The preservation of comic book history was made possible by grading, a process which assigns a “grade” based on wear and tear, while also protecting the words and stories within the pages. Because of this meticulous process of grading, we’re able to relive the origin stories of superheroes that have emotionally captivated people since the golden age of comic books nearly 90 years ago, stories that would have otherwise rotted away with time.
While it may seem impossible to compile a list of “the best” comic books out there (it is), a few notable issues have influenced the future of comic books by introducing key heroes and storylines still captivating the minds of readers today.
This list will consist of comic books that have not only stood the test of time with strong storytelling, but have remained culturally relevant. In no particular order, here’s our top 10 graded comic books available now on StockX.
Marvel Ultimate Fallout #4 Variant Edition (1st App. Miles Morales) Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
The mainstream popularity of Miles Morales today can largely be attributed to the success of Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse. The movie was the first animated Spider-Man movie that won numerous mainstream awards for its engaging story, characters, and depiction of a new Spider-Man hero. However, Miles Morales has been captivating fans since his first appearance in Marvel Ultimate Fallout #4 in 2011 as the new Spider-Man following the death of Peter Parker.
The reception of Miles Morales at the time was mixed. While some loved the addition of a new biracial Spider-Man with a Black American father and Puerto Rican mother, others considered the only true Spider-Man to always be Peter Parker. By and large, Morales’ character has been praised for giving a new generation of readers a hero they can look up to, a decision Spider-Man creator Stan Lee fully supported. Representation in comic books has always mattered, as people like to see similarities in the struggles and triumphs of these characters. Morales is no different, and continues to inspire new generations of superhero fans.
Marvel Fantastic Four #52 (1st Appearance of Black Panther) Comic Book CGC Graded Off-White to White Pages
A superhero that was truly ahead of his time, Black Panther was first introduced in Marvel’s Fantastic Four #52 in 1966. His appearance in the popular Fantastic Four series marked the one of the first African superheroes in mainstream American comic books, a catalyst for other Black superheroes across both DC and Marvel. Before Black Panther, Black characters in superhero comics were virtually nonexistent.
Creator Stan Lee famously recalled the Civil Rights Era in American History, citing that he had a lot of Black friends and coworkers, but no Black heroes existed.
Black Panther would famously go on to join the Avengers in 1968, and for decades was one of the most influential Black superhero characters. The Black Panther blockbuster sensation that released in 2018 brought the character back into mainstream prominence, famously portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman. Black Panther made over a billion dollars at the box office and its cultural significance cannot be underestimated. The world was flooded with heartwarming stories of young Black children overjoyed with representation on the big screen, and Black Panther became a beacon of hope for people across the globe. The movie is the highest-grossing superhero movie in the United States to date, a testament to the impact of the character.
We have Stan Lee and Steve Ditka to thank for bringing this character to prominence in Fantastic Four #52, even as Marvel questioned how appropriate it was to release a Black superhero in the 1960s.
Marvel Incredible Hulk #181 (1st App. of Wolverine) Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
In November 1974, the world was introduced to the rugged Wolverine in the Incredible Hulk #181. Created to give support to Canada, Wolverine’s first appearance in these key issues saw him duke it out with the Hulk. He would later be developed into a full fledged superhero as one of Marvel’s X-Men with a background full of hardship and tribulations.
While Wolverine’s first appearance in Hulk #181 wasn’t filled with an origin story, it is revered as one of the most valuable key issues in the catalog of graded comic books. This book isn’t a target for new collectors, as even lower graded books can trade for tens of thousands of dollars.
The value of Incredible Hulk #180, however, has seen as rise in popularity as #181’s rarity and price continues to increase. That’s because Wolverine technically made a cameo appearance in Incredible Hulk #180, showcasing the Wolverine in one panel of the book. The jury is still out on whether or not #180 is the true first appearance of the Wolverine, but Incredible Hulk #181 continues to be a holy grail for collectors, no matter the grade.
Marvel Star Wars #1 Comic Book CGC Graded
In hindsight, it’s crazy to think the original Star Wars movie in 1977 debuted in fewer than 40 theaters before becoming widely accessible and breaking records along the way. The movie made over $200 million during its initial run on the big screen, and a marketing campaign filled with toys and comic books followed.
Marvel obtained the rights for the Star Wars comic book series, which saw the first six issues adapt the movie in a comic book format. Marvel Star Wars #1 is the book that started it all for the Star Wars comic books franchise, which eventually would be handed to Dark Horse Comics before returning to Marvel in 2015. Marvel Star Wars #1 is one of the most important comic book issues because it laid the foundation for an ever-expanding Star Wars storyline that went beyond the movies. Marvel Star Wars #1-#6 followed the events of the movie, but from issue #7 and onward, the writers had full responsibility to expand on the story at their discretion.
