🗝 The Top 100 Key Issues from The Golden Age Comic Books published from 1934 - 1955
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Famous Funnies: Series 1 #1
Dell
•
1934
•
Vol. 1
First comic book to be sold on newsstands
Estimated print run of 35,000 copies though there is thought to be fewer than 10 still in existence and the highest graded copy is a 4.5
First comic book to be sold on newsstands
Estimated print run of 35,000 copies though there is thought to be fewer than 10 still in existence and the highest graded copy is a 4.5
Famous Funnies #5
Eastern Color
•
1934
•
Vol. 1
1st cover appearance of Santa Claus on a standard comic book
First Christmas story in a standard comic book, a reprinted story called 'Fanny Takes Advantage of Santa' from the comic strip Simp O'Dill
1st cover appearance of Santa Claus on a standard comic book
First Christmas story in a standard comic book, a reprinted story called 'Fanny Takes Advantage of Santa' from the comic strip Simp O'Dill
New Fun Comics #6
DC
•
1935
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Doctor Occult, one of the earliest superheroes in history
First artwork by Joe Shuster, co-creator of Superman
First written work by Jerry Siegel, co-creator of Superman
1st appearance of a vampire in comic books
1st appearance of Doctor Occult, one of the earliest superheroes in history
First artwork by Joe Shuster, co-creator of Superman
First written work by Jerry Siegel, co-creator of Superman
1st appearance of a vampire in comic books
Popular Comics #1
Dell
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Dick Tracy in comic books
1st appearance of Don Winslow and Terry & the Pirates
1st appearance of Dick Tracy in comic books
1st appearance of Don Winslow and Terry & the Pirates
Tip Top Comics #1
St. John
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Tarzan
1st appearance of Bronco Bill and Li'l Abner
1st appearance of Tarzan
1st appearance of Bronco Bill and Li'l Abner
King Comics #1
David McKay
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Popeye in standard comics - reprinted newspaper comic strips
1st appearance of Flash Gordon in standard comics - reprinted newspaper comic strips
1st appearance of Mandrake the Magician
1st appearance of Brick Bradford
[March 2024 - a live-action Popeye movie is in development from Chernin Entertainment and King Features with screenwriter Michael Caleo (The Sopranos) attached]
1st appearance of Popeye in standard comics - reprinted newspaper comic strips
1st appearance of Flash Gordon in standard comics - reprinted newspaper comic strips
1st appearance of Mandrake the Magician
1st appearance of Brick Bradford
[March 2024 - a live-action Popeye movie is in development from Chernin Entertainment and King Features with screenwriter Michael Caleo (The Sopranos) attached]
Funny Picture Stories #1
Comics Magazine Company
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Clock, simultaneously released with Funny Pages #6
1st appearance of the Clock, simultaneously released with Funny Pages #6
Ace Comics #11
King Features
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of The Phantom, Kit Walker, in a standard comic book
1st appearance of The Phantom, Kit Walker, in a standard comic book
Action Comics #1
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Superman
1st appearance of Lois Lane
1st appearance of Zatara, Zatanna's father
1st appearance of Tex Thompson, later becomes Mr. America
🌎 Currently holds the world record for the highest comic sale in history after a 9.0 copy from the collection of Nicolas Cage sold for $15 million dollars in December 2025
💰 In June 2024, an 8.5 Kansas City Pedigree sold for $6,000,000
1st appearance of Superman
1st appearance of Lois Lane
1st appearance of Zatara, Zatanna's father
1st appearance of Tex Thompson, later becomes Mr. America
🌎 Currently holds the world record for the highest comic sale in history after a 9.0 copy from the collection of Nicolas Cage sold for $15 million dollars in December 2025
💰 In June 2024, an 8.5 Kansas City Pedigree sold for $6,000,000
Jumbo Comics #1
Fiction House
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
First professionally published interior art by Jack Kirby, as Jack Curtiss
1st appearance of Sheena Queen of the Jungle
First adaptation of the Count of Monte Cristo in a U.S. publication - reprinted from Wags (UK, 1938)
First professionally published interior art by Jack Kirby, as Jack Curtiss
1st appearance of Sheena Queen of the Jungle
First adaptation of the Count of Monte Cristo in a U.S. publication - reprinted from Wags (UK, 1938)
Detective Comics #20
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Crimson Avenger
1st appearance Wing, the Crimson Avenger's sidekick
1st appearance of the Crimson Avenger
1st appearance Wing, the Crimson Avenger's sidekick
