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Aquamanis one of DC Comics' oldest heroes, first appearing inMore Fun Comics #73(November 1941). Its collection spans more than 80 years of publication, from the Golden Age to modern revivals. The most sought-after key issues are More Fun Comics #73, Aquaman #1 (1962), Aquaman #35 (1967, first Mera) and Aquaman #1 (1994, Peter David). A methodical collector can build a complete and coherent collection by targeting the great runs and key issues of each era.

Aquamanis a character often underestimated by collectors who focus on Batman or Superman, but his editorial history is rich and his key issues have seen a strong revaluation since James Wan's film in 2018. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the King of Atlantis has crossed all eras of the American comic book, from the Golden Age to the modern era, with sometimes discontinuous periods of publication which make his collection particularly interesting to reconstitute.

Managing an Aquaman collection requires method. Unlike Batman or Superman, whose main series have never been interrupted, Aquaman has undergone multiple revivals, mini-series, numbering changes and periods of absence. The collector must navigate between at least six main volumes, several spin-off series, and numerous appearances in other DC titles. Without careful tracking, duplicates and gaps quickly accumulate.

This guide helps you build and manage a structured Aquaman collection. We review the major editorial eras, the essential runs, the key numbers to target as a priority, and good storage, grading and budget practices. Whether you're just starting out or looking to complete an advanced collection, you'll find the essential benchmarks here. To go further, see ourcomplete story of Aquaman in comics.

Golden Age origins: More Fun Comics and Adventure Comics

Aquaman makes his first appearance inMore Fun Comics #73(November 1941), an issue created by Paul Norris (drawing) and Mort Weisinger (screenplay). This original version of the character is an underwater adventurer named Arthur Curry, son of a scientist who taught him to breathe underwater. This issue is the absolute Holy Grail of any Aquaman collection: in CGC 6.0, it trades around $40,000 to $60,000. In average condition (CGC 2.0-3.0), count between $8,000 and $15,000.

After More Fun Comics, Aquaman migrates toAdventure Comicswhere he appears regularly as a backup feature from #103 (1946) to #284 (1961). These Golden and Early Silver Age issues are relatively affordable compared to More Fun #73: between $50 and $300 in fair condition for the most part. They provide a solid foundation for a collector who wants to document the evolution of the character before his first solo series.

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The Silver Age: the first solo series (1962-1978)

The launch ofAquaman Vol.1 #1in January-February 1962 marked a turning point. Aquaman finally gets his own regular series, with an expanded universe: Mera, Aqualad, Ocean Master and Black Manta become recurring characters. This first volume runs from #1 to #63 (March-April 1978), with an interruption between #56 and #57.

The keys from Volume 1

Collector tip:The Aquaman Vol.1 issues between #36 and #56 are often overlooked by the market. They are accessible ($10-40 in good condition) and allow you to build an almost complete run at a lower cost before targeting the more expensive key issues.

The great modern runs to know

The publishing history of Aquaman after the Silver Age is made up of successive relaunches. Here are the runs that matter to a serious collector.

Peter David, Aquaman Vol.5 #1-46 (1994-1998)

Peter Davidradically reinvents Aquaman: Arthur loses his left hand (replaced by a hook), adopts a wilder appearance with long hair and a beard, and the tone of the series becomes darker and mature. This run is considered one of the best in the character's history.Aquaman Vol.5 #1(August 1994) is easy to find and affordable ($5-15 in NM), making it a great entry point. #2 introduces the iconic crochet look. The complete run (#1-46) trades around $80 to $150 per lot.

Geoff Johns, Aquaman Vol.7 #1-25 + #23.1-23.2 (2011-2013)

The run ofGeoff Johnsas part of the New 52 relaunch is a pivotal moment. Johns tackles Aquaman's reputation as a ridiculous character head-on and makes him a powerful, complex and respected hero. The first arc, "The Trench", introduces terrifying abyssal creatures that renew the character's bestiary. The drawing ofIvan Reisis spectacular.Aquaman Vol.7 #1(November 2011) is a modern key issue trading around $15-30 in CGC 9.8. The complete Johns run (#1-25) remains very affordable.

Dan Abnett, Aquaman Vol.8 #1-43 + Rebirth #1 (2016-2018)

Dan Abnetttakes over in the DC Rebirth era and extends Johns' work with a more marked political dimension: the relations between Atlantis and the surface become the main narrative driver. His arc “Underworld” (#25-30) is particularly successful. Issues from this period benefited from an increase in value after the release of the film Aquaman (2018) and remain accessible ($2-8 per issue in NM).

