There’s a collector and determined bidder for just about every comic book. If you’re already confident you’ve got a valuable Golden Age comic book or collection and would like to sell it for the maximum at auction (live or online), contact Central Mass Auctions today. Or read on to learn more about Bronze Age comics and what to expect when selling them. (You may also check out our pages on Bronze Age and Silver Age comic books.)
1939 Detective Comics issue #27 with the first appearance of Batman
When was the Golden Age of comic books?
The Golden Age of comic books lasted from 1938 to 1956. Golden Age comic books are older and typically more valuable than comics from later periods.
Prior to comic books pulp magazines were popular. They used brightly colored covers and sensational stories to attract readers. The paper was made of cheap wood pulp that in most cases by now has become yellow and brittle. Tarzan, Sam Spade and Zorro appeared in pulp magazines. The Shadow was one of the most popular characters and appeared in 326 issues from 1931 to 1939, according to Britannica.
Looney Tunes, adventure, mystery and other genres appeared in Golden Age comic books, but superheroes were very popular and are the most valuable today. DC Comics introduced Superman in 1938. According to Britannica, writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster were unable to sell Superman as a daily series to newspaper syndicates. “DC then took an enormous risk in 1938 by publishing the untried character, given the depressed economic climate of the day,” Britannica writes. Action Comics # 1 featuring Superman sold very well and DC Comics grew into a highly successful company.
According to PBS’s History Detectives, Captain Marvel by Wizz Comics was a very popular character during the 1940’s, often outselling Superman. Comic book sales increased during World War II. “They were cheap, portable and had inspirational, patriotic stories of good triumphing over evil,” PBS wrote. The first issue of Captain America pictured him in a stars and stripes costume battling Adolph Hitler on the cover. After the war, comic books with superheroes saw sales decrease and comics from other genres were created to help fill the void. Superhero comic books continued to be printed though. You can buy Superman comics today, over 80 years since the first issue was published.
The Guinness World Records website has a timeline listing when superhero comic book characters were first introduced. Some characters may have a longer run than you might expect. The Phantom was created in 1936. Superman first appeared in Action Comics # 1 in 1938. The first comic book with Batman came out in 1939, as did Captain Marvel. 1940 saw the introduction of The Comet, The Flash, Fantomah/Woman in Red, and Justice Society of America. Captain America, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman all began in 1941.
Golden Age superhero comic books in decent condition can be worth thousands, but having one in great condition can be worth a fortune. Superman first appeared in Action Comics in 1938, but Superman appeared in his own comic book in 1939. Superman issue # 1 sold for over $500,000. A 1939 Detective Comics issue # 27 with the first appearance of Batman sold for over $1 million in 2010. A high grade 1939 issue titled “Marvel Comics” by Timely Comics sold for over $1.25 million last year. Ironically, Timely Comics evolved into Marvel Comics during the 1960s. A copy of Action Comics # 1 with the first appearance of Superman went up, up and away for $3,207,852 in an online auction in 2014.
Considering an online auction for your comic books?
COVID-19 has changed the auctioning process dramatically, and shows, live auctions, estate sales, and shops all have felt the effects for some time now, and likely will continue to. We have shifted much of our focus to online auctions, including for selling comic books. You can call or email us for no-contact options for consigning your comic books.