The Lone Ranger Comics #1
Lone Ranger Comics Inc
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Lone Ranger in a standard Golden Age-sized comic
1st western comic book featuring a single character
Promotional mail-in offer for an ice cream cone company
Stories adapted from Lone Ranger and His Horse Silver, published by Big Little Books
1st appearance of the Lone Ranger in a standard Golden Age-sized comic
1st western comic book featuring a single character
Promotional mail-in offer for an ice cream cone company
Stories adapted from Lone Ranger and His Horse Silver, published by Big Little Books
The Funnies #30
Dell
•
1939
•
Vol. 2
1st appearance of John Carter Warlord of Mars in a standard comic book
Adaptation of 'A Princess of Mars' by Edgar Rice Burroughs
1st appearance of John Carter Warlord of Mars in a standard comic book
Adaptation of 'A Princess of Mars' by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1
First Funnies
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Namor the Sub-Mariner
1st appearance of American Ace
1st appearance of the Holy One, later known as Thakorr, a former ruler of Atlantis
Only nine copies are known to exist
This comic was intended to be a giveaway at movie theaters but it never went into full production
1st appearance and origin of Namor the Sub-Mariner
1st appearance of American Ace
1st appearance of the Holy One, later known as Thakorr, a former ruler of Atlantis
Only nine copies are known to exist
This comic was intended to be a giveaway at movie theaters but it never went into full production
New York World's Fair Comics #1
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Sandman, Wesley Dodds, a businessman who operated as a vigilante with a gas gun capable of putting enemies to sleep
1st appearance of the Sandman, Wesley Dodds, a businessman who operated as a vigilante with a gas gun capable of putting enemies to sleep
Detective Comics #27
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Batman
1st appearance of Commissioner Gordon
💰 Detective Comics #27 has sold for over one million dollars 6x with a record high sale in 6.5 for $1.8 million (April 2024)
1st appearance of Batman
1st appearance of Commissioner Gordon
💰 Detective Comics #27 has sold for over one million dollars 6x with a record high sale in 6.5 for $1.8 million (April 2024)
Superman #1
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
Premiere issue of headlining Superman title
Origin of Superman
1st appearance of Ma and Pa Kent - Superman was first said to be found by a passing motorist in Action Comics #1
First pin-up poster in comics, back cover
2nd and 3rd printings exist
💰 8.0 Edgar Church Pedigree sold for $5.3 million dollars in Jan 2022
💰 9.0 sold for $9.12 million dollars in November 2025
💰8.5 Edgar Church Pedigree sold for $7 million dollars in Feb 2026
Premiere issue of headlining Superman title
Origin of Superman
1st appearance of Ma and Pa Kent - Superman was first said to be found by a passing motorist in Action Comics #1
First pin-up poster in comics, back cover
2nd and 3rd printings exist
💰 8.0 Edgar Church Pedigree sold for $5.3 million dollars in Jan 2022
💰 9.0 sold for $9.12 million dollars in November 2025
💰8.5 Edgar Church Pedigree sold for $7 million dollars in Feb 2026
Mystery Men Comics #1
Fox
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, not in traditional costume but in a suit and fedora
1st appearance of Green Mask
1st appearance of Rex Dexter of Mars and Zanzibar the Magician
1st appearance of Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, not in traditional costume but in a suit and fedora
1st appearance of Green Mask
1st appearance of Rex Dexter of Mars and Zanzibar the Magician
Amazing-Man Comics #5
Centaur
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Amazing Man, John Aman
Detective Comics #31
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of The Monk, Batman's first costumed enemy
1st appearance of Julie Madison, Bruce Wayne's girlfriend
5th appearance of Batman
Debut of the Batgyro, an airborn vehicle later replaced by the Batplane
Debut of the Batarang
Stories take place in New York City
1st appearance of The Monk, Batman's first costumed enemy
1st appearance of Julie Madison, Bruce Wayne's girlfriend
5th appearance of Batman
Debut of the Batgyro, an airborn vehicle later replaced by the Batplane
Debut of the Batarang
Stories take place in New York City
Marvel Comics #1
Timely
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Human Torch, Jim Hammond
2nd appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner - 8 pages of the 12-page story reprinted from Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1
1st appearance of Dorma, Namor's cousin
1st appearance of Ka-Zar, David Rand
1st appearance of Angel, Thomas Halloway, a private detective and vigilante
