The Top 10 Most Legendary Graded Comics at CGC
- Patrice Journ
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 10
A few titles stand above the rest—in value, redefining the genre and its cultural significance, and for some, for their sheer volume of grades handed out across the industry. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) has become the default standard for grading and certifying comics, and some titles have dominated the market in terms of pillars of the genre. Here’s a look at the top 10 graded comics at CGC, not in order, with complete with release dates, artists, and publishers that have shaped the hobby for decades. While some of those copies have sold for million of dollars in pristine condition, earning a CGC 9.8, there are actually many auctions for lower-grade copies in good condition that you can find on eBay below at much more affordable prices, if you want to own a piece of history.
1. X-Men # 1
- Month/Year: September 1963
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
- Artists: Jack Kirby and Stan Lee
- Why it’s popular: The debut of the X-Men remains a cornerstone for collectors, with 6,691 copies graded, only 2 so far hit the CGC 9.8. Its iconic cover and pivotal storytelling continue to drive high demand.
2. Action Comics # 1
- Month/Year: June 1938
- Publisher: DC Comics
- Artists: Joe Shuster & Jerry Siegel (cover & interior)
- Why it’s popular: The first appearance of Superman. Only 81 graded copies, and tow of them scored a 9.4. It’s the keystone for superhero comics, and when original copies hit the market, sparking fierce bidding wars.
3. Amazing Fantasy # 15
- Month/Year: August 1962
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
- Artists: Steve Ditko (interior), Steve Ditko & Stan Lee (cover)
- Why it’s popular: The debut of Spider-Man, often graded in the millions, remains the crown jewel for many—collectors chase the perfect copy like a holy grail.
4. Detective Comics # 27
- Month/Year: May 1939
- Publisher: DC Comics
- Artists: Bob Kane & Bill Finger
- Why it’s popular: The first appearance of Batman. It’s a historic book with numerous high-grade copies leading sales, showcasing the hero’s longstanding appeal. Total of 79 copies have been graded so far, and one scored a 9.4. In 2024, a 4.5 sold for $675,000 at Heritage Auctions.
5. Marvel Comics # 1
- Month/Year: October 1939
- Publisher: Timely Comics (predecessor to Marvel)
- Artists: Various, including Carl Burgos and Al Anders
- Why it’s popular: The start of Marvel’s universe; its historical significance keeps its graded copies in high demand. Only 70 copies, and by far one of the hardest to be found. A 1.0 sold for $163,300 last year at the Comic Connect auctions.
6. The Walking Dead # 1
- Month/Year: October 2003
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Artists: Tony Moore & Charlie Adlard
- Why it’s popular: Thanks to the hit TV series, this comic’s early copies in CGC 9.8 fetch high prices and are heavily traded. 3,797 graded copies, and 26 copies managed to get an astonishing 9.9 score due to their modernity.
7. Spawn # 1
- Month/Year: May 1992
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Artists: Todd McFarlane
- Why it’s popular: A groundbreaking image comic, its high-grade copies remain among the most sought-after modern collectibles. Albert Francis SImmons, the fictional anti-hero, was a breakthrough of a more satyrical approach of the genre. About 36,000 copies graded, 6 of them scored a perfect 10, and bout 17,000 copies are available in 9.8 and 9.9. White pages, in the mean of well-conserved coloring pages, can be found with high-grade at accessible prices around the hundred dollars mark.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles # 1
- Month/Year: May 1984
- Publisher: Mirage Studios
- Artists: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird
- Why it’s popular: Nostalgia reigns supreme here. The classic turtles continue to dominate when CGC grades are tallied. 1,331 copies graded, with 45 of them reaching the 9.8 mark. The cover’s dynamic pose captures the turtles in action, with a rugged, underground aesthetic that perfectly reflects the early days of the franchise and its rebellious spirit. The gritty lines and gritty tone make it instantly recognizable and timeless.
9. Harbinger # 1
- Month/Year: March 1992
- Publisher: Valiant Comics
- Artists: Bob Layton, David Lapham, John Dixon
- Why it’s popular: As Valiant’s flagship book, its high grades are in demand with vintage and new fans alike. 3,271 copies graded, 652 of them reached 9.8. One of the most affordable comic book in high grade, a perfect collection starter for the fans.
10. Saga # 1
- Month/Year: March 2012
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Artists: Fiona Staples (interior), Brian K. Vaughan (writer)
- Why it’s popular: Saga # 1 is special for its groundbreaking storytelling, stunning artwork by Fiona Staples, and its status as an instant modern classic loved by fans and critics alike. Its rarity in high grades and critical acclaim make it one of the most sought-after comics of the 2010s.
The Bottom Line:
These comics aren’t just about their age or story—they’re about the demand and the volume of quality copies flowing through the market. High-grade copies of these titles in CGC slabs are what many collectors chase, whether for investment, nostalgia, or pride of ownership. And remember, as the hobby continues to grow, these titles will likely stay at the top of the list, shaping the market for years to come.
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