Modern Age Comic Books Value: The 55+ Most Valuable Issues (1992–Present)
The most valuable Modern Age comic books — ASM #667 Dell'Otto variant ($43.2K), Walking Dead #1, Spawn #1, Batman Adventures #12 (1st Harley Quinn), Ultimate Fallout #4 (1st Miles Morales), and 50+ more with post-pandemic market notes.
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Comic Expert
The most valuable Modern Age comic books (1992–Present) — ASM #667 Dell'Otto variant, Walking Dead #1, Spawn #1, Batman Adventures #12 (1st Harley Quinn), and Ultimate Fallout #4 (1st Miles Morales).
Comic Book Ages — Jump to Another Era
The Modern Age (1992–Present) is where most collectors got started — and where the market is most volatile. The 1992 launch of Image Comics kicked off a speculator bubble that popped in 1993, then the market slowly rebuilt. The 2020–2021 pandemic bubble drove many Modern Age keys to all-time highs; the crash that followed has wiped out 40–90% of value on most variants.
Below are the 50+ most valuable Modern Age comics as of Q3 2026, led by the Amazing Spider-Man #667 Dell'Otto variant at $43,200. If you own any of these — or an untouched Walking Dead #1, Ultimate Fallout #4, or Batman Adventures #12 — send us photos for a free appraisal. Modern Age variant identification is tricky and print numbers vary wildly; we'll authenticate before you commit to grading.
What Defines the Modern Age
1992 – Present
The Modern Age begins with the launch of Image Comics in 1992 (McFarlane, Liefeld, Lee, and the founders splitting from Marvel). It's the era of variant covers, chromium and prismatic printing gimmicks, polybagged specials, and — most importantly — the 1993 speculator bubble that destroyed the value of most hyped books.
Print runs in the Modern Age vary enormously. A 1990s Image book might have 500K–1M copies; a modern-day Ratio Variant (RI) might have 50–500 copies. This is the era where the print number matters MORE than the character — a 1:500 incentive variant of a random Deadpool issue can outsell a first-print first-appearance.
The 2020–2021 pandemic bubble is the most important recent context. Speculator demand + stimulus + lockdown collecting sent Modern Age keys to insane highs; the 2022–2024 crash has taken many books down 60–90% from their peaks. Current prices are still elevated vs 2019 but nowhere near 2021 records.
Most Valuable Modern Age Comics
Ranked by highest confirmed public sale. Full list — including issues with less collectible cover art — is in the price table below.
Amazing Spider-Man #667 (Dell'Otto variant)
2011
The legendary Gabriele Dell'Otto variant — a photorealistic painted cover that became the poster child for high-value modern variants. Only ~75 CGC copies are known to exist; a CGC 9.8 sold for $43,200 in 2021, making it the first modern variant to break $40K. Values held remarkably well through the post-pandemic variant crash.
Low
$4K
Avg
$7K
Record
$43K
The Walking Dead #1
2003
First appearance of Rick Grimes — the sheriff at the center of Robert Kirkman's black-and-white zombie epic. Spawned the AMC series and its multiple spinoffs, making this the most valuable modern horror comic. A CGC 9.9 sold for $23,000; CGC 9.8 copies routinely trade in the $2K–$3K range.
Low
$200
Avg
$500
Record
$23K
The Goon #1
1999
Eric Powell's cult horror-comedy Goon debut. Extremely scarce in high grade due to a tiny Avatar Press print run — a CGC 9.9 sold for $20,800, with CGC 9.8 copies sitting around $1,100. Fans keep pushing this book toward wider recognition after multiple animated-film development cycles.
Low
$30
Avg
$400
Record
$21K
Spawn #185 (Sketch Variant)
2009
One of the rarest modern Spawn variants — Todd McFarlane sketch cover with only 20 Universal CGC copies known to exist. Extreme scarcity plus Spawn collector demand pushed a CGC 9.8 to $17,100. Difficult to acquire; multi-year waits between market appearances.