1st appearance of the Masked Raider, Jim Gardley
1st comic book published by Timely, later becomes Marvel
Retitled Marvel Mystery Comics after this issue
80,000 copies were produced of the first printing with an October 1939 date on the cover
The second printing could be identified by the October 1939 date blacked out, replaced with November 1939
The first printing sold out within a week and was quickly reprinted at a quantity of 800,000, the same as Superman #1
Although published in October, the cover date was changed to have a longer on-sale period at newsstands
💰 In March 2022, a 9.2 known as the Pay Copy due to publisher notations that tracked creator payouts sold for $2.42 million
1st appearance of the Human Torch, Jim Hammond
2nd appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner - 8 pages of the 12-page story reprinted from Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1
1st appearance of Dorma, Namor's cousin
1st appearance of Ka-Zar, David Rand
1st appearance of Angel, Thomas Halloway, a private detective and vigilante
1st appearance of the Masked Raider, Jim Gardley
1st comic book published by Timely, later becomes Marvel
Retitled Marvel Mystery Comics after this issue
80,000 copies were produced of the first printing with an October 1939 date on the cover
The second printing could be identified by the October 1939 date blacked out, replaced with November 1939
The first printing sold out within a week and was quickly reprinted at a quantity of 800,000, the same as Superman #1
Although published in October, the cover date was changed to have a longer on-sale period at newsstands
💰 In March 2022, a 9.2 known as the Pay Copy due to publisher notations that tracked creator payouts sold for $2.42 million
Silver Streak Comics #1
Lev Gleason
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of The Claw
Pep Comics #1
Archie
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of the Shield, the United States' first patriotic hero
1st appearance and origin of the Comet, the first superhero character to die in the line of duty in Pep Comics #17
1st appearance and origin of the Shield, the United States' first patriotic hero
1st appearance and origin of the Comet, the first superhero character to die in the line of duty in Pep Comics #17
Flash Comics #1
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of the Flash, Jay Garrick
First mention of Keystone City, protected by The Flash
1st appearance and origin of Hawkman, Carter Hall
1st appearance Shiera Sanders, later becomes Hawkgirl
1st appearance of Hath-Set, the first villain of Hawkman
1st appearance of Johnny Thunder
1st appearance of Yz, Johnny Thunder's thunderbolt
1st appearance and origin of the Flash, Jay Garrick
First mention of Keystone City, protected by The Flash
1st appearance and origin of Hawkman, Carter Hall
1st appearance Shiera Sanders, later becomes Hawkgirl
1st appearance of Hath-Set, the first villain of Hawkman
1st appearance of Johnny Thunder
1st appearance of Yz, Johnny Thunder's thunderbolt
Four Color #4
Dell
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Donald Duck in a standard size comic book
Whiz Comics #1
Fawcett
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam
1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam
1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel
1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher
1st team appearance of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, later renamed the Seven Deadly Sins
While not a precise swipe of Action Comics #1 artwork, this cover and other aspects of Captain Marvel led to DC (formerly National) filing a lawsuit against Fawcett for Captain Marvel too closely resembling Superman
Premiere issue of the series though the copyright notes read issue #2
There exists a scarce Ashcan edition of this issue
1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam
1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam
1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel
1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher
1st team appearance of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, later renamed the Seven Deadly Sins
While not a precise swipe of Action Comics #1 artwork, this cover and other aspects of Captain Marvel led to DC (formerly National) filing a lawsuit against Fawcett for Captain Marvel too closely resembling Superman
Premiere issue of the series though the copyright notes read issue #2
There exists a scarce Ashcan edition of this issue
More Fun Comics #52
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st full appearance and origin of The Spectre
1st appearance of The Presence, creator of The Spectre and the most powerful entity in the DC Multiverse
1st full appearance and origin of The Spectre
