularity between 1938 and the mid-1940s, with some of the most popular titles regularly selling around 1.5 million copies each month. So which comic book is the single best-selling comic book of all time?

What Is the Single Best-Selling Comic Book of All Time?

We must first define what “best-selling” means to answer the question. In this case, “best-selling” means the most copies sold. To determine which comic book is the best seller, sales of single-issue comics were compared to decide which one ranks the highest. As of 2019, X-Men Vol. 2, #1, published in 1991, dramatically outperformed all other comic books, selling over 8 million copies. This comic book features the X-Men, led by Charles Xavier, as they face off against Magneto.

Why Is the Single Best-Selling Comic Book of All Time So Valuable?

Because so many copies were printed, this X-Men comic is not exactly rare, though finding it in top condition may be tricky, given its age. This comic book had an interesting gimmick going for it. It had five different covers that could be put together to create a larger picture. This encouraged more people to buy it. While variants are not uncommon in comic books, this may have been the comic that really kicked off the trend. While such historical significance might increase the value of a comic book, it is overshadowed by how common it is. Because it is relatively easy to obtain, prices for this comic book are relatively low. X-Men #1 comics in top condition sell between $50-$100, depending on the cover. As the condition decreases, so does the value. It is a significant increase from the few dollars they originally cost to buy, but it is still a far cry from other rarer comic books that sell for over $100,000.

Factors to Consider When Selling a Large Comic Book Collection for Cash

If you have an extensive comic book collection that you want to sell, there are a few factors to consider. Start by assessing the condition of each comic in the collection. The better the condition, the higher the comic’s value is. Catalog the title, volume, and edition as well. Use that information to determine the value of each individual comic. Knowing the value of individual comics will help you determine what you should sell the collection for. Once you have an idea of the collection’s value, find a reputable buyer to sell to. Maximize the value of your collection by ensuring that the comics are protected from damage and kept as near-mint as possible.

The X-Men Vol. 2, #1 is the best-selling comic book ever. Many people loved the cover gimmick, the story, and the characters. Remember, as you try to sell your comic books, being a best seller does not necessarily mean high value. The higher or better the condition, rarity, and demand, the more valuable the comic book will likely be. It is easier to determine value with research, though. Carefully assess the value of your comic book collection to ensure that you get the most from selling your comic books. If you would like help assessing your collection or want to sell it for the best price, contact us at Cash For Your Books today!