The Silver Age is still alive and well. This last month, two of the top four were Fantastic Four comic books. It is about time these books get their due. The Silver Age dominance by the Fantastic Four during July is a welcome sight. The FF have pretty much been left behind in the media hype, after some bad movies. Also, sneaking into the top four is Iron Man and The Avengers. These books are all mega keys: the first Black Panther, first Silver Surfer, first Galactus, first titled series, first Avengers and their origin. You can guess the most popular comic based on recent movie returns. But, what about the most profitable? What are the highest prices for the best grade of each of these books? These are the heavy hitters in Marvel, both in the MCU and in the comics. Do some stand out from the pack? Let's sift through the detritus of returns to find the comic with super-profit- margins.

The Avengers #1

During the 1980's Marvel writers once joked that everyone had been an Avenger, at one time or another. It made the comic fun because they could throw together different teams,  and it was always fresh. Even Jarvis, the butler, got in on the action to whoop the bad guys; those were the good old days. The Avengers #1 was created by Marvel Mega-Masters: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in September 1963. Since 2001 (the earliest date of tracking on the website) this book has continued to increase in value with the highest returns going to 9.0 (very fine to near mint). The long-term investment return on Avengers #1 is positive +156.2%. The last price paid for this greatest of superhero teams was $24,100 in 2017 on Comic Connect.

Iron Man #1

Tony Stark as played by Robert Downey Jr. is nothing short of inspired. He literally brings this character to life and will be almost impossible to replace in the future. Everyone loves Iron Man #1 in July. This comic book character was created by Archie Goodwin (script) and Gene Colan (pencils). Iron Man has really stood the test of time, better than any other Marvel superhero. This book is a dream in (9.8) which repulsor rayed the competition with a positive +130% return on investment since 2001. This 9.8 (near mint to mint) condition book sold for $20,000 on eBay in 2017.

Fantastic Four #48

The first appearance of Galactus is an exciting event, but the first appearance of the Silver Surfer is a game changer for this comic book. Currently, ranked 2nd most popular Silver Age comic in July; this book is the progenitor for everything to do with Thanos and the Infinity Stones storyline that would come in the 1990's. Now, Fantastic Four #48  is moving up the ranks recently with talk of a new movie and changes in ownership rights. This 8.5 mega-key weighs in at a whopping positive +183.1% return on investment since 2001. Three months ago this grade sold for $3500 on eBay. I would expect this pace and return to continue for at least another year.

Fantastic Four #52

The first appearance of the Black Panther has always been a favorite book. My kid purchased one six years ago because he just thought the character looked cool; he was right. Fantastic Four #52  was created by Stan (the man) Lee and Jack (the giant) Kirby. This cool cat racks up an impressive return for 9.0 with positive +232% ROI, since tracking from 2001. I think the Panther deserves some extra kibble in his food bowl tonight. The investors that have believed in this book certainly have had their kitty treats. The last known sale on eBay went for $4,359 just one month ago. The top sale price for this book recently in 9.8 (mint to near mint) was $80,000. Meow!

Cat Got Your Tongue?

The Fantastic Four #48 is runner-up with the first appearance of the Silver Surfer. It did well in July and scored positive +183.1% with a very fine plus comic. This puts it in second place behind a certain Wakandan cat. The Black Panther is the top comic with Fantastic Four #52  most popular in  July. Furthermore, since 2001 it has returned upwards of +232%. This return dominates the pride of comics for July. I have never seen this book decrease in value, only increase. With the latest successful movie about Black Panther; it is just going to spur on ever greater returns for this Wakandan King, "Hail to the King baby!"