The artists who visually defined the Avengers are Jack Kirby (creator, #1-8), John Buscema (the definitive artist, #41-100+), George Perez (legendary run vol. 3, 1998-2000), and Alan Davis (underrated run vol. 3, 2000-2001) — their high-quality CGC issues are consistently worth more than issues drawn by less famous artists in the same series.
The visual history of the Avengers is inseparable from the artists who shaped the team's graphic identity. From Kirby's explosive dynamics, to Buscema's heroic realism, to Perez's architectural complexity, each great artist brought their unique vision to Earth's Mightiest Team.
This guide analyzes the contributions of major artists, the impact of their work on the value of issues and the reasons why certain original pages sell for more than the comics themselves. An essential angle for the collector who understands that art is at the heart of comics value.
Jack Kirby — The Creator (1963-1965)
Jack "King" Kirby co-created the Avengers with Stan Lee and drew the first eight issues. His explosive style, dynamic compositions and boundless imagination established the team's visual DNA. Even after his departure from the title, Kirby's influence can be felt in every subsequent Avengers page.
Avengers numbers drawn by Kirby
- Avengers #1-8 (1963-1964)— All covers and interiors. The team's formation, the first fights, Kang's introduction.
- Covers up to #17— Kirby continued the covers even after leaving the interiors.
Impact on value
Kirby issues are the most expensive in the series, driven by his triple importance: creator of the team, the most collected artist in comics history, and absolute rarity in high quality. An Avengers #1 CGC 9.4 at $387,000 is as much a Kirby as an Avengers.
Original pages
Original Kirby Avengers pages are some of the rarest and most sought-after on the market. The few copies that appear for sale reach $30,000 – $150,000 depending on the number and the characters represented. An original Kirby Avengers cover would exceed a million.
John Buscema — The definitive cartoonist (1966-1970, 1977-1988)
John Buscema is considered by many to be THE Avengers artist. His two appearances on the title (#41-62 then #151-250+) total more than 120 issues. His classic, muscular style defined the heroic appearance of the Avengers for an entire generation of readers.
Key numbers drawn by Buscema
- Avengers #41-62 (1967-1969)— First run. Includes the premiere of Vision (#57), Ultron (#54-55), and the Kree-Skrull War (beginning). Artistic period at the top.
- Avengers #151-300+ (1977-1988)— Second marathon run. Includes Korvac Saga, Under Siege, and dozens of major arcs.
Bonus Buscema
Buscema issues in 9.4+ command a 15-25% premium over issues drawn by fill-in artists in the same time period. Avengers #57 (First Vision) is the most sought after: Buscema's art on this issue is inseparable from the value of the comic.
Original pages
Original Avengers Silver/Bronze Age Buscema pages sell for $3,000 – $20,000 depending on the size of the page. Splashes and fight spreads fetch the highest prices. More accessible than Kirby but constantly increasing.
George Perez — The architect of the teams (1977-1979, 1998-2000)
George Perez is the undisputed master of team comics. His ability to draw dozens of characters in complex compositions without ever sacrificing narrative clarity is unique. His two appearances on the Avengers are unanimously considered among the best.
First run (1977-1979)
- Avengers #141-162 (1975-1977)— Includes Serpent Crown Saga and Squadron Supreme. Art in development but already remarkable.
- Avengers #160-162, #167-168, #170-171— Korvac Saga (partial). Perez and Buscema alternate.
Second run — the summit (1998-2000)
- Avengers vol. 3 #1-35 (1998-2000)— With Kurt Busiek on the screenplay. Universally considered one of the best Avengers runs of all time. Ultron Unlimited, Morgan Le Fay, the Thunderbolts crossover.
- Avengers vol. 3 #1 CGC 9.8: 80 – 150 $. Premium for the Busiek/Perez combo.
- JLA/Avengers #1-4 (2003)— The DC/Marvel crossover designed by Perez. CGC 9.8 per issue: $30 – $60. Unique historical piece.
Original pages
After Perez's death in 2022, original pages saw a significant increase. Pages Avengers vol. 3: $5,000 – $25,000. JLA/Avengers Pages: $10,000 – $40,000. The market remains active and rising.
Alan Davis — The Underrated Classicist (2000-2001)
Alan Davis took over the Avengers after Perez (vol. 3 #36-56) with an elegant British style that combines dynamism and readability. Its run is narratively solid and visually superb but remains undervalued by the market.
Why is it a sleeper
- Consistently excellent art over 20 issues with no fill-ins.
- Issues available in CGC 9.8 for $15 – $30 — almost free for an artist of this caliber.
- The Kang Dynasty (#41-55, 2001-2002) is drawn in part by Davis — directly relevant to the MCU.
Other artists collected
- Neal Adams (#93-97, 1971-72)— Revolutionary of comic realism. His Avengers pages are the most expensive of the Bronze Age: $10,000 – $50,000 per page. Numbers in CGC 9.4+: 30-50% bonus vs average run.
- Sal Buscema (#80-92, 1970-71)— John's brother, similar style but more angular. Undervalued, original pages: $1,000 – $5,000.
- John Byrne (#164-166, 181-191, 1977-80)— Rising star at the time. His pre-X-Men Avengers pages: $3,000 – $10,000.
- Jerome Opeña (Infinity, 2013)— Stunning modern art. Original pages: $3,000 – $8,000. Numbers in CGC 9.8 with artistic premium.
Do you own Avengers comics?Estimate the value of your collection for freeto know their current rating.