1st appearance of The Presence, creator of The Spectre and the most powerful entity in the DC Multiverse
Shadow Comics #1
Street and Smith
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Shadow in a standard comic book
1st appearance of Doc Savage in a standard comic book
1st appearance of the Shadow in a standard comic book
1st appearance of Doc Savage in a standard comic book
Action Comics #23
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Lex Luthor, depicted with red hair
1st appearance of Black Pirate, an adventurer who later appeared as a ghost in present day stories
First mention of The Daily Planet
1st appearance of Lex Luthor, depicted with red hair
1st appearance of Black Pirate, an adventurer who later appeared as a ghost in present day stories
First mention of The Daily Planet
Detective Comics #38
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Robin
Batman #1
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Joker
1st appearance of the Cat, Selina Kyle, later becomes Catwoman
Debut of the first Batplane which has multiple designs from one issue to the next including Batman #3 and Batman #4
💰 Batman #1 sold for over one million dollars 4x with a record-high in 9.4 for $6,000,000
1st appearance of the Joker
1st appearance of the Cat, Selina Kyle, later becomes Catwoman
Debut of the first Batplane which has multiple designs from one issue to the next including Batman #3 and Batman #4
💰 Batman #1 sold for over one million dollars 4x with a record-high in 9.4 for $6,000,000
More Fun Comics #55
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Dr. Fate, Kent Nelson
Introduction of the Helmet of Fate, Amulet of Anubis, and the Cloak of Destiny
1st appearance of Wotan, an immortal sorcerer and enemy of Dr. Fate
1st appearance of Dr. Fate, Kent Nelson
Introduction of the Helmet of Fate, Amulet of Anubis, and the Cloak of Destiny
1st appearance of Wotan, an immortal sorcerer and enemy of Dr. Fate
All-American Comics #16
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Green Lantern, Alan Scott
Red Raven Comics #1
Timely
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
Debut artwork by Jack Kirby at Timely (Marvel) Comics
1st appearance and origin of the Red Raven and the Eternal Brain
1st appearance of Mercury, later becomes Hurricane then retconned to be Makkari from Kirby’s ‘Eternals’
1st appearance of Pluto who is later retconned to become Kro from Kirby's 'Eternals'
1st appearance of Magar the Mystic
This issue is the first appearance of a number of classical mythology characters but later appearances do not connect with these versions therefore they are not considered the mainstream Marvel depictions of the Olympians
1st appearance of Mercury (Hermes), Pluto (Hades), Jupiter (Zeus), Minerva (Athena), Vulcan (Hephaestus), Aeolus, Diana (Artemis), Apollo
Debut artwork by Jack Kirby at Timely (Marvel) Comics
1st appearance and origin of the Red Raven and the Eternal Brain
1st appearance of Mercury, later becomes Hurricane then retconned to be Makkari from Kirby’s ‘Eternals’
1st appearance of Pluto who is later retconned to become Kro from Kirby's 'Eternals'
1st appearance of Magar the Mystic
This issue is the first appearance of a number of classical mythology characters but later appearances do not connect with these versions therefore they are not considered the mainstream Marvel depictions of the Olympians
1st appearance of Mercury (Hermes), Pluto (Hades), Jupiter (Zeus), Minerva (Athena), Vulcan (Hephaestus), Aeolus, Diana (Artemis), Apollo
Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #1
Dell
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Daisy Duck in an interior pin-up - her first in-story appearance occurs in the next issue
1st appearance of Daisy Duck in an interior pin-up - her first in-story appearance occurs in the next issue
All-Star Comics #3
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st team appearance and origin of the Justice Society of America, the first superhero team in history: Atom, Flash, Sandman, Spectre, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Green Lantern, Hourman
3rd appearance of the Atom
1st team appearance and origin of the Justice Society of America, the first superhero team in history: Atom, Flash, Sandman, Spectre, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Green Lantern, Hourman
3rd appearance of the Atom
Captain America Comics #1
Marvel
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Captain America
[December 2025 - Chris Evans to return as Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday]
1st appearance of James Buchanan Barnes aka Bucky, later becomes the Winter Soldier
1st appearance of the Red Skull, George Maxon, an agent of the true Red Skull
1st appearance of Doctor Reinstein aka Doctor Erskine, the inventor of the Super Soldier serum
1st appearance of Hurricane, later becomes Makkari
