10 Best-Selling Comics of All Time
1.X-Men #1 (1991) – This reboot of the X-Men franchise under the pen of Chris Claremont and Jim Lee remains one the highest selling comics of all time, with an estimated 8 million copies sold. It introduced a new team of mutants and is renowned for its stunning artwork.
2.Superman #75 (1992) – The “Death of Superman” storyline peaked with this issue, which sold over 6 million copies. Superman’s battle to the death with Doomsday created a media frenzy, attracting both longtime fans and newcomers.
3.Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) – Alan Moore’s dark take on the Joker’s origin and his cruel manipulation of the Gordon family has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. This graphic novel is notorious for its mature content and psychological depth.
4.The Amazing Spider-Man #583 (2009) – Featuring President Barack Obama on its alternate cover, this comic book became an instant collector’s item and quickly sold half a million copies in the first day alone.
5.The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (1963) – As the first issue dedicated solely to this iconic character, it’s a hot item for collectors and has had numerous reprints over the years. Original printings have sold countless copies worldwide since their release.
6.Action Comics #1 (1938) – The first appearance of Superman marked the birth of superheroes in comic books. Despite low initial print runs, reprints and its historical significance have made it one of the best-selling comics through various editions over time.
7.Secret Wars #1 (1984) – With Marvel’s universe colliding in an epic showdown between heroes and villains on Battleworld, Secret Wars has gone down in history as one of Marvel’s most memorable and best-selling crossover events.
8.The Sensational She-Hulk #40 (1992) – Known amongst fans for breaking the fourth wall well before Deadpool, this particular issue gained notoriety for its cover and John Byrne’s writing/artwork, resulting in considerable sales figures at that time.
9.The Witcher: House Of Glass #1 (2014) – Riding on the popularity of The Witcher video game series and novels, this comic book adaptation by Dark Horse Comics sold out quickly upon release as fans scrambled to get a deeper look into Geralt’s world.
10.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (1984) – From a small print run funded by a tax refund, TMNT became an unlikely success story. Original copies are rare finds that command high prices in today’s market – a testament to their significant sales over time.
These comics have not only enjoyed commercial success but have also become cultural touchstones within the industry, influencing generations of artists, writers, and readers across the globe.