Low
$500
Avg
$1K
Record
$17K
Wolverine #1 (2010, J. Scott Campbell Deadpool Variant)
2010
Classic J. Scott Campbell variant for Wolverine #1 (2010 series), featuring a Deadpool cameo. Campbell's sexy-cover style plus Deadpool's cinematic surge combined to push this to $17,100 in CGC 9.8. Post-pandemic corrections have pulled recent sales to the $5K range.
Low
$100
Avg
$500
Record
$17K
Malibu Sun #13 (back cover error variant)
1992
The back-cover printing error variant of Malibu Sun #13 — the fanzine that features Spawn's true first appearance. The error variant is exceptionally scarce and commands a huge premium over the standard version. CGC 9.8 record: $14,400.
Low
$400
Avg
$2K
Record
$14K
Edge of Spider-Verse #2 (Land variant)
2014
The Greg Land variant of Edge of Spider-Verse #2 — the debut of Spider-Gwen (Gwen Stacy as Ghost-Spider). Popular character with breakout appeal; the Land variant is significantly rarer than the standard cover and trades at a much higher premium. Recent 9.8 sales around $3,165, with a record of $13,000.
Low
$150
Avg
$700
Record
$13K
Batman #608 (Retailer Appreciation Variant)
2002
Retailer Appreciation Variant of Batman #608 — the opening chapter of the beloved Jim Lee "Hush" storyline. Extremely limited retailer-exclusive distribution; CGC 9.8 copies have hit $10,000, with recent sales in the $5,700 range.
Low
$650
Avg
$1K
Record
$10K
Spawn #1 (Regular Edition)
1992
McFarlane's iconic Image Comics debut (CGC 9.9 top sale)
Low
$1
Avg
$30
Record
$10K
Amazing Spider-Man #678 (Quinones MJ Venom Variant)
2012
Rare and desirable Quinones variant
Low
$600
Avg
$1K
Record
$7K
Wolverine #145 (Nabisco mail-away)
1999
Marvel/Nabisco promotion mail-away variant — down 50%+ post-pandemic
Low
$250
Avg
$700
Record
$6K
Invincible #1
2003
First Mark Grayson / Invincible — bleeding value since pandemic
Low
$200
Avg
$900
Record
$6K
Malibu Sun #13 (Regular)
1992
True first appearance of Spawn — immune to post-pandemic crash
Low
$100
Avg
$300
Record
$6K
Vengeance of Bane Special #1
1993
First Bane appearance (CGC 9.9 top sale)
Low
$1
Avg
$40
Record
$6K
Spawn #1 (Error - Missing Black Ink)
1992
Striking printing error; rarely seen and eagerly sought
Low
$500
Avg
$1K
Record
$6K
Saga #1 (Retailer Incentive Variant)
2012
Popular Image retailer variant — tumbled recently
Low
$500
Avg
$800
Record
$5K
Deadpool #1 (Circle Chase)
1993
First Deadpool solo comic (CGC 9.9 top sale) — pandemic victim, massive decline
Low
$1
Avg
$20
Record
$5K
Ultimate Fallout #4
2011
First Miles Morales as Spider-Man; rare newsstand variant exists
Low
$40
Avg
$300
Record
$5K
Strangers in Paradise #1
1993
Rare Terry Moore first issue — seldom sold in high grade
Low
$100
Avg
$250
Record
$4K
Thanos #13 (Albuquerque variant)
2018
First Cosmic Ghost Rider
Low
$150
Avg
$300
Record
$3K
Sentai #2 (1994)
1994
First Power Rangers appearance in comics
Low
$125
Avg
$300
Record
$3K
Spawn #1 (Black and White Edition, 1997)
1997
Five-year celebration B&W variant
Low
$150
Avg
$400
Record
$3K
