Most Expensive Thor Comics: Sale Records and Top Values

The market for high-value Thor comics is structured around a few legendary issues whose prices reach peaks at major auctions. Heritage Auctions, ComicConnect and Comic Link are the platforms where record sales are made, with a clientele of institutional investors and wealthy collectors ready to pay considerable sums for exceptional copies.

Understanding the price hierarchy in Thor comics allows the collector to calibrate their expectations, identify good deals and spot issues whose value is likely to increase. This ranking details the highest sales recorded, their context and the factors that influence prices at the top of the market.

Journey into Mystery #83 — The most expensive of all

The first appearance of Thor logically dominates the market. With a CGC census of approximately 2,800 copies and consistent worldwide demand, JiM #83 is one of the most liquid and sought-after comics of the Silver Age Marvel.

Notable sales records:

• CGC 9.4 (White Pages):$375,000 — Heritage Auctions, 2022. One of the finest examples known.
• CGC 9.0:$185,000 — ComicConnect, 2021
• CGC 8.0:$96,000 — Heritage Auctions, 2021
• CGC 7.0:$60,000 — Heritage Auctions, 2022
• CGC 6.0:$43,000 — ComicConnect, 2023
• CGC 4.0:$20,000 — Heritage Auctions, 2024

The price curve of JiM #83 shows an almost continuous appreciation since 2005, with accelerations during the Thor film releases. Even low grade examples (1.0-2.0) trade between $5,000 and $9,000, reflecting the depth of demand.

Thor #165 — The Adam Warlock Connection

Thor #165 (June 1969) benefits from a double appeal: first full appearance of "Him" (future Adam Warlock) in a Thor title. This issue attracts both Thor collectors and fans of the Marvel/Infinity cosmic saga.

Record sales:

• CGC 9.8:$55,000 — Heritage Auctions, 2021. Only 3 copies in the census in 9.8.
• GCC 9.6:$22,000 — ComicConnect, 2022
• GCC 9.4:$12,000 — Heritage Auctions, 2023
• CGC 8.0:$3,200 — eBay, 2024

High grade rarity is the key factor: with less than 10 examples in 9.6+ at the census, competition at auction is fierce. Each appearance of Adam Warlock in the cinema revives the demand.

Thor #337 — The King of the Copper Age

First issue of the Simonson run, first appearance of Beta Ray Bill, iconic cover. Thor #337 is the most expensive Copper Age Thor issue and one of the most sought after in all of Copper Age Marvel.

Records and trends:

• CGC 9.8 Newsstand:$14,000 — Heritage Auctions, 2022. The newsstand variant in 9.8 is extremely rare.
• CGC 9.8 Direct:$4,500 — Heritage Auctions, 2024
• GCC 9.6:$1,200 — eBay, 2024
• GCC 9.4:$500 — eBay, 2024

The key factor is the prospect of Beta Ray Bill appearing in the MCU. Each rumor causes a spike in demand. If this appearance is officially confirmed, prices could double quickly.

Journey into Mystery #84-100 — The First Adventures

The issues immediately following Thor's first appearance are also highly valued:

• JiM #84 (first Jane Foster):CGC 9.0 — $25,000+; CGC 6.0 — $5,000-7,000
• JiM #85 (first Loki in Silver Age):CGC 8.0 — $15,000; CGC 5.0 — $4,000-5,500
• JiM #86 (first Odin in Silver Age):CGC 7.0 — $5,000; CGC 4.0 — $2,000-2,500
• JiM #89 (first Executioner):CGC 8.0 — $4,500
• JiM #103 (first Enchantress):CGC 8.0 — $8,000; CGC 5.0 — $2,500

These issues are often overlooked in favor of JiM #83, but they represent solid investments at still affordable prices compared to issue #83.

Other potential six-digit numbers

Several Thor numbers are approaching or could reach six figures in the coming years:

• Journey into Mystery #112 (classic Thor vs. Hulk):in very high grade, this emblematic number could cross $20,000
• Thor #134 (first High Evolutionary):under-exploited character in cinema, CGC 9.4+ already reaches $8,000
• Thor #169 (first Galactus origin):CGC 9.6+ — $10,000+ with an uptrend