Most Expensive Hulk Comics: Sales Records and Maximum Values

The high-value Hulk comics market is dominated by two iconic issues — Incredible Hulk #1 and #181 — which alone account for the majority of record sales. But beyond these two titans, several other numbers regularly achieve five- and six-figure sums at major auctions, reflecting the depth and strength of this segment of the market.

This ranking details the most spectacular sales, explains the factors that justify these prices (rarity, CGC census, historical importance) and identifies the numbers likely to join this list in the years to come.

Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962) — The Gamma Holy Grail

Incredible Hulk #1 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby is the most valuable Hulk issue and will remain so. Record sale: $490,000 for a CGC 9.2 example at Heritage Auctions in 2021. This is the highest grade recorded in the CGC census, making it a unique example in the world in this condition.

Price list by grade (recent sales verified): CGC 8.0 approximately $200,000-250,000, CGC 6.0 between $80,000 and $120,000, CGC 4.0 between $40,000 and $65,000, CGC 2.0 between $18,000 and $30,000, CGC 1.0 between $8,000 and $15,000. Even incomplete copies (missing pages) exceed $3,000. The CGC census lists around 3,500 copies in all, with only 15 copies above 8.0.

Special feature of this issue: Hulk is gray, not green. The printing error was corrected from #2, making #1 a unique historical document. Kirby's cover, showing Hulk smashing through a door while Banner transforms, is one of the most recognizable of the Silver Age.

Incredible Hulk #181 (November 1974) — The Birth of Wolverine

#181 is the second most expensive and most traded Hulk comic of the Bronze Age, all characters combined. Record sale: $264,000 for a CGC 9.9 (only copy at this grade) at Heritage Auctions. In CGC 9.8, sales range between $120,000 and $150,000. In CGC 9.6, count $35,000 to $50,000.

This issue features the first full appearance of Wolverine (#180 only shows a back-page cameo). The key factor in his value is not Hulk himself but Wolverine, who became the most popular Marvel character of the 80s-90s. The presence of the MVS stamp (Marvel Value Stamp) is essential: a copy without the stamp (cut) loses 30 to 50% of its value.

Incredible Hulk #180 (October 1974) — The six-figure cameo

#180 only shows Wolverine on the last page (cameo), but this single page is enough to propel its value: CGC 9.8 between $25,000 and $40,000, CGC 9.6 between $8,000 and $15,000, CGC 9.4 between $3,000 and $6,000. The #180/#181 price ratio is approximately 1:4, making the #180 a proportionately attractive investment.

The presence of the MVS stamp (page 32) is also critical for #180. A CGC 9.4 copy with the stamp cut out will only be worth about a third of the price of a complete copy. Always check before purchasing.

Tales to Astonish #44 (June 1963) — The Wasp Enters the Scene

Although technically pre-Hulk in the series (Hulk does not appear until #59), Tales to Astonish #44 (first appearance of the Wasp/Wasp) fetches impressive sums: CGC 9.4 around $50,000, CGC 9.0 between $25,000 and $35,000, CGC 7.0 between $5,000 and $8,000. The success of the character in the MCU (Ant-Man films) has considerably boosted his rating since 2015.

Other notable record sales

Incredible Hulk #2 (July 1962):First appearance of the green Hulk (#1 was gray). CGC 9.4 at around $75,000, CGC 7.0 between $8,000 and $12,000. Often overlooked in favor of #1, but historically crucial.

Incredible Hulk #6 (March 1963):Last issue of the original series, first appearance of the Metal Hulk (Metal Master villain). CGC 9.2 around $30,000, rare in high condition. Census CGC very limited above 8.0.

Tales to Astonish #59 (September 1964):Hulk's first appearance in the series. CGC 9.4 between $8,000 and $12,000, CGC 9.0 around $4,000. Number undervalued in relation to its historical importance.

Incredible Hulk #141 (July 1971):First appearance of Doc Samson. CGC 9.8 between $8,000 and $12,000, CGC 9.6 between $2,000 and $4,000. The rating rises steadily with the growing popularity of the character.

Incredible Hulk #271 (May 1982):First appearance of Rocket Raccoon. CGC 9.8 between $3,000 and $6,000. Exploded after Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and remains stable at a high level.