The best Daredevil investments in 2026: Daredevil #1 (1964) in CGC 4.0+ ($12,000-25,000), #168 first Elektra in CGC 9.4+ ($1,500-3,000), #131 first Bullseye in CGC 9.0+ ($800-1,500), and #158 early Miller in CGC 9.6+ ($600-1,200).
Investing in Daredevil comics represents a portfolio strategy often overlooked by collectors focused on Spider-Man or X-Men. Yet Matt Murdock has a major structural advantage: a relatively small key issue base, demand driven by MCU adaptations, and prices that have yet to reach the absurd heights of some Marvel titles. The risk/reward ratio is among the best in the current market.
This guide details a complete investment strategy for Daredevil comics, from the essential blue chips to the high-potential sleeper issues. Each recommendation is based on real sales data, CGC history and 2025-2026 market trends.
Daredevil blue chips: benchmark investments
Le Daredevil #1 (April 1964) is the foundation of any serious DD portfolio. First appearance of Matt Murdock, Foggy Nelson and Karen Page by Stan Lee and Bill Everett. In CGC 6.0, count on $18,000-22,000. In CGC 4.0, the $10,000-14,000 range offers a solid entry point with annual growth potential of 8-12% over the last decade.
Le Daredevil #168 (January 1981)— Elektra's first appearance by Frank Miller — is the second pillar. In CGC 9.8, sales exceed $5,000. In CGC 9.4, count on $1,200-1,800. The introduction of Elektra into the MCU via the Born Again series (2025-2026) maintains constant upward pressure.
Le Daredevil #131 (March 1976)— first Bullseye — completes the trio. In CGC 9.6, records exceed $3,500. In CGC 9.0, the $800-$1,200 zone represents a reasonable investment for a character now anchored in the cinematic universe.
Mid-tier investments: $200-1,000
Le Daredevil #158 (May 1979) marks Frank Miller's drawing debut and the title's turn to black. In CGC 9.6, count on $900-1,200. In CGC 9.4, the $400-600 zone is a historic sweet spot. This issue benefits from the Miller aura and the “beginning of the era” recognition that collectors value.
Le Daredevil #7 (April 1965)— first appearance in a red costume — offers a powerful narrative. The iconic costume that everyone associates with the character starts here. In CGC 6.0, count on $600-900. The relative rarity in high condition (CGC census: only 12 examples in 9.0+) guarantees continued appreciation.
Daredevil #16 (May 1966)— first Spider-Man/Daredevil crossover — attracts two distinct collector bases. In CGC 8.0, count on $300-450. Major crossovers consistently outperform the general market.
Sleeper issues with high potential (under $200)
Le Daredevil #176 (November 1981)— first appearance of Stick — is structurally underrated. The character is central in the adaptations (Netflix, Born Again) but the issue remains under $150 in CGC 9.6. The popularity-screen/price-market ratio is unbalanced in favor of the buyer.
Daredevil #181 (April 1982)— death of Elektra by Frank Miller — is a cultural moment for the medium. In CGC 9.8, count on $400-600. In CGC 9.6, the $100-180 zone offers major potential if the MCU adapts this arc (which seems inevitable).
Daredevil #1 (1998, Marvel Knights)— Kevin Smith and Joe Quesada revive the character. This issue is patient zero of the Marvel revival of the 2000s. In CGC 9.8, only $40-60. The potential for historical reevaluation is considerable: it's the DD equivalent of Amazing Spider-Man #300 in terms of editorial impact.
Recommended portfolio strategy
Budget $1,000-3,000: aggressive portfolio
- Daredevil #168 CGC 8.0-8.5 ($500-800) — affordable blue chip
- Daredevil #158 CGC 9.2-9.4 ($300-500) — early Miller
- Daredevil #131 CGC 7.0-8.0 ($250-450) — first Bullseye
- Daredevil #176 CGC 9.4-9.6 ($80-150) — sleeper Stick
- Daredevil #1 (1998) CGC 9.8 ($40-60) — modern key
Budget $5,000-10,000: balanced portfolio
- Daredevil #1 (1964) CGC 3.0-4.0 ($7,000-12,000) — blue chip anchor
- Daredevil #168 CGC 9.4+ ($1,200-1,800) — second pillar
- Daredevil #7 CGC 5.0-6.0 ($400-700) — red suit
- 5-8 sleeper issues CGC 9.6+ (remaining budget)
Growth factors 2026 and beyond
Several catalysts support the Daredevil bullish thesis. The series Born Again on Disney+ (2025-2026) with Charlie Cox brings the character back to the center of the MCU. The announcement of additional seasons and appearances in other Marvel projects (Spider-Man 4, Avengers projects) creates a 3-5 year pipeline of media catalysts.
The CGC census shows a structural rarity: only 2,847 copies of Daredevil #1 registered (compared to 8,200+ for Amazing Fantasy #15). This limited supply, combined with growing demand driven by the MCU, creates an imbalance favorable to current holders.
The Daredevil market remains undervalued compared to characters of comparable popularity. A Daredevil #1 CGC 6.0 trades at ~$20,000 when an Amazing Spider-Man #1 CGC 6.0 exceeds $80,000. This historical discount tends to be absorbed as the character gains general public visibility.
Risks and points of vigilance
The main risk remains dependence on adaptations. A critical failure of Born Again could temporarily dampen demand — but the fundamentals (rarity, historical significance) protect the floor. Investors should also watch for undeclared restorations on Silver Age copies: Daredevil #1 has a high restoration rate (~15% of CGC submissions).
Finally, the focus on Miller creates relative overvaluation risk. Issues 158-191 are fairly priced, but non-Miller issues from the same period (200-230) often offer better value for the patient investor.
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