Kelly Sue DeConnick, Aquaman Vol.8 #43-65 (2018-2021)

Kelly Sue DeConnickoffers an original mythological approach: Arthur, amnesiac, is taken in by an island community and must rediscover his identity. The run mixes maritime folklore, introspective storytelling and underwater action. The drawing ofRobson RochaThenMiguel Mendonçaaccompanies this unique vision. These numbers are still very easy to find at current prices and represent an excellent opportunity to anticipate a future revaluation.

Key issues: the Aquaman collector's reference list

Beyond complete runs, certain numbers are essential milestones. Here is the consolidated list, ordered by importance to the collector. For a detailed analysis of each issue, see ourAquaman key numbers guide.

Conservation and grading: protect your Aquaman

Aquaman comics from the Silver Age (1962-1978) are printed on acidic newsprint paper which yellows and weakens over time. Rigorous conservation is essential to preserve their value.

Current storage

For numbers in your current collection (unit value less than $100), useMylar pouches(or at least acid-free polypropylene pouches) associated withacid-free reinforcement cardboards. Store your comics vertically in suitable storage boxes (short boxes or long boxes), in a cool (18-22°C), dry (40-50% relative humidity) environment and away from direct light.

Professional grading

For valuable key issues (More Fun #73, Aquaman #1, #11, #35), theCGC or CBCS gradingis highly recommended. The slab permanently protects the comic and certifies its condition, which facilitates resale and stabilizes the value. Expect approximately $30-50 per slab for standard CGC grading (excluding shipping costs). For a Golden Age issue like More Fun #73, CGC grading is almost essential: the price difference between a "raw" copy and a slabbed copy can reach 30 to 50% in favor of the slab.

Presses and catering

If you own a Silver Age key issue with minor defects (light creases, spine rolls), aprofessional pressbefore grading can improve the grade from half a point to a full point. Be careful, however,restoration: a restored comic (color touch, trimming, regluing) is systematically discounted by CGC with a purple “Restored” label. An Aquaman #35 CGC 6.0 Restored sells for 40-60% less than a CGC 6.0 Blue Label (unrestored).

Budget and acquisition strategy

Here's a realistic budget framework for building an Aquaman collection based on your level of commitment.

Beginner budget (€100-300)

Focus on modern runs: the Geoff Johns run (Aquaman Vol.7 #1-25) and the Dan Abnett run (Aquaman Rebirth #1 + Vol.8 #1-43) are available in batches for €50-120. Add a few Silver Age issues in average condition (Aquaman Vol.1 #40-56, between €5 and €20 each) to start going back in time.

Intermediate budget (€500-1,500)

You can target high-grade modern key issues (Aquaman Vol.5 #1 CGC 9.8, Aquaman Vol.7 #1 CGC 9.8), complete the Peter David run (#1-46), and target one or two Silver Age key issues in good condition: an Aquaman #29 (Ocean Master) in VG/FN is around €150-300, an Aquaman #11 (Mera) in GD/VG around €400-700.

Advanced budget (€2,000 and more)

At this level, you target the major key issues of the Silver Age:Aquaman #1 (1962)in VG-FN (€800-2,000),Aquaman #35 (1967)in FN-VF (1,500-3,500 €), and possibly aAquaman #11 (1963)in FN+ (€2,000-4,000). For the most ambitious collectors, More Fun Comics #73 in average condition represents an investment of $10,000 and up, but it is the ultimate centerpiece of any Aquaman collection.

Strategic advice:Aquaman issues are often less expensive than their Batman or Superman equivalents with the same CGC rating. This is an advantage for the collector: you can get Silver Age key issues in good condition for a fraction of the price of a Batman #1 or an Action Comics #1. Watch eBay auctions and European comic conventions for the best opportunities.

Organize and track your Aquaman collection

With at least six main volumes, mini-series, annuals and crossovers, tracking an Aquaman collection requires a dedicated tool. A spreadsheet may be sufficient initially, but it quickly reaches its limits when you have to manage variants, CGC grades, purchase prices and current values ​​of several hundred numbers.

Acollection management applicationallows you to catalog each issue with its volume, condition, CGC/CBCS grade, purchase price and estimated value. The function ofdetection of missing comicsis particularly useful for Aquaman: it automatically identifies holes in your runs and alerts you to the numbers to look for first. THEtracking number by numbertransforms your collection into a living database that you can consult at any time, including at a convention or in a store.

Whatever your budget, the key to a successful Aquaman collection is consistency and method. Set goals by era (complete the Johns run, then go back to Peter David, then target the Silver Age key issues) and document each acquisition. The King of Atlantis deserves a collection worthy of its editorial legacy.