This report looks into the value of Fantastic Four comics created by Marvel. The first appearance of the superhero team was in Fantastic Four #1 (vol.1) in 1961, marking the beginning of the series’ most prized editions. The comic book franchise has since thrived and expanded, now encompassing a vast array of related titles.
- In April 2022, a CGC rank 9.2 copy of Fantastic Four #1 sold for $1.50 million (CGC is a respected 3rd party that rates comic book conditions out of 10, with 10 being the highest quality).
- As of 2023, this holds the record for the most expensive Fantastic Four comic ever sold.
- However, the highest grade recorded is a 9.6 which would be expected to break the record sale if sold today.
- In November 2022, a copy of Fantastic Four #49 (first cover appearance of Galactus and the Silver Surfer) at a grade of 9.8 sold for $192,000.
- Copies at a grade of 6.5 have increased in value by at least 9.64 times since 2009.
- A copy of Fantastic Four #5 (first appearance of Dr. Doom) at a grade of 9.2 was sold for $180,000 in September 2022.
- If a 9.8 grade was found of the issue, it would be anticipated to sell for a minimum of $250,000.
- As of 2023, the average price of a Fantastic Four comic (excluding variants) is $34.06.
- Fantastic Four comic prices decreased 18.23% over the previous year.
- As of 2023, the cover price for Fantastic Four is $3.99.
Selected rare Fantastic Four comic editions by record sale
Issues from the first volume of Fantastic Four are considered by collectors to be the most valuable of the Fantastic Four comics.
- In April 2022, a copy of Fantastic Four #1 sold for $1.50 million (CGC 9.2).
- As of 2023, this holds the record for the most expensive Fantastic Four comic ever sold.
- However, the highest grade recorded is a 9.6 which would be expected to break the record sale if sold today.
- At a grade of 6.0, current prices exceed $31,000, compared to $10,000 in 2009 (+210.00% overall).
- The record sale for Fantastic Four #49 was $192,000 in November 2022 (CGC 9.8).
- It maintains popularity with collectors due to containing the first cover appearance of Galactus and the Silver Surfer, having iconic cover art, and its significant storyline.
- In September 2022, a copy of Fantastic Four #5 was sold for $180,000 (CGC 9.2).
- The issue is valued for featuring the first appearance of Dr. Doom, the greatest foe of the Fantastic Four.
- If a 9.8 grade was found of the issue, it would be anticipated to sell for a minimum of $250,000.
- As of 2023, a 6.0 grade is valued at around $16,500.
- This is 11 times higher than in 2009 when its price was around $1,500.
| Rank | Edition | Record sale |
| 1 | Fantastic Four #1 (vol.1) | $1.5m |
| 2 | Fantastic Four #49 (vol.1) | $192k |
| 3 | Fantastic Four #5 (vol.1) | $180k |
| 4 | Fantastic Four #48 (vol.1) | $144k |
| 5 | Fantastic Four #3 (vol.1) | $102k |
| 6 | Fantastic Four #2 (vol.1) | $90k |
| 7 | Fantastic Four #52 (vol.1) | $84k |
| 8 | Fantastic Four #4 (vol.1) | $81k |
| 9 | Fantastic Four #12 (vol.1) | $66k |
| 10 | Fantastic Four #6 (vol.1) | $60k |
Average Fantastic Four comic price
- As of 2023, the average price of a Fantastic Four comic (excluding variants) is $34.06.
- This was also the lowest average price recorded from the given period.
- Fantastic Four comic prices decreased 18.23% over the previous year.
- From the given data, the average price of Fantastic Four was at its highest during 2022 at $41.65.
- Fantastic Four comic prices decreased by 4.10% over the period.
| Year | Average price | Change |
| 2021 (Jul – Dec) | $35.51 | |
| 2022 | $41.65 | +17.28% |
| 2023 (Jan – May) | $34.06 | -18.23% |
A graph is given below to show average prices of Fantastic Four comics:
Fantastic Four comic cover prices
- As of 2023, the cover price for Fantastic Four is $3.99.
- When Fantastic Four was released in 1961, its cover price was $0.10.
- In total, the cover price is 39.9 times higher in 2023 than in 1961.
- The first volume of Fantastic Four was paused at a price of $2.50 (special edition) in late-1996.
- The second volume resumed at a price of $2.95 for its first edition before reverting to a standard price of $1.95.
| Year | Issue | Cover price | Change | Inflation-adjusted |
| 1961 | Fantastic Four #1 (vol.1) | $0.10 | $0.10 | |
| 1971 | Fantastic Four #115 (vol.1) | $0.15 | +50.00% | $0.11 |
| 1981 | Fantastic Four #235 (vol.1) | $0.50 | +233.33% | $0.16 |
| 1991 | Fantastic Four #357 (vol.1) | $1.00 | +100.00% | $0.22 |
| 2001 | Fantastic Four #46 (vol.3) | $2.25 | +125.00% | $0.38 |
| 2011 | Fantastic Four #588 (vol.1) | $3.99 | +77.33% | $0.53 |
| 2021 | Fantastic Four #34 (vol.6) | $3.99 | $0.44 | |
| 2023 | Fantastic Four #8 (vol.7) | $3.99 | $0.39 |
A graph is given below to show cover prices of Fantastic Four comics over time:
Fantastic Four comics FAQ
Why were the Fantastic Four created?
Aiming to revitalize the superhero genre, Marvel made the decision to create the Fantastic Four in 1961. Its creators, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, wanted to experiment within the genre by giving the Fantastic Four’s characters complex personalities and a family dynamic, whilst also emphasizing teamwork. The new approach helped revolutionize comic books, paving the way for the future success of Marvel.
How did Fantastic Four become popular?
Alongside their relatable flaws and complex personalities, the Fantastic Four resonate with readers through their unique family dynamic. The team focuses on teamwork and creates a unique bond that readers can feel identification with. Through its design, the artwork of its comics intrigued audiences, making for a memorable series that enabled Marvel to grow.
Which types of Fantastic Four issues are the most valuable?
- Issues that feature first appearances of significant characters.
- Issues that feature iconic storylines, with a significant impact on the Fantastic Four or Marvel Universe.
- Issues with limited print runs/rarity, variant covers and issues in an exceptional condition for their age.