Comic books had record sales in 2021. A better way to express that idea is more people looked at comics as alternative assets than any year previous. One aspect that is driving comic book interest is the spate of recently released movies of the superheroes. Another, which will have an enduring effect on comic books, is that many more upcoming movies and TV series are already on the docket with release dates in 2022 and 2023.

Collectors Dashboard was able to track the emergence of trophy comics, where collectors compete to own the finest known example of a key issue. Amazing Fantasy #15 overtook Action Comics #1 in realized price and comic enthusiasts were able to hypothetically imagine Spider-Man dueling with Superman, at least in their origin issues of Amazing Fantasy #15 and Action Comic #1.

While this list is of the major known comic book sales of 2021, we would warn that the list is preliminary and may be subject to change. There are many auction houses and there are many means of privately negotiated transactions which simply do not publicize their sales data for a myriad of reasons.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates high-end collectibles as an alternative asset class. This means collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds. Many collectibles now cost thousands of dollars (or much more), and high-end comic books have proven now to be worth more than even “millionaire homes” might cost. Collectors with a passion also frequently have to compete directly against investors whose only desire is to make a profit in the future.

This is the preliminary list of the top comic book sales of 2021, and any corrections, errors or omissions that need to be fixed should be sent by email to the editor@collectorsdashboard.com address.

We would stress that the stage has already been set for a slate of strong 2022 comic book auctions.

#1. Spider-Man’s First Appearance!

Amazing Fantasy #15 (Marvel, 1962) CGC NM+ 9.6 off-white pages sold for $3,600,000 on September 9, 2021 after 53 bids. Heritage Auctions (Image below by Heritage Auctions).

#2 Superman’s First Appearance!

Action Comics #1 (DC, 1938) CGC 8.5 sold for $3,250,000 on April 6, 2021. ComicConnect.

#3 The Other First Superman!

Superman #1 (DC, 1939) CGC 7.0 sold for $2,604,750 on December 16, 2021. ComicConnect. The highest price ever paid for Superman #1.

#4 Long Before The Dark Knight…

Batman #1 (DC, 1940) CGC NM 9.4 white pages sold for $2,220,000 on January 14, 2021 after 44 bids. Heritage Auctions.

The rest of the top comic book sales of 2021 have been added below….

5. Batman #1 (DC, 1940) CGC 8.0 sold for $1,476,000 on September 18, 2021. Goldin Auction.

6. Batman #1 (DC, 1940) CGC 5.0 sold for $1,125,000 on June 17, 2021 after 50 bids. Heritage Auctions.

7. Amazing Fantasy #15 (Marvel, 1962) CGC 8.5 sold for $707,000.00. Goldin Auction.

8. The Avengers #1 (Marvel, 1963) CGC 9.6 sold for $369,000.00. Goldin Auction.

9. Journey Into Mystery #83 (Marvel, 1962) CGC 9.4 sold for $319,000.00. Goldin Auction.

10. Action Comic #1 (DC, 1938) CGC 6.5 Restored sold for $300,000.00 on November 18, 2021 after 37 bids. Heritage Auctions.

Also, chasing number 10 — In the same Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction held on June 17, 2021 where Batman #1 sold for $1,125,000 by Heritage Auctions Marvel Spotlight #5 graded CGC 9.8 that realized $264,000.00.

As we have noted late in 2021, collectors can still rather easily assemble great collections of comics from the prized Golden Age and the Silver Age if they are willing to look further down the rankings in condition and from a wider array of sellers.