Batman and Superman are currently locked in a heated popularity contest, driven by the much-anticipated movie, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. But while fans debate the merits of each superhero, comic collectors are asking: who’s the shrewder investment?
After all, both wildly popular characters got their start in comic books. Superman burst on the scene in 1938 in Action Comics #1. Batman debuted in 1939 in Detective Comics #27.
That timing is key, says Vincent Zurzolo, co-owner of Metropolis Collectibles, the world’s largest vintage comic book dealership, and ComicConnect.com, its online auction site.
“Superman is the world’s first comic book superhero,” notes Zurzolo. “He influenced all who followed, including Batman.”
“Comics featuring a character’s first appearance are typically the most valuable. For these reasons, I believe that Action Comics #1 will always be the gold standard.”
In the last decade, four high-grade copies of Action Comics #1 have sold for over $1 million—all through Zurzolo’s company, which has the Guinness World Records to prove it. The highest book sold for an unprecedented $3.2 million (which Zurzolo purchased). In contrast, only one Detective Comics #27 has broken the seven figure threshold, and just barely.
So is Batman a weak comic book investment? By no means, says Zurzolo, noting, “If a high-grade copy of Detective Comics #27 came on the market today, it would perform very well.”
In fact, when it comes to compelling supervillains, Batman overpowers Superman, and that also impacts comic book values.
“The Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman, Two Face…Batman has a deep bench of great villains,” says Stephen Fishler, CEO of Metropolis ComicConnect and Zurzolo’s business partner.
“But name one well-known Superman villain besides Lex Luthor,” challenges Fishler, who created the 10-point grading scale that is now the gold standard. “Most people can’t.”
For example, an 8.0 graded Batman #1—which marked the first appearance of The Joker and Catwoman—is valued at $250,000. In comparison, an 8.0 graded Action Comics #23—the first appearance of Lex Luthor—goes for a mere $30,000.
Cultural popularity is also a factor. Experts hypothesize that if both characters were created today, Batman—who’s more relatable—would be more highly collected, as evidenced by the success of the movie franchise.
So, at the end of the day, which character should aspiring comic book collectors choose?
“My rule of thumb is to collect what you love, so pick the character that appeals to you,” advises Zurzolo. “Or collect both. Just do your homework. Make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller, paying fair prices, and most of all, having fun.”
And keep your eyes open, too. According to Zurzolo, as Batman v Superman hits the big screen, another superhero’s star is expected to rise.
“Blockbuster movies affect comic values,” says Zurzolo. “And Wonder Woman is about to steal the spotlight.
Wonder Woman—the superhuman Amazon princess who first appeared in the comics in 1941—will make her motion picture debut in Batman v Superman. Then, she’ll star in her own eponymous movie, to be released in 2017.
The character of Wonder Woman has both superhuman powers and weapons, including a tiara boomerang and the “Lasso of Truth,” which forces her captives to tell her the truth. Interestingly, Zurzolo notes, her creator—the psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston—also invented the first lie detector test.
“She’s the world’s most popular super heroine, the archetype for all female superheroes, and feminist icon,” notes Zurzolo. “And we’re expecting expect her comic book values to skyrocket.”
In fact, ComicConnect.com is currently auctioning a 9.0 copy of All Star #8—the highest grade copy in existence—which marks Wonder Woman’s first appearance. It may go for a record breaking price of $300,000, raising her comic book values across the board.
So, while Batman and Superman duke it out, the Warrior Princess just might be the one to watch.
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In today’s superhero world? Batman is the better investment I think. Sure Action Comics is gonna bring in the dollars but that’s also due to scarcity, supply and demand. I think with today’s kids and fans, more are drawn to Batman over Superman. Now if they keep Superman a bit darker and not with any cheese factor, then things could look better for Supes but only time will tell.
I’m going out right now and grabbing a couple copies of each. Total spec play but I have a good feeling about this.
Lol. I thought it was an interesting piece to run, yeah, well out of hand of the average collector, but an interesting look at the heroes.
Yeah, it is. I did not realize how much difference there was between the big two and wonder woman. How can there be that big of a difference between the three?
If given the choice, and having the money, I’d take Detective #27 over Action #1, but I’d also prefer a Captain America #1 over an Action #1.
1st appearances aside, there’s a long list of Batman issues from the late Silver Age on up that are excellent pickups. Superman not so much
Have to disagree with Wonderwoman. No one cares about Wonderwoman the only of her modern comics that hold any value are Variant covers that are so under ordered (because no one buys Wonderwoman comics) people want them for their rarity not because it’s a Wonderwoman book. If I had $300,000 to spend on a comic book definitely wouldn’t be picking up Wonderwomans 1st appearance. Yes she’s in the movie but who’s going to see it because Wonderwoman is in the movie. If it was a Wonderwoman stand alone movie being released this week good chance it would do worse numbers then The Catwoman movie.
the better investment is batman. better villans better dudes in tights. even before new 52 superman is just lame . but as I tell folks . you can just be pataincet and serch ebay and conventions. there are golden age deals of awesomness to be had. just buy the grades you can afford and have fun . and I care about wonder woman. we have more womenin comics now . and it is now wonder womans time . the first 14 to 20 issues of the new 52 are greatreads . and she will be a cos-play all star. and the key book to grab in any grade again the grade you can afford is brave and the bold #28 . blind adam out
What do you guys think about the potential of the linking of an Injustice: Gods Among Us story line into the movies based on the vision Bruce Wayne has in the movie. Do you think investing in the Injustice comic would be a good spec?