Batman #457 (2nd print newsstand)
1990
Rare modern Batman issue with "NEW ROBIN ISSUE!" newsstand marking
Low
$250
Avg
$600
Record
$3K
Batman Adventures #12
1993
First Harley Quinn appearance in comics
Low
$80
Avg
$500
Record
$3K
Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel #1
2008
First Blue Marvel — 80%+ decline since pandemic
Low
$20
Avg
$100
Record
$3K
X-23 v3 #1 (Dell'Otto Variant)
2010
X-23 reimagined by Dell'Otto — Wolverine's daughter
Low
$500
Avg
$700
Record
$3K
Edge of Spider-Verse #2 (Regular Edition)
2014
First Spider-Gwen (regular cover) — lost 60%+ in CGC 9.8 post-2021
Low
$40
Avg
$250
Record
$3K
Walking Dead #2
2003
Generally scarcer than #1 despite lower value
Low
$30
Avg
$200
Record
$2K
The Maxx Yellow Ashcan
1993
Seldom changes hands; difficult to research prices
Low
—
Avg
—
Record
$2K
Marvel Collectible Classics #2 (ASM #300 Chromium)
1998
Shiny McFarlane cover variant — popular with Venom collectors (CGC 9.9)
Low
$150
Avg
—
Record
$2K
Y the Last Man #1
2002
First issue — down 90% since pandemic peak
Low
$1
Avg
$40
Record
$2K
Vengeance #1
2011
First Miss America Chavez — worth 12% of pandemic high
Low
$15
Avg
$50
Record
$2K
Hellboy: The Fury (Retailer Incentive)
2011
Rare retailer-incentive edition
Low
$250
Avg
$700
Record
$2K
All-New Marvel Now! Point One #1
2014
First Kamala Khan as Ms. Marvel — 85% plunge from pandemic
Low
$5
Avg
$40
Record
$2K
G.I. Joe Special #1 (Todd McFarlane Art)
1995
Rare McFarlane cover — immune to pandemic bloodbath
Low
$25
Avg
$120
Record
$2K
Spider-Gwen #1 (Adam Hughes Variant)
2015
Hughes variant — declined significantly post-pandemic
Low
$40
Avg
$100
Record
$2K
Wolverine Origins #10 (Retailer incentive)
2007
"Third claw" variant — stable despite pandemic
Low
$250
Avg
$450
Record
$2K
Amazing Spider-Man #700 (Ditko Variant)
2012
Ditko homage variant; lost significant traction
Low
$125
Avg
$250
Record
$2K
Tank Girl #1
1991
Scarce first print — lost significant value
Low
$75
Avg
$190
Record
$2K
Young Avengers #1
2005
First Kate Bishop (Hawkeye); first Young Avengers
Low
$1
Avg
$30
Record
$2K
What If vol 2 #105
1997
First Spider-Girl (Mayday Parker) — dropped 85% from pandemic
Low
$1
Avg
$30
Record
$2K
Solar, Man of the Atom #10
1992
First Eternal Warrior — Barry Windsor-Smith cover
Low
$1
Avg
$50
Record
$2K
Harbinger #1 (with Mail-Away Coupon)
1992
Complete-coupon copies command premium; missing coupon = Qualified
Low
$30
Avg
$120
Record
$2K
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen #5
2003
Recalled for fake advertisement — lawsuit followed
Low
$50
Avg
$180
Record
$2K
Cyberfrog #1 (Hall of Heroes)
1996
Kickstarter-era indie — highly collectible in high grade
Low
$25
Avg
$100
Record
$1K
Uncanny X-Men #297 (Mail-In Variant)
1993
First of three mail-away gold Pressman editions
Low
$50
Avg
$150
Record
$1K
Spider-Man Noir #1
2009
First Spider-Man Noir appearance
Low
$30
Avg
$200
Record
$850
Batman #608 (2nd printing variant)
2002
Scarce second printing
Low
$30
Avg
$80
Record
$825
