A complete Aquaman collection includes around 600 issues spread across 10+ series, around ten mini-series, and dozens of specials. Estimated budget for a complete all-inclusive run in average condition: $30,000-50,000. Realistic approach: focus on the 4 main series (vol. 1-4 ongoing) for around 400 issues and a budget of $15,000-25,000 in mid-grade.
Putting together a complete Aquaman collection is an ambitious but achievable project. Unlike Batman or Superman whose publications number in the thousands, the Aquaman catalog remains on a human scale: a determined collector can aim for completeness without devoting an entire life to it or an unlimited budget.
Ce Aquaman complete collection guide maps all publications, establishes priorities in phases, estimates realistic budgets, and proposes effective acquisition strategies to transform ambition into reality. An action plan structured from A to Z.
Complete inventory: all Aquaman publications
Main ongoing series
- Aquaman Vol. 1: #1-56 (1962-1971): 56 issues. Original Silver Age series.
- Aquaman Vol. 1 (reprise): #57-63 (1977-1978): 7 issues. Bronze Age continuation.
- Aquaman Vol. 2: #1-4 (1986): 4 issues. Craig Hamilton miniseries.
- Aquaman Vol. 3: #1-13 (1989-1992): 13 issues. Short post-Crisis series.
- Aquaman Vol. 4: #0-75 (1994-2001): 76 issues. Peter David era + sequels.
- Aquaman Vol. 5: #1-57 (2003-2007): 57 issues. Includes Sub Diego and Sword of Atlantis.
- Aquaman Vol. 6 (New 52): #0-52 + annuals (2011-2016): 55 issues.
- Aquaman Vol. 7 (Rebirth): #1-65 + Rebirth one-shot (2016-2021): 67 issues.
- Aquaman Vol. 8: #1-ongoing (2024+): in progress.
Mini-series and limited
- Aquaman: Time and Tide #1-4 (1993-1994)
- Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #40-57 (2006-2007, continuous numbering)
- Aquaman: The Becoming #1-6 (2021-2022)
- Aquaman: Andromeda #1-3 (2022)
- Aquaman & The Flash: Voidsong #1-3 (2022)
- Mera: Queen of Atlantis #1-6 (2018)
- Mera: Tidebreaker (2019, graphic novel)
Pre-series and seminal appearances
- More Fun Comics #73-107 (1941-1946): Golden Age appearances
- Adventure Comics #103-284 (selection, 1946-1961): regular back-ups
- Showcase #30-32 (1961): try-outs
Acquisition plan in 5 phases
Phase 1: Modern foundations (budget: $300-500)
Start with the most accessible and narratively satisfying series:
- Aquaman New 52 #0-52 complete: $150-250 in raw lot NM
- Aquaman Rebirth #1-65 + one-shot: $150-250 in raw NM lot
Estimated duration: 1-2 months. Availability: excellent on eBay and in comic shops.
Phase 2: The Copper/Modern heart (budget: $200-400)
- Aquaman Vol. 4 #0-75 (Peter David + sequels): $80-150 as a lot
- Aquaman Vol. 5 #1-57 (Sub Diego/Sword of Atlantis): $60-100 in batches
- Mini-series and modern specials: $50-100
Estimated duration: 2-3 months. Availability: good, batches are frequent.
Phase 3: The Bronze Age (budget: $500-1,000)
- Adventure Comics #435-455 (Aquaman back-ups): $200-400 in FN lot
- Aquaman #57-63 (1977-1978): $150-300 in FN/VF lot
- Aquaman Vol. 2 #1-4 (1986): $40-80 in NM lot
- Aquaman Vol. 3 #1-13 (1989-1992): $30-60 in NM lot
Estimated duration: 3-6 months. Availability: moderate, patience required for full batches.
Phase 4: The non-key Silver Age (budget: $2,000-5,000)
- Aquaman #2-10 (non-keys): $1,000-2,500 in FN depending on availability
- Aquaman #12-28 (excluding #18): $800-1,500 in FN
- Aquaman #30-34, #36-56 (non-keys): $600-1,200 in FN
- Showcase #30-32: $300-800 in FN
Estimated duration: 6-18 months. Availability: number by number, patience essential.
Phase 5: Silver Age key issues (budget: $10,000-30,000)
- Aquaman #1 (1962): $2,000-20,000 depending on target grade
- Aquaman #11 (1st Mera): $600-10,000 depending on rank
- Aquaman #18 (marriage): $100-1,200 depending on rank
- Aquaman #29 (1st Ocean Master): $300-5,000 depending on rank
- Aquaman #35 (1st Black Manta): $800-14,000 depending on rank
Estimated duration: 1-5 years. Availability: auctions and specialist sellers.
Monitoring and organization of the collection
A collection of 400-600 issues requires a rigorous tracking system:
- Digital database: use a collection management application to track each issue, its grade, its acquisition cost, and its current value.
- Dynamic wishlist: maintain an updated list of missing items after each acquisition, with price alerts on sales platforms.
- Physical storage: acid-free bags and boards for each issue, storage boxes by period, vertical storage in a controlled environment (temperature 18-22°C, humidity 40-50%).
- Insurance: from $5,000 in total value, take out specialized collections insurance.
The Golden Age segment: for ultra-completers
Aquaman's pre-series appearances in More Fun Comics (#73-107) and Adventure Comics constitute the rarest and most expensive segment. More Fun Comics #73 alone exceeds $10,000 in any grade. Adventure Comics back-ups from the 40s and 50s are less expensive individually ($50-200 for mid-grade) but extremely difficult to find complete. This segment is reserved for collectors with a budget greater than $50,000 and a patience of several years.
Milestones and Celebrations: Marking Your Progress
Set motivating milestones: 100 issues (serious collection), 250 issues (major collection), 400 issues (all major series complete), 500+ issues (near-exhaustive collection). Every milestone is worth celebrating: it's a significant accomplishment in a hobby that rewards perseverance and knowledge.
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Frequently asked questions
It comes to roughly 600 issues across more than ten series, about ten miniseries and dozens of specials. Sticking to the four main ongoing series (vol. 1 to 4) means aiming for about 400 issues.
With the modern foundations: the New 52 series (#0-52) and the Rebirth series (#1-65 with the one-shot). These issues are easy to find in lots, so you can get going quickly.
Aquaman #1 (1962), #11 (first appearance of Mera), #18 (the wedding), #29 (first Ocean Master) and #35 (first appearance of Black Manta). They make up the final phase of the acquisition plan.
The pre-series appearances in More Fun Comics (#73-107, 1941-1946) and in Adventure Comics. It is the scarcest and hardest segment to complete, reserved for the most determined collectors.
Use acid-free bags and boards, boxes sorted by period and vertical storage at 18-22 °C with 40 to 50% humidity. A collection management app lets you track each issue, its condition and what is missing.