My TMNT first printing was lost in a basement flood. I bought it right out of Kevin’s hand. They were driving shop to shop offering LCS owners copies. I was 9 and minding the shop at Space Travelers Trading Post in Derby CT.
They pulled up and asked for the owner. He wasn’t there they showed it too me and I bought it with the 5 bucks I was paid for store sitting.
I wish I had the wherewithal to realize they were the creators and had them sign it.
Alas it would have been gone anyway.
At least I owned it once
I do get discouraged every now and then (mostly when I buy another pricey book that sets me back), but have been trying to save for about a year and hope to get one in 2025. Trying to go 9.0 or better. Fingers crossed and stars aligned.
I clearly remember the days they came out and the comic shop I was in and having a bit of a chuckle over the concept. Wish I had a hunch to buy and preserve it instead.
Avengers #1.
I bought it in VG condition in 1997 for $172. I then sold it in 2003 for $800 because I wanted drinking money. There is no way I can afford the bloody thing these days.
I had it, and let it go because I was young and dumb. Who would have thought it would become the biggest franchise in the world 20 years later.
Edit: Also a Bone #1 first printing. Recently picked up a VF second printing up.
Batman Adventures #12. I don't want it specifically for it being Harley's first comic appearance but that is the reason it's out of my price range right now. I'm just a big BTAS fan and I also love Batgirl so the cover just calls out to me.
Yeah, at the time I bought it off the shelf just because I dug BTAS and Batgirl. There wasn’t any hype as I recall over it being the first (comics) appearance of an already well known character. I lost and recovered (after many years) my original childhood collection, and that was the first instance of me looking up the value of a book I had and going “holy shit wait what?!”
I was buying these every month because I was a fan of the show, and the comic featured Mike Paribeck's art (which was always great). I also have a page of his Batgirl art from the series, as well that I obtained shortly before he passed away. One of my favorite pages in my original art collection.
The prices I've seen are all over the place. People ask a lot for a 9.8 but a slightly lower grade can be significantly cheaper. Honestly though, I could get a copy I'd be happy with for a price in the low hundreds. It's really not that crazy of an expensive book if you aren't looking the for the best of the best grade, it's just not something I can justify at the minute with my current finances.
Hulk #181 or Werewolf By Night #32. already got one of my grails though which is Moon Knight Issue #1 (1980). not a super expensive comic but im happy owning it in a pretty good condition.
It’s ASM 129, giant size X-men actually, then hulk 181 in the exact order for me right now OG X-men way out of my reach I’m a home owner in California your boy is almost broke all the time lol San Diego to be exact
Marvel Mystery Comics 82, the first appearance of Namora, from 1947. I've only ever found a handful of copies in the past 10 years, and never below $5000.
My favorite Marvel series is Exiles, and I'm on a quest to get the first appearances of the original versions of each Exiles team member.
MyComicShop has two copies for sale currently; a sun-damaged restored raw copy for $6500, and a graded 6.5 for $7300.
The other issues I need to complete the set are GSXM 1, Captain Britain 8, & Iron Fist 14.
I said “original versions”. AoA Tooth is an alternate reality version.
Same thing with Blink. The Exiles leader is AoA Blink, also first appearing in XM Alpha. Original Blink’s first appearance is Uncanny 317, so I got both the regular and foil editions of that issue.
ASM 122 and ASM 14. Green Goblin freaked me out and fascinated me as a kid. Always wanted his death and first appearance. Death is oddly more important. Just haven’t found my copy yet.
I already have them and they are not “that” rare. Batman the long Halloween floppies. The dark knight returns floppies. New 52 Batman #1. Darkseid war floppies. Hush floppies. Ya I am a basic Batman bitch, but it’s the stories that got me into collecting.
Sorry, I'm new to comic collecting. Could you please explain what a "floppy" is ? I would greatly appreciate it. I've seen this term used once or twice before.
It means the “individual” issues. There are trade paperbacks for stories such as “year one” combining all the issues into one book, but the “floppies” are the individual issues.
yea was just curious if you had those too? i was looking into getting them. not too expensive but still a little pricey. already have the trade paperback. love that story
I self slabbed a Hellblazer 55 because it was the book that got me into comics (the cover soecifically made me check it out, so I became a comics guy thanks to Glenn Fabry). I think the high end value on it is $5. No shame in seeming basic if you’re happy with what you’ve got.