1st appearance of Tuk the Cave Boy, first offspring of the Inhumans
Introduction of Project Rebirth, the Super Soldier Program that eventually expanded into Weapon Plus
💰 In April 2022, a 9.4 sold for $3,120,000 (San Francisco Pedigree)
1st appearance and origin of Captain America
[December 2025 - Chris Evans to return as Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday]
1st appearance of James Buchanan Barnes aka Bucky, later becomes the Winter Soldier
1st appearance of the Red Skull, George Maxon, an agent of the true Red Skull
1st appearance of Doctor Reinstein aka Doctor Erskine, the inventor of the Super Soldier serum
1st appearance of Hurricane, later becomes Makkari
1st appearance of Tuk the Cave Boy, first offspring of the Inhumans
Introduction of Project Rebirth, the Super Soldier Program that eventually expanded into Weapon Plus
💰 In April 2022, a 9.4 sold for $3,120,000 (San Francisco Pedigree)
All-American Comics #25
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Dr. Mid-Nite, a surgeon who is blind in the light but can see perfectly in the dark
Hop Harrigan becomes Guardian Angel
1st appearance and origin of Dr. Mid-Nite, a surgeon who is blind in the light but can see perfectly in the dark
Hop Harrigan becomes Guardian Angel
Adventure Comics #61
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Starman, Ted Knight
Captain America Comics #3
Marvel
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
First written work in the comic book industry by Stan Lee
Two-page text story with a couple of illustrations by Kirby
3rd appearance of Captain America
3rd appearance of Bucky Barnes
2nd appearance and 1st cover of the Red Skull, George Maxon
First written work in the comic book industry by Stan Lee
Two-page text story with a couple of illustrations by Kirby
3rd appearance of Captain America
3rd appearance of Bucky Barnes
2nd appearance and 1st cover of the Red Skull, George Maxon
All-Star Comics #5
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Shiera Sanders as Hawkgirl
Military Comics #1
Quality
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Blackhawk, a man bent on vengeance after the death of his brother and sister
1st appearance and origin of Blackhawk, a man bent on vengeance after the death of his brother and sister
Police Comics #1
Quality
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Plastic Man
1st appearance of the Human Bomb
1st appearance of Firebrand
1st appearance of Phantom Lady
1st appearance of Plastic Man
1st appearance of the Human Bomb
1st appearance of Firebrand
1st appearance of Phantom Lady
Looney Tunes & Merrie Melodies Comics #1
Dell
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Bugs Bunny
1st appearance of Daffy Duck
1st appearance of Elmer Fudd
1st appearance of Porky Pig
1st appearance of Sniffles and Mary Jane
1st appearance of Tom Thumb
1st appearance of Petunia Pig
1st appearance of Blabbermouse
1st appearance of Bugs Bunny
1st appearance of Daffy Duck
1st appearance of Elmer Fudd
1st appearance of Porky Pig
1st appearance of Sniffles and Mary Jane
1st appearance of Tom Thumb
1st appearance of Petunia Pig
1st appearance of Blabbermouse
Four Color #16
Dell
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
First solo-titled Mickey Mouse feature in a standard comic book
Iconic cover and story "Mickey Mouse Outwits the Phantom Blot"
First solo-titled Mickey Mouse feature in a standard comic book
Iconic cover and story "Mickey Mouse Outwits the Phantom Blot"
Classic Comics #1
Gilberton
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
Non-Key
More Fun Comics #73
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Aquaman
1st appearance of Green Arrow
1st appearance of Speedy
1st appearance and origin of Aquaman
1st appearance of Green Arrow
1st appearance of Speedy
Whiz Comics #25
Fawcett
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel Jr., Freddy Freeman, a boy who Billy Bastion shared his power with in order to save his life
1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel Jr., Freddy Freeman, a boy who Billy Bastion shared his power with in order to save his life
Pep Comics #22
Archie
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Archie Andrews
1st appearance of Betty Cooper
1st appearance of Jughead Jones
1st appearance of Archie Andrews
1st appearance of Betty Cooper
1st appearance of Jughead Jones
All-Star Comics #8
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Wonder Woman
1st appearance of Hippolyta
1st appearance of Steve Trevor
Starman and Dr. Mid-Nite join the JSA
💰 In June 2022, a 9.4 sold for $1,620,000
1st appearance and origin of Wonder Woman
1st appearance of Hippolyta
1st appearance of Steve Trevor
Starman and Dr. Mid-Nite join the JSA
💰 In June 2022, a 9.4 sold for $1,620,000
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