Aquaman Valuation: Values, Prices and Market Trends

Aquaman has long remained the poor relation of DC heroes in terms of collecting, often reduced to jokes about his aquatic powers. However, since the phenomenal success of the 2018 film starring Jason Momoa and the consolidation of his presence in the DCEU, key copies of the character have seen a significant revaluation on the secondary market. This dynamic offers interesting opportunities for savvy collectors.

The Aquaman market is distinguished by relative accessibility compared to heavyweights like Batman or Superman. Golden Age issues remain rare but Silver Age and Modern Age keys allow you to build a valuable collection with a reasonable budget. Let's analyze the investment prospects for each period.

Aquaman Market Overview

The Aquaman comics market is structured around three distinct periods. The Golden Age (More Fun Comics #73, Adventure Comics) represents the almost inaccessible premium segment. The Silver Age (Aquaman #1-56, 1962-1971) constitutes the historical heart of the collection. The Modern era (New 52, ​​Rebirth) offers affordable entry points with growth potential.

The film franchise multiplied by 2 to 3 the value of major keys between 2017 and 2019. Since then, a correction of 15-20% has taken place, bringing prices back to more rational levels but still higher than pre-MCU values. The market is now stabilizing at a solid level.

Key numbers and CGC valuation

More Fun Comics #73 (November 1941) — First appearance

Absolute holy grail of the Aquaman collection. CGC 9.0: $85,000-$100,000. CGC 7.0: $35,000-$42,000. CGC 4.0: $12,000-$16,000. CGC 2.0: $6,000-$8,500. Very few high quality copies in circulation, which maintains constant upward pressure.

Aquaman #1 (January 1962) — First solo series

Essential Silver Age key. CGC 9.8: none recorded. CGC 9.4: $16,000-$20,000. CGC 9.2: $10,000-$13,000. CGC 8.0: $4,500-$6,000. CGC 6.0: $1,800-$2,500. Excellent liquidity, demand supported by DC collectors.

Aquaman #1 (2011, New 52) — Modern Era

Strategic modern entry point. CGC 9.8: $150-$250. CGC 9.6: $80-$120. Geoff Johns' run has revitalized the character and these examples enjoy a loyal collector base.

Aquaman #35 (1962) — First appearance of Black Manta

Iconic villain and cinematic presence. CGC 9.4: $8,000-$11,000. CGC 9.2: $5,500-$7,000. CGC 7.0: $1,500-$2,200. Strong post-film increase, consolidation in progress.

Price evolution over 5-10 years

Between 2014 and 2024, Aquaman #1 (1962) in CGC 8.0 went from $2,200 to $5,500, an appreciation of 150%. More Fun Comics #73 followed a similar trajectory with +120% over the same period. Modern keys like the New 52 #1 peaked in 2018-2019 before stabilizing at +80% compared to 2014.

Investment potential

Short term (1-2 years)

Moderate potential. The market is digesting the post-cinematic correction. Announcements of new DCEU projects could revive demand. Monitor variations of the current run.

Medium term (3-5 years)

Favorable outlook. The character's consolidation in popular culture supports the demand. Mid-grade Silver Age keys (6.0-8.0) offer the best risk/reward ratio.

Long term (10+ years)

Excellent prospect for high grade Golden and Silver Age. The natural rarity and anchoring of the character guarantee regular appreciation. More Fun Comics #73 remains a top investment.

Factors influencing value

DC film projects (sequel announcements, reboots). Quality of current comic series. Census CGC (number of copies graded at each level). Presence in animated media and video games. State of the overall DC comics market compared to Marvel.

Comparison with similar characters

Compared to Namor (Marvel), Aquaman presents valuations 30-40% lower on equivalent keys, potentially offering more room for improvement. Compared to the other founders of the Justice League (Flash, Green Lantern), Aquaman remains undervalued by 20-25%, a gap that has tended to narrow since cinematic exposure.

Collection strategy by budget

Budget under €100

Target Aquaman #1 New 52 in CGC 9.6, variant covers from the Rebirth run, or mid-run Silver Age issues in fair condition (2.0-4.0).

Budget €200-500

Aim for Aquaman #35 (Black Manta) in low-grade (3.0-5.0), or Aquaman #1 (1962) in readable condition (2.0-3.0). These examples provide exposure to historical keys.

Budget €1,000 and more

Prioritize Aquaman #1 (1962) in CGC 6.0+ or ​​Aquaman #35 in CGC 7.0+. For budgets over $10,000, More Fun Comics #73 in any grade represents a solid heritage investment.

To learn more, consult our guide onAquaman key numbersas well as theeditorial history of the character.