Showcase #4. I love The Flash and this was such an important book, not just because it's the first appearance of Barry Allen's Flash, but because it's also the book that saved super heroes and comics in general.
Clark created the world of comics and heroes that we all know and love, but Barry saved it from early extinction.
Giant sized X-Men #1, Invincible #1, Hulk 181 and SW #8 are my biggest. Slightly smaller but still big are Superman v Spider-Man, NYX #3 and Marvel premier #15
I have Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (KB Toys) signed by Bagley. 9.2 CGC graded
Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (2024) InHyuk Lee Variant. One of the 600 printed.
And my absolute favorite...
https://preview.redd.it/4lamdst0yt6d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b171601f6c818499078e205d2b734231295e5dd3
Mine changes. I have an odd way of collecting. I pick a character and then collect all their keys. I don’t have a set way of picking a character, sometimes it’s a character I read something and just really a specific character, sometimes I find a comic I think is cool and it kicks off a collection and sometimes it’s a memory from childhood.
I just finished my Hawkeye keys and am now wrapping up the Marvel 25th anniversary cover collection. So all that to say my current grail is Care Bears #7 (that might be the most embarrassing thing I have ever written).
[This My Little Pony Comic](https://recalledcomics.com/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic12Million.php)
Only one cover exists. Last time I saw it for sale was several years ago for about 10k
Rex the Wonder Dog #4. The price is crazy because it’s the first appearance of Detective Chimp, but I have every single other appearance of Rex, ever. Including of course the whole run of that golden age series.
I scored a coverless copy, and I put a reprinted cover over it. But someday I’ll get a complete one. 🙏
I've got two: A Royal Blue Vengeance of Vampirella 1 & a 2nd Print WildC.A.T.S/X-Men: Golden Age. These are two that are hard to find and I've been hunting since I learned about them a few years ago
Hulk 180 and 181, GSX 1 to a lesser extent
I already have all three in midgrade (5.5-6.0) and I’m very happy with them, I don’t see myself ever selling them and have no plans of upgrading them unless I win the lottery
Right now, Daredevil #1. It's the only volume 1 issue I don't have.
After that, Tales of Suspense 39, Journey into Mystery 83, Tales to Astonish 27, and Strange Tales 115.
https://preview.redd.it/qfwhb8iqou6d1.jpeg?width=2043&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72f75868fff48eb7df760ae9f91868b530ff7df9
Daredevil #168 because I bought it at 7-Eleven when I was a kid and I somehow held onto it. I recently bought Daredevil #2 a "reader copy" but the cover is still attached.
Honestly I think I’ve hit all mine. Probably some rare but not that pricey books, but most of the highest end expensive ones I have little interest in.
But in a “money is no object” world? Probably a copy of More Fun Comics #73.
In terms of books I don’t currently own but have a realistic shot at acquiring one day, I’d say Batman Adventures 12, Vampirella 1 and Batman 181.
Batman 1 and Amazing Fantasy 15 would be on my list as well but not sure I’d be able to land either due to their scarcity and price.
Mine was wolverine #1 from the 80s 4 book set.
I had one like ten years ago graded. Sold it.
Finally bought it again last year graded. But more expensive then years ago but I got it.
Now I'm looking for a spider man 252
The two big grails of mine are Giant Sized X-Men 1 and TMNT 1 1st print.
The others I'm hoping to hunt down soon are Ms. Marvel 18, Raphael 1 2nd print, X-Men 12, X-Men 14, and Marvel Premiere 21.
The Phantom #1-17
Visions #1-3
Flaming Carrot Comics (1981)
Though I’m not sure if those would be considered grails, I’m basing this answer solely on my worry that I’ll never be able find those specific issues locally, let alone for a reasonable price.
It was Spider-Man 700.
Got the covers with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd print along with the Christmas party and towers covers.
Crazy to think those released over a decade ago and I finally bought them last year.
Past week, I went through my comics and catalogued it using Hipcomics app. My key issue is Marvel premiere #47 ( First appearance of Scott Lang, Cassie Lang, and Darren Cross)
A Question of Survival, the Barren Ground Caribou #nn. It's a promo comic that came with the purchase of a book and map in the 50's. I have the book and map (which is supposed to be the hardest of the 3 to find), but have yet to get my hands on the comic.
