The Basics of Collecting DC Comics
Originally known simply as Detective Comics, DC is one of the two behemoths of comic book collecting. Starting in the early 2000s, DC enjoyed a huge surge of popularity fueled by blockbuster movies, fan-favorite TV shows, and successful video games. With more movies rolling out over the next few years, there’s probably going to be an even bigger surge.
This guide will help you know what titles to look for with some of DC’s biggest characters. The specific issues are the best to look for, but with many of these series, any issue is worth a look.
Batman
Batman has risen to the top of the DC heap in the last few decades, fueled by multiple successful movies, animated shows, and innovative comic book series. Any of the old Detective Comics series from #27-300 are a must for Batman, as well as #359 and 400. For the Batman series, look for #1-200, 227-251, 404-407 (the Year One series), 426-429 (A Death in the Family series), and 497 (Bane).
Superman
The most expensive comic ever sold was an Action Comics issue with the first appearance of Superman, and early comics of this legendary character are still big collector’s items. Any of the early Action Comics are great finds, especially from #1-300. In the Superman titles, #1-200 and #252 are big finds.
As a side note with Superman, many collectors went crazy in 1992 with the Death of Superman comic, believing it to be the last issue of Superman. At the time, the price got as high a $75 per copy. After he returned, the price dropped, and today these sell for around $10 a copy.
Green Lantern
There a plenty of Silver Age series with the Green Lantern, but the rarity of Golden Age series and issues make these the true finds for collectors. Golden Age series include: All-American Comics (#16-102), All-Flash Quarterly (#14), All-Star Comics (#2, 10, 24-27, and 58), Big All-American Book (#1), Comic Cavalcade (#1-29), and Green Lantern the 1st series (#1-38). From the Silver Age: Showcase (#22), and Green Lantern the 2nd series (#1-87) are great finds.
Wonder Woman
One of the longest-running superheroes and possibly the biggest female superhero, Wonder Woman is always a favorite for collectors. Some of these early books are very rare, so know what you have if you find them. Titles include: All-Star Comics (#8, 11-74), Sensation Comics (#1-106), Wonder Woman 1st series, started in 1942 (#1-329), Brave and the Bold from 1960 (#28-30, 63, 78, 87, 105, 140, 158), and Justice League of America (#1-69, 128 and up).
The Flash
Many diehard DC fans actually rate The Flash at the top of their list. He’s been a favorite ever since the Golden Age, and is credited with starting the Silver Age. There are plenty of rare comic books out there that feature the speedy hero. Good series include: Flash Comics starting in 1940 (#1-104), All-Flash (#1-32), The Flash from 1959 (#105-200), Showcase (#4, 8, 13, and 14).