Uncanny X-Men #500 (Sketch Variant)
2008
Scarce and desirable sketch variant
Low
$80
Avg
$300
Record
$800
Modern Age Price Table (Quick Reference)
Same 57 entries in a scannable table with sell links
| # | Comic | Low | Avg | Record | Sell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazing Spider-Man #667 (Dell'Otto variant) 2011 | $4K | $7K | $43K | Sell → |
| 2 | The Walking Dead #1 2003 | $200 | $500 | $23K | Sell → |
| 3 | The Goon #1 1999 | $30 | $400 | $21K | Sell → |
| 4 | Spawn #185 (Sketch Variant) 2009 | $500 | $1K | $17K | Sell → |
| 5 | Wolverine #1 (2010, J. Scott Campbell Deadpool Variant) 2010 | $100 | $500 | $17K | Sell → |
| 6 | Malibu Sun #13 (back cover error variant) 1992 | $400 | $2K | $14K | Sell → |
| 7 | Edge of Spider-Verse #2 (Land variant) 2014 | $150 | $700 | $13K | Sell → |
| 8 | Batman #608 (Retailer Appreciation Variant) 2002 | $650 | $1K | $10K | Sell → |
| 9 | Spawn #1 (Regular Edition) 1992 | $1 | $30 | $10K | Sell → |
| 10 | Amazing Spider-Man #678 (Quinones MJ Venom Variant) 2012 | $600 | $1K | $7K | Sell → |
| 11 | Danger Girl #2 (Ruby Red Smoking Gun Variant) 1998 | $300 | $900 | $7K | Sell → |
| 12 | Wolverine #145 (Nabisco mail-away) 1999 | $250 | $700 | $6K | Sell → |
| 13 | Invincible #1 2003 | $200 | $900 | $6K | Sell → |
| 14 | Malibu Sun #13 (Regular) 1992 | $100 | $300 | $6K | Sell → |
| 15 | Vengeance of Bane Special #1 1993 | $1 | $40 | $6K | Sell → |
| 16 | Spawn #1 (Error - Missing Black Ink) 1992 | $500 | $1K | $6K | Sell → |
| 17 | Saga #1 (Retailer Incentive Variant) 2012 | $500 | $800 | $5K | Sell → |
| 18 | Siege #3 (Campbell Deadpool Variant) 2010 | $500 | $1K | $5K | Sell → |
| 19 | Deadpool #1 (Circle Chase) 1993 | $1 | $20 | $5K | Sell → |
| 20 | Ultimate Fallout #4 2011 | $40 | $300 | $5K | Sell → |
| 21 | Strangers in Paradise #1 1993 | $100 | $250 | $4K | Sell → |
| 22 | Thanos #13 (Albuquerque variant) 2018 | $150 | $300 | $3K | Sell → |
| 23 | Sentai #2 (1994) 1994 | $125 | $300 | $3K | Sell → |
| 24 | Spawn #1 (Black and White Edition, 1997) 1997 | $150 | $400 | $3K | Sell → |
| 25 | Batman #457 (2nd print newsstand) 1990 | $250 | $600 | $3K | Sell → |
| 26 | Batman Adventures #12 1993 | $80 | $500 | $3K | Sell → |
| 27 | Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel #1 2008 | $20 | $100 | $3K | Sell → |
| 28 | X-23 v3 #1 (Dell'Otto Variant) 2010 | $500 | $700 | $3K | Sell → |
| 29 | Edge of Spider-Verse #2 (Regular Edition) 2014 | $40 | $250 | $3K | Sell → |
| 30 | Walking Dead #2 2003 | $30 | $200 | $2K | Sell → |
| 31 | NYX #3 2004 | $80 | $300 | $2K | Sell → |
| 32 | The Maxx Yellow Ashcan 1993 | — | — | $2K | Sell → |
| 33 | Marvel Collectible Classics #2 (ASM #300 Chromium) 1998 | $150 | — | $2K | Sell → |
| 34 | Y the Last Man #1 2002 | $1 | $40 | $2K | Sell → |
| 35 | Vengeance #1 2011 | $15 | $50 | $2K | Sell → |
| 36 | Hellboy: The Fury (Retailer Incentive) 2011 | $250 | $700 | $2K | Sell → |
| 37 | All-New Marvel Now! Point One #1 2014 | $5 | $40 | $2K | Sell → |