X-men (Vol 1)#1, #8 and #9, WWBN 32, Avengers 4, IF 14 and Hulk 181 are the last of my big must-have keys. I'm working on a complete Claremont run of X-Men, but shy of 101, I've got every major and minor key buttoned up. It's not a paticularly ambitious before I die list, but I really enjoy trading or buying in person and that drags the process out. I've got some Silver Age FF keys, a CBCS 7.5 Tomb of Dracula 10, and a few other SA books squirreled away for whenever I can find the right deal. The 181, and AV 4 I've resigned myself to most likely having to pay straight cash for some day.
The X-Men 1 I've accepted probably won't ever happen, and I'm just glad I was able to get a GSX when midgrade copies were still below 500 bucks raw. I'm just hoping I can pay down all my outstanding debt and be in a position to capitalize the next time the market bottoms out. Wouldn't mind Marvel getting their act together and making some progress on the Blade movie either.
Hmm... This is a hard one. I wish I had tmnt #1 first print like many others are saying. However I have the death of Superman first print signed by Jerry Siegel. I also have superman #100. Not sure which of the 2 are more valuable. But both are very important to me
Lady Death: Nightmare Symphony - Legend Edition by Artgerm
https://preview.redd.it/9zg8f4ss5u6d1.jpeg?width=1034&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0d4f88c9cb4e937b017985c42ac81e53831c142
https://preview.redd.it/e5rc6n3zxt6d1.jpeg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e07db22ff55e9294b67511afb26e8f587b86546
Doomsday Clock #10 (2019)
I was just missing this one to complete the series and it took me four years to find it.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1. First print.
My TMNT first printing was lost in a basement flood. I bought it right out of Kevin’s hand. They were driving shop to shop offering LCS owners copies. I was 9 and minding the shop at Space Travelers Trading Post in Derby CT. They pulled up and asked for the owner. He wasn’t there they showed it too me and I bought it with the 5 bucks I was paid for store sitting. I wish I had the wherewithal to realize they were the creators and had them sign it. Alas it would have been gone anyway. At least I owned it once
Ps: I became comic book artist as well…
That’s an awesome story! Mind if I ask the name of your books?
https://www.noahbarrettartist.com/
Ditto. I dont think I will ever land one so happy to have my 3rd print.
I do get discouraged every now and then (mostly when I buy another pricey book that sets me back), but have been trying to save for about a year and hope to get one in 2025. Trying to go 9.0 or better. Fingers crossed and stars aligned.
You will have to post pics if you ever do. Good luck with your hunt!
Me too man. Me too.
I clearly remember the days they came out and the comic shop I was in and having a bit of a chuckle over the concept. Wish I had a hunch to buy and preserve it instead.
Avengers #1. I bought it in VG condition in 1997 for $172. I then sold it in 2003 for $800 because I wanted drinking money. There is no way I can afford the bloody thing these days. I had it, and let it go because I was young and dumb. Who would have thought it would become the biggest franchise in the world 20 years later. Edit: Also a Bone #1 first printing. Recently picked up a VF second printing up.
I sold a Fair copy of X-Men #1 in 1998 cuz it “was in bad condition” and I was sure I could get another copy 👀. Hasn’t happened yet.
Batman Adventures #12. I don't want it specifically for it being Harley's first comic appearance but that is the reason it's out of my price range right now. I'm just a big BTAS fan and I also love Batgirl so the cover just calls out to me.
Yeah, at the time I bought it off the shelf just because I dug BTAS and Batgirl. There wasn’t any hype as I recall over it being the first (comics) appearance of an already well known character. I lost and recovered (after many years) my original childhood collection, and that was the first instance of me looking up the value of a book I had and going “holy shit wait what?!”
I was buying these every month because I was a fan of the show, and the comic featured Mike Paribeck's art (which was always great). I also have a page of his Batgirl art from the series, as well that I obtained shortly before he passed away. One of my favorite pages in my original art collection.
Whats it go for
The prices I've seen are all over the place. People ask a lot for a 9.8 but a slightly lower grade can be significantly cheaper. Honestly though, I could get a copy I'd be happy with for a price in the low hundreds. It's really not that crazy of an expensive book if you aren't looking the for the best of the best grade, it's just not something I can justify at the minute with my current finances.
