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 acomplete 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
LeDaredevil #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.
LeDaredevil #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.
LeDaredevil #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
LeDaredevil #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.
LeDaredevil #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)
LeDaredevil #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 seriesBorn Againon 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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