Aquaman Silver Age Key Issues: Essential Comics from the 1960s-70s

Aquaman's Silver Age period (1962-1971) corresponds to the character's first solo title, Aquaman #1-56 plus the issues of Adventure Comics that preceded it. It was during this era that most of the Aquamanian mythology was established: Mera, Black Manta, Ocean Master, Aqualad, and the political foundations of Atlantis. For the collector, it is also the most valued and complex period to navigate.

This guide identifiesevery key issue of Silver Age Aquaman, with detailed ratings by grade, the historical context of each introduction, and an analysis of actual rarity based on CGC censuses. An essential tool for building or evaluating a Silver Age collection.

The pre-series: Adventure Comics and Showcase

Before getting his solo title, Aquaman appeared regularly in Adventure Comics and had a try-out in Showcase:

• Adventure Comics #260 (May 1959)— first detailed origin story. Reveals Tom Curry and Atlanna. CGC 4.0: $500-800 | CGC 6.0: $1,500-2,500 | CGC 8.0: $5,000-8,000. Based on the 2018 film.
• Showcase #30 (January 1961)— first try-out for the solo series. CGC 4.0: $300-500 | CGC 6.0: $1,000-1,800 | CGC 8.0: $4,000-6,000. Undervalued in relation to its historical importance.
• Showcase #31 (March 1961)— second try-out. CGC 4.0: $150-250 | CGC 6.0: $500-800. Rarely sought after individually.
• Showcase #32 (May 1961)— third and final try-out before the launch of the series. CGC 4.0: $150-250.
• Adventure Comics #269 (February 1960)— first appearance of Aqualad. CGC 4.0: $200-400 | CGC 6.0: $600-1,000 | CGC 8.0: $2,500-4,000. Significant key issue for Teen Titans fans.

Aquaman #1-10: The Foundations

• Aquaman #1 (January–February 1962)— first issue of the solo series. Nick Cardy on drawing. CGC 4.0: $2,000-3,500 | CGC 6.0: $5,000-8,000 | CGC 8.0: $15,000-20,000 | CGC 9.0+: $25,000+. Census CGC: less than 10 copies in 9.0+. One of the rarest DC Silver Age early issues in high condition.
• Aquaman #2 (March–April 1962)— first number after #1, non-key but sought after by completionists. CGC 6.0: $200-350 | CGC 8.0: $600-1,000.
• Aquaman #3 (May-June 1962)— first recurring villain of the series (not yet named). CGC 6.0: $150-250.
• Aquaman #9 (May-June 1963)— first appearance of Quisp, a popular fanciful character of the era. CGC 6.0: $100-200 | CGC 8.0: $300-500.

Aquaman #11: Mera's first appearance

Aquaman #11 (September-October 1963)is the second most important key issue in the series after #1. Mera is introduced as a warrior queen from another aquatic dimension (Xebel), with hydrokinetic powers. She will become Arthur's wife and a major DC character in her own right.

Current odds: CGC 2.0: $200-350 | CGC 4.0: $600-1,000 | CGC 6.0: $1,500-2,500 | CGC 8.0: $6,000-10,000 | CGC 9.0: $15,000-18,000.

Demand for this issue is supported by Mera's central role in the films, DC crossovers (Blackest Night in particular), and her own solo series. The census shows less than 10 copies above 9.0, making the high condition extremely premium.

Aquaman #18: The Royal Wedding

Aquaman #18 (November-December 1964)— wedding of Aquaman and Mera. A major DC event of the era, with spectacular Nick Cardy coverage. CGC 4.0: $100-200 | CGC 6.0: $250-400 | CGC 8.0: $800-1,200.

This issue is often underestimated by speculators who focus on first appearances, but it is gaining popularity with thematic collectors and fans of DC "romance comics". If the films further develop the Arthur/Mera relationship, this issue could see a significant resurgence of interest.

Aquaman #29: first Ocean Master

Aquaman #29 (September-October 1966)— first appearance of Orm (Ocean Master), Arthur's human half-brother who covets the throne of Atlantis. CGC 4.0: $300-500 | CGC 6.0: $800-1,200 | CGC 8.0: $3,000-5,000 | CGC 9.0+: $6,000-8,000.

Ocean Master is Aquaman's second most important villain after Black Manta. His incarnation by Patrick Wilson in the 2018 film (with a nuanced and sympathetic treatment) boosted demand. The potential for growth remains interesting if the character gets an expanded role in future DC projects.

Aquaman #33: Birth of Arthur Jr.

Aquaman #33 (May-June 1967)— birth of Aquababy (Arthur Curry Jr.). CGC 4.0: $80-150 | CGC 6.0: $200-350 | CGC 8.0: $600-1,000. Narratively significant because the future death of Arthur Jr. will be one of the most significant moments in the character's history.

Aquaman #35: First appearance of Black Manta

Aquaman #35 (September-October 1967)— THE Aquaman key issue par excellence after #1. Black Manta appears as a mysterious masked villain whose identity and motivations are not revealed until years later. His silhouette in the black jumpsuit with the red-eyed helmet is immediately iconic.

Current odds: CGC 1.0: $500-800 | CGC 2.0: $800-1,200 | CGC 4.0: $1,500-2,500 | CGC 6.0: $4,000-6,000 | CGC 8.0: $10,000-14,000 | CGC 9.4: $25,000-28,000.

The appreciation of this number has been spectacular: +400% between 2015 and 2022 across all grades. Even after the post-hype correction, prices remain four times higher than pre-movie levels. The stability of demand indicates that these new levels are structural and not speculative.

Other notable issues (#36-56)

• Aquaman #40 (July-August 1968)— introduction of Mera in her new costume. CGC 6.0: $50-80.
• Aquaman #48 (November-December 1969)— start of Aquaman's "quest" episodes alone. CGC 6.0: $30-50.
• Aquaman #51 (May-June 1970)— Nick Cardy's final cover from the original series. CGC 6.0: $40-60. Sought after by fans of the artist.
• Aquaman #56 (March–April 1971)— last issue of the original series before a 6-year hiatus. CGC 6.0: $30-50. The later issues have lower circulations.

Silver Age Strategic Buying Guide

To build a Silver Age Aquaman collection without breaking the bank, prioritize in this order: (1) Aquaman #35 in mid-grade (2.0-4.0, budget $800-2,500) for the centerpiece, (2) Aquaman #11 in mid-grade (budget $600-1,000) for Mera, (3) Aquaman #1 if budget allows (minimum $2,000 in 4.0), then complete with #29, #18 and #33 which all remain accessible under $500 in average grade.