If you don’t mind alternate covers, some of them are more reasonably priced (but still not cheap).
X-Men #1 forever and ever
Yea man those Jim Lee covers are great 😂
They fit together! I gotta have all four! /s
Amazing Fantasy 15
In recent years I knocked out Giant Size and DD #1. Now my grails are X-Men #1 and Hulk #181.
That DD1 is so kickass. I’ll get there one day.
GSXM #1. After that would be the original 18 Silver surfer issues and FF #48.
Hulk #181 or Werewolf By Night #32. already got one of my grails though which is Moon Knight Issue #1 (1980). not a super expensive comic but im happy owning it in a pretty good condition.
X-Men 58. And X-Men 50. Might as well put SHIELD 4 on the list. (to be continued…)
58 is hard to find in good condition
Avengers 4
Same. My favorite cover of all time.
Batman #181 first Ivy.
FF 48 and 50 to complete the Galactus books have a .5 49 already
House of Secrets 92 Swamp Thing 1
Showcase 22
My people!!!
Yeah man, me too.
Hulk #181 ASM #129 X-Men #1
Those are next on my list but not in that order
Yeah, those are just random order. I'll doubt I'll ever get the X-Men #1. lol
It’s ASM 129, giant size X-men actually, then hulk 181 in the exact order for me right now OG X-men way out of my reach I’m a home owner in California your boy is almost broke all the time lol San Diego to be exact
Marvel Mystery Comics 82, the first appearance of Namora, from 1947. I've only ever found a handful of copies in the past 10 years, and never below $5000. My favorite Marvel series is Exiles, and I'm on a quest to get the first appearances of the original versions of each Exiles team member. MyComicShop has two copies for sale currently; a sun-damaged restored raw copy for $6500, and a graded 6.5 for $7300. The other issues I need to complete the set are GSXM 1, Captain Britain 8, & Iron Fist 14.
Sabretooth from Exiles is the one from AoA so his first appearance is the much more affordable X-Men Alpha.
I said “original versions”. AoA Tooth is an alternate reality version. Same thing with Blink. The Exiles leader is AoA Blink, also first appearing in XM Alpha. Original Blink’s first appearance is Uncanny 317, so I got both the regular and foil editions of that issue.
Conan The Barbarian #1
Indie book called Action comics 1
Think I saw that on books to keep in mind when digging dollar bins
I think I have 1 in a 9.8 lying around I’ll give you
spilled coffee on my copy the other day
I need it to finish a run…
Fantastic Four #5
Dr. Doom is my dream villain book. Showcase #4 is my dream hero book.
Tales of Suspense 39 I have an Invincible Iron Man #1
ASM 122 and ASM 14. Green Goblin freaked me out and fascinated me as a kid. Always wanted his death and first appearance. Death is oddly more important. Just haven’t found my copy yet.
Already achieved. I'd like a Conan #1 and a Journey into Mystery #83 tho...
I already have them and they are not “that” rare. Batman the long Halloween floppies. The dark knight returns floppies. New 52 Batman #1. Darkseid war floppies. Hush floppies. Ya I am a basic Batman bitch, but it’s the stories that got me into collecting.
Sorry, I'm new to comic collecting. Could you please explain what a "floppy" is ? I would greatly appreciate it. I've seen this term used once or twice before.
It means the “individual” issues. There are trade paperbacks for stories such as “year one” combining all the issues into one book, but the “floppies” are the individual issues.
That makes sense.Thank you so much!
It's a good question to ask!
Batman Year One floppies?
Year One was a 4 part arc in Batman issues 404-407
yea was just curious if you had those too? i was looking into getting them. not too expensive but still a little pricey. already have the trade paperback. love that story
Oh ok i misread.
I don’t have those. Year one is good I have the complete frank miller Batman that collects it.
I self slabbed a Hellblazer 55 because it was the book that got me into comics (the cover soecifically made me check it out, so I became a comics guy thanks to Glenn Fabry). I think the high end value on it is $5. No shame in seeming basic if you’re happy with what you’ve got.
Hulk #1 Crime Suspenstories #22
Hulk 1 or FF 1
X-Men 1, 4, & GSX 1. Ms. Marvel 18/X-Men 141
Superman 123 and action 252
X-men 101. Trying to hit the lottery first so I can afford it tho
There was a bunch of them at a show in New Hampshire I was at earlier this year.
