Avengers First Series: Complete Analysis for Collectors

The first Avengers series is a monument in the history of American comics. From 1963 to 1996, it crossed the Silver Age, the Bronze Age, the Copper Age and the beginning of the Modern Age without ever interrupting its numbering. 402 issues which retrace the evolution of Marvel Comics, the superheroic medium and American popular culture.

This guide offers a complete analysis of the series: structure by era, key numbers and running numbers, strategy for completing the collection, distribution of values ​​and practical advice for the collector aiming for the complete run.

Structure of the series by era

Silver Age — #1-79 (1963-1970)

The founding era. Stan Lee on the screenplay (with Roy Thomas from #35), Jack Kirby then Don Heck and John Buscema on the drawings. The foundations of the team are laid: the changing roster, cosmic threats, internal conflicts. Characters introduced: Kang, Ultron, Vision, Black Knight, Mantis.

Value of range #1-79: the first 20 numbers represent 90% of the value. #21-79 in FN: $30 – $80 each, except keys (#28, #48, #52, #54-58) which exceed $100.

Bronze Age — #80-263 (1970-1986)

Maturation. Roy Thomas, Steve Englehart, Jim Shooter and Roger Stern on screenplay. Sal Buscema, John Buscema and George Perez on drawings. The arcs become longer and more complex: Kree-Skrull War, Celestial Madonna, Korvac Saga, Under Siege. The series reached its creative peak under Stern/Buscema (#255-285).

Value of bracket #80-263: current numbers in VF: $5 – $15. Keys (#87, #93-97, #100, #112, #167-177, #181, #195-196): $40 – $500 depending on grade. Most accessible slice to build a substantial run.

Copper Age — #264-350 (1986-1992)

Post-Under Siege transition. Period of variable quality with highs (Roger Stern continuing, Walter Simonson) and lows (controversial "crossing" period). Introduction of secondary characters, multiple crossovers (Acts of Vengeance, Operation Galactic Storm).

Value of tranche #264-350: current numbers in NM: $3 – $8. Very few major keys in this period. Ideal for completing quickly and inexpensively.

Post-Copper / Pre-Heroes Reborn — #351-402 (1992-1996)

The most difficult period of the series. Screenplays by Bob Harras and Terry Kavanagh, art varies. The crossover "The Crossing" (#390-395) is unanimously considered one of the worst Marvel arcs. The series ends with Onslaught (#402) leading into Heroes Reborn.

Value of tranche #351-402: current numbers in NM: $2 – $5. Almost no speculative value but necessary for the complete collection.

Distribution of value in the complete collection

Understanding where value is concentrated is crucial to planning your acquisition strategy:

• Avengers #1— Alone, 40-60% of the total value of a complete mid-grade collection.
• Avengers #2-20— 25-35% of the total value.
• Avengers #21-100 (keys)— 10-15% (#28, #48, #54-58, #87, #93-97, #100).
• Avengers #21-100 (non-keys)— 3-5%.
• Avengers #101-402— 5-10% of the total value. 300 numbers that cost almost nothing individually.

Strategy for completing the collection

Phase 1: the bulk of the volume (#100-402)

Start with the cheapest numbers to quickly reach impressive volume:

• Buy eBay bundles of 20-50 issues ($1-3 each).
• Target conventions for $1-$5 bins.
• Estimated budget for #100-402 in VF+: $1,500 – $3,000.
• Typical duration: 6-12 months of active research.

Phase 2: the Bronze Age keys

Go to the key numbers one by one, while waiting for the good deals:

• #87, #93-97, #100, #112, #167, #181, #196 — Total budget: $1,500 – $4,000 in VF/NM.
• Buy one per month to spread the expense.
• Favor eBay sales ending on Sunday evening (less competition).

Phase 3: The non-key Silver Age (#21-99)

More expensive numbers individually but without the pressure of keys:

• Budget: $2,000 – $5,000 in FN/VF for the ~60 non-key issues from this period.
• MyComicShop and Heritage Auctions are the best sources.
• Duration: 12-24 months to complete at reasonable prices.

Phase 4: the Silver Age keys and #1

The final and most expensive step:

• #4, #8, #16, #28, #48, #54-58 — Budget: $5,000 – $30,000 depending on grades.
• #1 — Grail. $4,000 (CGC 1.0) to $400,000 (CGC 9.4). Choose the grade that fits your budget and tolerance.

Annuals and Giant-Size not to forget

A "complete" collection also includes special publications:

• Avengers Annual #1-23 (1967-1994)— 23 numbers. Major key: Annual #10 (first Rogue, $60 – $120 in French). Others: $5 – $20 each.
• Giant-Size Avengers #1-5 (1974-1975)— 5 numbers. #2 (Mantis wedding): $30 – $60 in French. Others: $10 – $25.
• Avengers King-Size Special— Some sporadic special issues. 5 – $15 each.

Status of the complete collection in the census

Very few complete collections #1-402 exist in high quality. The pedigree collections (Pacific Coast, Twin Cities, etc.) contain exceptional examples but have been fragmented for a long time. A complete collection in medium FN+ represents a remarkable achievement that only a few hundred collectors in the world can claim.