Avengers Annuals and Specials: Key Issues Not to Miss

Avengers Annuals and special issues are often overlooked by collectors who focus on the regular series. Yet these special editions contain some of the most significant early appearances and pivotal narrative moments not featured in the main run. To ignore the Annuals is to have an incomplete collection.

This guide catalogs all important Avengers Annuals and Specials, including their first appearances, market value, and relevance to Marvel continuity. An essential tool to intelligently complete your collection beyond the main series.

Avengers Annual #7 (1977) — Thanos and the Cosmic War

Jim Starlin writes and draws what is essentially the climax of his Thanos/Adam Warlock saga. The Annual connects directly to Marvel Two-In-One Annual #2 (same year) for an epic conclusion where the Avengers, Adam Warlock and Captain Marvel face off against Thanos for control of cosmic gems.

Importance

• First big Avengers vs Thanos confrontation — direct basis for Infinity War/Endgame.
• Art by Jim Starlin at the height of his cosmic style.
• Introduction of the concept of cosmic gems in an Avengers context.
• Conclusion of the first Thanos arc (death of Thanos, turned into stone).

Price per grade

• CGC 9.8: $1,500 – $2,500
• CGC 9.4: 200 – 400 $
• CGC 9.0: 100 – 180 $
• CGC 8.0: 50 – 90 $
• VF raw: 40 – 70 $

Avengers Annual #10 (1981) — First appearance of Rogue

Chris Claremont and Michael Golden introduce Rogue, who attacks the Avengers and absorbs the powers of Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers). This issue is an unofficial X-Men/Avengers crossover that has lasting consequences for both franchises. Also first appearance of Madelyn Pryor (in civilian clothes, unnamed).

Importance

• First appearance of Rogue — one of the most popular X-Men.
• Defines the character of Carol Danvers for a decade (loss of powers).
• Art by Michael Golden, one of the most visually beautiful Annuals.
• First Madelyn Pryor — central character of Inferno.

Price per grade

• CGC 9.8: $2,500 – $4,000
• CGC 9.4: 300 – 500 $
• CGC 9.0: 150 – 250 $
• CGC 8.0: 80 – 130 $
• VF raw: 50 – 90 $

The success of X-Men '97 (2024) and X-Men MCU projects keep demand strong for this issue. Potential upside if Rogue gets a major role in the X-Men reboot at the cinema.

Giant-Size Avengers #1-5 (1974-1975)

The Giant-Size series published quarterly offered longer stories (30+ pages) at a premium price. Five essential numbers:

• Giant-Size Avengers #1 (1974)— The Avengers vs Whirlwind, backup stories. CGC 9.4: $60 – $100.
• Giant-Size Avengers #2 (1974)— Marriage of Mantis and the Swordsman (celestial trees of life). Conclusion of the Celestial Madonna Saga. CGC 9.4: $80 – $150.
• Giant-Size Avengers #3 (1975)—Golden Age Flashback, Invaders. CGC 9.4: $40 – $70.
• Giant-Size Avengers #4 (1975)— Wedding of Vision and Scarlet Witch. Historic moment in Marvel continuity. CGC 9.4: $100 – $200. Boosted by WandaVision.
• Giant-Size Avengers #5 (1975)— Latest issue, reprint. CGC 9.4: $20 – $40.

Other important Annuals

Classic annuals (1967-1990)

• Avengers Annual #1 (1967)— First Annual, the Avengers face Mandarin. Giant format (48 pages). CGC 9.0: $100 – $180.
• Avengers Annual #2 (1968)— The original Avengers vs. the New Avengers of the future. Innovative concept for the time. CGC 9.0: $60 – 100.
• Avengers Annual #6 (1976)— Nuklo and the Whizzers, backup Korvac. CGC 9.4: $25 – $40.
• Avengers Annual #8 (1978)— Ms. Marvel, Thanos backup by Starlin. CGC 9.4: $40 – $70.
• Avengers Annual #14 (1985)— Fifth Celestial Host, tie-in Eternals. CGC 9.8: $20 – $35.
• Avengers Annual #17 (1988)— Part of the "Evolutionary War" crossover. Formation of a temporary super-team. CGC 9.8: $15 – $25.

Significant modern annuals

• Avengers Annual 2001 (vol. 3)— Kang important tie-in. CGC 9.8: $15 – $25.
• New Avengers Annual #1 (2006)— Wedding of Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. Key moment for two MCU characters. CGC 9.8: $25 – $40.
• New Avengers Annual #2 (2008)— The Hood attacks the Avengers. Art by Carlo Pagulayan. CGC 9.8: $15 – $25.
• Avengers Annual #1 (2012)— Wonder Man attacks the Avengers. Art by Gabriele Dell'Otto. CGC 9.8: $15 – $25.

Integrate the Annuals into your collection

Practical tips for not neglecting these important numbers:

• Dedicated budget— Reserve 10-15% of your Avengers budget for Annuals and Specials. They are often forgotten in lots and collections for sale.
• Purchasing priority— Annual #10 > Annual #7 > Giant-Size #4 > Giant-Size #2 > the rest.
• Beware of confusion— Do not confuse Avengers Annual with Avengers King-Size Special (same series, different name for the first issues).
• Crossovers to complete— Annual #7 reads with Marvel Two-In-One Annual #2. Annual #10 connects to the X-Men. Think about reading companions.