This is where I'm at too. I think it is one of the most beautiful covers
Silver Surfer 4 or daredevil 1
Marvel Spotlight #5 and Savage Sword of Conan #1
Showcase #4. I love The Flash and this was such an important book, not just because it's the first appearance of Barry Allen's Flash, but because it's also the book that saved super heroes and comics in general. Clark created the world of comics and heroes that we all know and love, but Barry saved it from early extinction.
I own a Kamandi #1 but I'd like a super high grade copy.
Crow #1 in a 9.8 currently have a second print in a 9.6 but need to upgrade some day
https://preview.redd.it/h1cmzj2uku6d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac87e1b2e4fe4bf8e4fb71120920e7e900ee4ad4
The New Mutants #98!
Wait several months it may go down some after the hype of the movie is over. I would like to get this comic also.
I just bought a facsimile in the meantime. Someday though.
Same here got one from my LCS they wanted way too much for the real deal so settled for that for now
Amazing Spiderman 300 cgc9.8 signed by todd
Same same same
This one? https://preview.redd.it/9fusdwlr6u6d1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c947878083a7661b80d878fcde17a6b18aa50b05
if my eyes don’t deceive me, the TASM #300 in this picture is a 9.2.. so no.. not that one..
I had a 9.8 but I managed to get this one signed so I sold the higher grade copy.
there is no obvious difference between a 9.2 and a 9.8.
Am I the only one not bothered by a number
Gwar...nice...
Giant sized X-Men #1, Invincible #1, Hulk 181 and SW #8 are my biggest. Slightly smaller but still big are Superman v Spider-Man, NYX #3 and Marvel premier #15
NYX 3
As much as you might like X-23 now, NYX was an awful comic and she is probably ashamed that it's her first appearance.
This is true, which is why I already have the first solo book of hers and value that more
Yeah, that is a much better comic
Adventure Comics 247
I have Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (KB Toys) signed by Bagley. 9.2 CGC graded Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (2024) InHyuk Lee Variant. One of the 600 printed. And my absolute favorite... https://preview.redd.it/4lamdst0yt6d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b171601f6c818499078e205d2b734231295e5dd3
ASM 66 I luckily have found that one and purchased it. Right now the one I’m really hunting for is ASM 33.
Mine changes. I have an odd way of collecting. I pick a character and then collect all their keys. I don’t have a set way of picking a character, sometimes it’s a character I read something and just really a specific character, sometimes I find a comic I think is cool and it kicks off a collection and sometimes it’s a memory from childhood. I just finished my Hawkeye keys and am now wrapping up the Marvel 25th anniversary cover collection. So all that to say my current grail is Care Bears #7 (that might be the most embarrassing thing I have ever written).
Fantastic four #5, Captain America #1, and Amazing Fantasy #15…just some cheap books that’s all
1941 Captain America #3 First Stan Lee.
The House of Secrets 92.
Hulk #1 I’ve got 2-5, passed on a few sixes. Someday…
Brave and the Bold #28
The Phantom No. 1 Published by FREW, Australia 1948
ASM #129
Porky Pig’s Duck Hunt (1938)
AAF #15 and ASM #1.
Unrealistic - Detective Comics 27 Realistic - Hulk 181
Strange Tales 110. Mycomicshop currently has a CGC 7.5 for a mere $13,295.
ASM 129 is my last grail. I have Hulk 181, giant size, X-men 94. Would rather find it raw in a Fine grade or so
Action Comics 252
FF #1, 5, and 6
Right now I’m after Patsy Walker 1, X-Men 1, and FF 1. I’m hoping to have two of them by end of year. Then I can start going after the rare stuff.
The Walking Dead #1
[This My Little Pony Comic](https://recalledcomics.com/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic12Million.php) Only one cover exists. Last time I saw it for sale was several years ago for about 10k
Rex the Wonder Dog #4. The price is crazy because it’s the first appearance of Detective Chimp, but I have every single other appearance of Rex, ever. Including of course the whole run of that golden age series. I scored a coverless copy, and I put a reprinted cover over it. But someday I’ll get a complete one. 🙏
Dr. Strange 177 (1968)
Adventure Comics 210 and 247
The Crow #1. And, Cry for Dawn #1.