Without Star Wars #1 and the issues that followed, the complex storylines from a galaxy far, far away later developed by Dark Horse may have never seen the light of day.
DC Batman Adventures #12 (1st App. of Harley Quinn) Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
Originally created as an accomplice for the Joke and eventual love interest, Harley Quinn was first introduced in Batman: The Animated Series as a cartoon. But her impact on those stories quickly translated to the comics. Quinn made her first comic book appearance in DC Batman Adventures #12 in 1993, but was previously featured on Batman: The Animated Series — her first true appearance. The origin story of Harley Quinn would develop her relationship with the Joker, and received critical praise for its storytelling.
Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn in the blockbuster DC Cinematic Universe would take the character into new heights, solidifying her as one of the most (if not the most) popular female characters in the DC universe. Harley Quinn’s prominence started in the Batman animated series before seeing new life in comic books, which saw Quinn take on a new persona beyond the Joker. 
Image Bitter Root #1 Variant Cover F (“Akira” Homage) Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
Bitter Root is the newest comic book to be featured on this list. Created in 2018 under Image Comics, Bitter Root’s popularity and success is credited to its interesting storyline following an African-American family of monster hunters in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. Created by industry veterans Sanford Greene, David F. Walker, and Chuck Brown, Bitter Root is continuing to rise in popularity, and is a modern age comic book that could see ongoing success for years to come. The comic book series has been nominated for some awards in its short life span, foreshadowing of what’s to come.
The comic book series is being adapted into a movie directed by Regina King. Walker, Brown, and Green will be executive producers for the film.
Marvel Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1st App. of The Punisher)
Marvel Amazing Spider-Man #129 was an action packed issue, featuring some key characters that would see popularity for Marvel. Amazing Spider-Man #129 showcases the first appearance of The Punisher, an antagonist to Spider-Man. Released in 1974, The Punisher would later become a successful stand alone character for Marvel. Amazing Spider-Man #129 also featured The Jackal, a villain that would make appearances throughout the years.
Marvel New Mutants #98 (1st App. of Deadpool) Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
A spinoff of the X-Men series, New Mutants was created in 1982 to showcase a new batch of mutants. New Mutants #98 featured the first appearance of Deadpool in 1991, who was depicted as a villain. Later, Deadpool would find success as an antihero, utilizing comedy and often breaking the fourth wall as key components of his character.
Since Deadpool’s first appearance, the hero has amassed a cult following as the character’s oddball persona has captivated fans for years. Of course, the success of the Deadpool movies starring Ryan Reynolds has lent the character mainstream success, and today is one of the most popular characters not only in X-Men, but the entire Marvel universe. New Mutants #98 gave us a first glimpse of what would become one of the most interesting characters in comic books, having a lasting impact on a newer generation of superhero fans.
Image Spawn #1 Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
Spawn’s creation represents an important cultural milestone for the industry as it coincided with a major shakeup. Image Comics was born in 1992 to give power back to creatives with a few key tenants of the company, which included the provision that Image does not own any of the work created by its comic book creators.
One of Image Comics’ founders Todd MacFarlane was already a recognizable name in the industry due to his work on Spider-Man. He later left Marvel to help spearhead Image and Spawn was born as MacFarlane’s creation under Image Comics, with the first issue going on to sell nearly two million copies.
Image Spawn #1 is considered one of the most influential modern age comic books of all time, as it showcased an antihero with themes about death, resurrection, immortality, heaven, hell, and other grim elements. The upheaval Image Comics caused in the industry also cannot be understated, and that started in part with Spawn #1.
Epic Comics Akira #1 Comic Book CGC Graded White Pages
While Akira is not technically a comic book, Epic Comics, an imprint of Marvel Comics, brought the Japanese Manga to the comic book format in 1988. The now critically acclaimed and world renowned Akira manga was published as a six volume epic in Japan, and became one of the first fully translated manga to English.
Akira is widely regarded as one of the greatest Japanese manga, and later Anime, of all time, bridging cyberpunk with dystopian philosophy in a way that dealt with themes of isolation, rampant economic inequality, and corruption. The series was later adapted into an animated movie, which is considered one of the most visually stunning pieces of Japanese animation to ever be released. However, the movie inevitably cuts storylines from the original manga epic, so fans who are looking to get the full Akira experience should read the manga or comic book releases.
Akira is largely responsible for bringing Japanese animation to the west and remains one of the most influential manga ever written. Thanks to Marvel and Epic Comics, the impact of Akira spread far beyond the reaches of Tokyo, and introduced an entirely new market to the world of Japanese animation and manga.