| 38 | G.I. Joe Special #1 (Todd McFarlane Art) 1995 | $25 | $120 | $2K | Sell → |
| 39 | Spider-Gwen #1 (Adam Hughes Variant) 2015 | $40 | $100 | $2K | Sell → |
| 40 | Wolverine Origins #10 (Retailer incentive) 2007 | $250 | $450 | $2K | Sell → |
| 41 | Amazing Spider-Man #700 (Ditko Variant) 2012 | $125 | $250 | $2K | Sell → |
| 42 | Tank Girl #1 1991 | $75 | $190 | $2K | Sell → |
| 43 | Young Avengers #1 2005 | $1 | $30 | $2K | Sell → |
| 44 | What If vol 2 #105 1997 | $1 | $30 | $2K | Sell → |
| 45 | Solar, Man of the Atom #10 1992 | $1 | $50 | $2K | Sell → |
| 46 | Harbinger #1 (with Mail-Away Coupon) 1992 | $30 | $120 | $2K | Sell → |
| 47 | League of Extraordinary Gentlemen #5 2003 | $50 | $180 | $2K | Sell → |
| 48 | Rick and Morty #1 2015 | $20 | $100 | $1K | Sell → |
| 49 | Cyberfrog #1 (Hall of Heroes) 1996 | $25 | $100 | $1K | Sell → |
| 50 | Uncanny X-Men #297 (Mail-In Variant) 1993 | $50 | $150 | $1K | Sell → |
| 51 | Teen Titans #12 2004 | $10 | $60 | $900 | Sell → |
| 52 | Spider-Man Noir #1 2009 | $30 | $200 | $850 | Sell → |
| 53 | Batman #608 (2nd printing variant) 2002 | $30 | $80 | $825 | Sell → |
| 54 | Uncanny X-Men #500 (Sketch Variant) 2008 | $80 | $300 | $800 | Sell → |
| 55 | Walking Dead #19 2005 | $25 | $120 | $775 | Sell → |
| 56 | Sentry #1 2000 | $1 | $50 | $660 | Sell → |
| 57 | Batman #635 2005 | $1 | $60 | $550 | Sell → |
How to Value Your Modern Age Comics
Post-Pandemic Reset
Almost every Modern Age variant is down 40–90% from 2021 highs. What you paid in 2021 for NYX #3, ASM #667 Dell'Otto, or Edge of Spider-Verse #2 is not what it's worth in 2026. Track sold prices weekly if you're actively trading.
Variant Ratio Matters
Modern Age retailer-incentive (RI) variants have print numbers stamped as 1:10, 1:25, 1:50, 1:200, 1:500. A 1:500 variant is worth 20–100× the standard cover of the same issue. Verify the print run — sellers often misrepresent variant ratios.
Newsstand Copies Are Rare
Marvel/DC stopped newsstand distribution around 2013–2017 (varies by title). Late newsstand copies (2010–2017) are often <5% of the print run and can sell at 5–20× direct-market copies of the same issue. Check the barcode.
MCU/DCU Announcements Move Prices
Modern Age keys are extremely reactive to film/TV news. Miles Morales (Ultimate Fallout #4), Kate Bishop (Young Avengers #1), Ms. Marvel (All-New Marvel Now! #1), Cosmic Ghost Rider (Thanos #13) — all track their MCU/D+ appearances.
First Print Isn't Always the Most Valuable
For some Modern books, later variants outsell first prints (Amazing Spider-Man #667 Dell'Otto vs regular; Hulk #377 3rd print vs 1st). Always check what specific version you have before pricing.
Polybagged / Sealed Doesn't = Grade
Poly-bagged sealed copies from the 90s (Death of Superman, X-Force #1) frequently grade below 9.8 due to spine wear from bag pressure. Don't assume a sealed book will grade high — CGC opens the bag anyway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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