The Silver Age of Comics began in 1956 with the publication of Showcase 4 which marked a new era with the introduction of Flash. As comics had been changed by the end of WW2, the artform took on a new direction in the 1950s and 60s. This guide will provide an overview of the most significant key issues in that era, the reason for their importance and help you understand the value of those comics as well. As always if you are interested in an appraisal, we offer free silver age comic appraisals using the form below:
Amazing Fantasy 15 – introduction of Spider-Man (1962)
The most iconic comic book of the Silver Age was published in 1962 by editor Stan Lee, artist Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby, who drew the cover. In this issue, the series introduced Peter Parker, an ordinary teenager who was blessed with super-powers that would enable him to seek justice in the world and transcend his normal life. As Spider-Man has evolved into the most popular character today across comics and movies, Amazing Fantasy 15 remains the most valuable silver age comic book.
Incredible Hulk 1 – 1962
The Incredible Hulk was introduced in 1962 in his own series edited by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby. The character represented the transformation of Dr. Bruce Banner into the Hulk, who would become a key part of Marvel and later would join the Avengers. This issue is relatively scarce and the series lasted only size issues. Today, Hulk 1 is one of the top five most valuable comics from the 1960s.
Journey Into Mystery 83 – 1962 – 1st Thor
Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, saw his introduction in Journey into Mystery 83 in 1962. The series previously featured pre-hero monsters and was transformed by the mythology around Thor and Asgard. Today Thor is one of the most popular Marvel superheroes, and he graced the cover of this issue. Considered one of the top 10 most valuable silver age comics, it has solid value even in lower grades
Fantastic Four 1 – 1961 – 1st Fantastic Four
The dawn of a new era at Marvel Comics began with the introduction of Fantastic Four 1 in 1961. Edited and written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby, this iconic issue drove the Superhero era at Marvel with its first silver age team. Considered to be one of the key issues of the silver age, Fantastic Four 1’s value has increased over the years.
Showcase 4 – 1956 – 1st Silver Age Flash (Barry Allen)
Considered to be the first major book of the silver age, DC Comics introduced Barry Allen as the new Flash in 1956’s Showcase 4. This book started a new era in Superheroes with classic art by Carmine Infantino and Joe Kubert. As the top DC book of the Silver Age, Showcase 4 is relatively rare (535 graded as of January 2022) and has substantial value only set to increase with the Flash movies.
X-Men 1 – 1962 – 1st appearance of X-Men, Magneto, Professor X
The X-Men were introduced by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962 in the iconic X-Men #1. The book marked a new team that would be featured in key Marvel issues over the past 60 years. With the introduction of new characters including supervillain Magneto, the X-Men are poised for further growth with the initiation into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the near future.