The 1980s was a decade of great change and growth in the comic book industry. From the introduction of iconic characters to the emergence of new genres, the 80s and 90s saw a surge in comic book popularity. But which comics from this era are the most valuable? In this article, we'll explore the 10 most valuable comics from the 1980s (excluding reprints) and explain why they are so sought after. At number one is The Silent Song, which blew readers away when it hit the stands.
This issue featured fan-favorite Snake Eyes and also marked the first appearance of Storm Shadow. Coming in at number two is The Crow #1. Although this issue has more value than its first appearance, it's where the story we all know and love began. Number three is Star Wars #42, which features the first appearance of Boba Fett and Yoda, as well as Bossk, IG-88, Zuckuss, and Emperor Palpatine.
This comic has only recently gained favor, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Number four is Archie #308, which features Cheryl Blossom's first appearance in an Archie series with Betty and Veronica in the title. Number five is Superman #423, a special edition commissioned by British real estate mogul Godfrey Bradman for his son Daniel's Bar Mitzvah. This rare comic features family members as main characters and only 250 copies were produced by DC Comics' special projects department.
Number six is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, which marks the first appearance of Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphel, Donatello, Shredder, and Splinter. This comic has seen a surge in value in recent years and is currently one of the most valuable comics from the 1980s. Number seven is Batman: The Killing Joke, which features Alan Moore's classic Joker origin story and graphic scenes of Joker photographing Barbara Gordon (Batgirl). Number eight is Men in Black #1, an Indy comic that inspired the Men in Black movie series that swept the world.
Number nine is Star Wars: Return of the Jedi #1, which features Rocksteady and Bebop's first comic book appearances. Finally, number ten is Usagi Yojimbo #1. This comic follows Ronin-style stories with an anthropomorphic rabbit samurai and has become popular with Indy comic book fans. It's important to note that values for comics from the 1980s are constantly changing, so these books could have a different value tomorrow. If you're looking to buy comics to invest in, be sure to do your research before making any purchases.