Most Expensive Aquaman Comics: Sale Records and Maximum Prices

The market for high-value Aquaman comics has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2017. Issues that traded for a few hundred dollars now routinely reach five figures at major auctions. The combined effect of Jason Momoa's casting and the success of the 2018 film ($1.15 billion at the box office) has repositioned Aquaman among DC's most valuable intellectual properties.

This guide lists theMost expensive Aquaman comics ever sold, with auction prices, valuation trends and an analysis of what makes each issue exceptional. Essential data for evaluating your own collection or identifying pieces that merit a significant investment.

More Fun Comics #73 (November 1941) — Aquaman's first appearance

Sales record:$120,000 (CGC 6.0, Heritage Auctions, 2022)
Current range:CGC 2.0: $8,000-12,000 | CGC 4.0: $20,000-35,000 | CGC 6.0+: $80,000+

The absolute holy grail of the Aquaman collection. This anthology issue contains the first-ever appearance of Arthur Curry, created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger. In just 8 pages, the character is introduced with an origin story that will be reworked many times over the decades.

The rarity is extreme: the CGC census only lists a handful of copies in condition greater than 6.0. The issue shares the cover with Green Arrow (also appearing for the first time), which doubles the pool of potential buyers. Sales in lower condition (2.0-4.0) remain more accessible but well exceed $10,000.

Aquaman #1 (January-February 1962) — 1st solo title

Sales record:$42,000 (CGC 9.2, ComicConnect, 2021)
Current range:CGC 4.0: $2,000-3,500 | CGC 6.0: $5,000-8,000 | CGC 8.0: $15,000-20,000

The first issue of Aquaman's first solo series marks the character's transition from supporting feature to titular hero. The artwork by Nick Cardy (who would become the definitive artist for Aquaman Silver Age) is already remarkable. This issue is considerably rarer in high condition than its price suggests — the CGC census has only a few copies above 9.0.

Aquaman #35 (September-October 1967) — First appearance of Black Manta

Sales record:$28,000 (CGC 9.4, Heritage Auctions, 2021)
Current range:CGC 4.0: $1,500-2,500 | CGC 6.0: $4,000-6,000 | CGC 8.0: $10,000-14,000

The first appearance of Aquaman's nemesis is the most requested key issue from the original series. Black Manta became a tier-1 DC villain thanks to the 2018 film and his role as the main antagonist in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" (2023). Demand exploded by +300% between 2017 and 2022, with stabilization at high levels.

Notable fact: in this first issue, we never see Black Manta's face under his helmet. This revelation would only come years later, adding to the mystery of the character.

Aquaman #11 (September-October 1963) — Mera's first appearance

Sales record:$18,000 (CGC 9.0, Heritage Auctions, 2020)
Current range:CGC 4.0: $600-1,000 | CGC 6.0: $1,500-2,500 | CGC 8.0: $6,000-10,000

The introduction of Mera, warrior queen of the Xebel dimension, is a founding moment in the Aquaman mythology. Mera has become a major character in the DCU in her own right, with her own series and a central role in events like Blackest Night. The casting of Amber Heard and then the refocusing on the character in the comics maintained demand.

Aquaman #29 (September-October 1966) — Ocean Master's first appearance

Sales record:$8,500 (CGC 9.2, Heritage Auctions, 2019)
Current range:CGC 4.0: $300-500 | CGC 6.0: $800-1,200 | CGC 8.0: $3,000-5,000

Orm, Arthur's half-brother, is introduced as a rival for the throne of Atlantis. Patrick Wilson played him in the 2018 film with a sympathetic treatment that increased interest in this first issue. Less expensive than other major key issues, it offers an excellent value/potential ratio.

Adventure Comics #260 (May 1959) — Aquaman's first origin story

Sales record:$12,000 (CGC 8.5, Heritage Auctions, 2020)
Current range:CGC 4.0: $500-800 | CGC 6.0: $1,500-2,500 | CGC 8.0: $5,000-8,000

This issue of Adventure Comics features the first detailed origin story for Aquaman, revealing Tom Curry (human father) and Atlanna (Atlantean mother). This version of the origins directly inspired the 2018 film, leading to a significant spike in post-release demand.

Showcase #30 (January–February 1961) — 1st Aquaman Silver Age feature

Sales record:$7,500 (CGC 8.0, ComicConnect, 2021)
Current range:CGC 4.0: $300-500 | CGC 6.0: $1,000-1,800 | CGC 8.0: $4,000-6,000

The try-out Showcase that led DC to launch the Aquaman solo series. This issue is historically significant as a bridge between appearances in Adventure Comics and the solo title. Less known to speculators, it remains relatively undervalued compared to its historical importance.

Ranking of record sales by value

Price developments and projections

Aquaman Silver Age key issues have seen an average appreciation of 15-20% per year since 2017, peaking in 2021-2022. The 2023-2024 correction has brought some numbers back to more reasonable levels, creating attractive buying windows for patient investors. DC Studios projects confirmed for the coming years should support demand in the medium term.