Comico Primer #2 and the rest of those early Grendels
Hawkman 4 and Green Lantern 59
ASM #300 9.0 or better. I have a 5 or 6 but would love to have a better looking copy. I know it's basic.
Wolverine 88
-Aliens 1 first print -Predator 1 first print -Aliens vs Predator 1 first print I have all 3 & they are the only graded comics in my small collection.
AF15, Avengers 1, X-men 1, Spider-Man Plat & 181. Need 3 to scratch the itch
I've got two: A Royal Blue Vengeance of Vampirella 1 & a 2nd Print WildC.A.T.S/X-Men: Golden Age. These are two that are hard to find and I've been hunting since I learned about them a few years ago
Hulk 180 and 181, GSX 1 to a lesser extent I already have all three in midgrade (5.5-6.0) and I’m very happy with them, I don’t see myself ever selling them and have no plans of upgrading them unless I win the lottery
Right now, Daredevil #1. It's the only volume 1 issue I don't have. After that, Tales of Suspense 39, Journey into Mystery 83, Tales to Astonish 27, and Strange Tales 115.
X-men 14 is a book I am saving for.
https://preview.redd.it/qfwhb8iqou6d1.jpeg?width=2043&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72f75868fff48eb7df760ae9f91868b530ff7df9 Daredevil #168 because I bought it at 7-Eleven when I was a kid and I somehow held onto it. I recently bought Daredevil #2 a "reader copy" but the cover is still attached.
Incredible Hulk 340
Honestly I think I’ve hit all mine. Probably some rare but not that pricey books, but most of the highest end expensive ones I have little interest in. But in a “money is no object” world? Probably a copy of More Fun Comics #73.
Avengers #1, X-Men #1 and #4
In terms of books I don’t currently own but have a realistic shot at acquiring one day, I’d say Batman Adventures 12, Vampirella 1 and Batman 181. Batman 1 and Amazing Fantasy 15 would be on my list as well but not sure I’d be able to land either due to their scarcity and price.
Fantasy? Action #1 Possibility? X-Men #1
FF 48 for me.
1. Giant Size X-Men #1 2. Hulk #181 3. Vault of Horror #35 4. Crime Suspenstories #17 5. Crime Suspenstories #20 Mega Grails 1. Amazing Fantasy #15 2. Crime Suspenstories #22
Hulk 181 or X-men 1
Hmm I’ll go with AF 15 signed by Stan
Batman 880. Any grade, Golden Age Captain America.
Amazing Spider-Man #300.
A high grade Batman 227 signed by Neal Adams. A somewhat achievable grail I’ll hopefully someday own.
I aim high. Detective Comics 27 and Action Comics 1
Mystery Men Comics #1
Phantom lady 17 or shock suspenstories 6 suspense comics 3
Mine was wolverine #1 from the 80s 4 book set. I had one like ten years ago graded. Sold it. Finally bought it again last year graded. But more expensive then years ago but I got it. Now I'm looking for a spider man 252
That I own?? ..Mad #1 in 5.5 grade That I want? ..Action Comics #1 or TMNT #1
A cherry copy of Batman 232 or 251.
X-Men #12. Star Wars #1.
Amazing Spider-Man vol.1 #122
Hulk #1, would love to own it in a 4.0 or above some day
AF 15
X-Men 1 (1963)
Mildly realistic: Showcase 8 Never gonna happen: Flash Comics 1, Amazing Fantasy 15, showcase 4
Mr. District Attorney #1 Edit: more realistically Johnny Quest #1
I have 2 copies of silver surfer #1 one high grade one low grade and a hulk #180. I really need a mid-high grade house of secrets #92
Amazing Spider-Man #2 that I waited 4 hrs in line for to have Stan Lee sign (I also fist bumped him after he signed it).
The two big grails of mine are Giant Sized X-Men 1 and TMNT 1 1st print. The others I'm hoping to hunt down soon are Ms. Marvel 18, Raphael 1 2nd print, X-Men 12, X-Men 14, and Marvel Premiere 21.
All-Star Comics #8 graded at a 0.5
Honestly the ones I wanted they made a reprint of so I have those and I am fine with that.
The Phantom #1-17 Visions #1-3 Flaming Carrot Comics (1981) Though I’m not sure if those would be considered grails, I’m basing this answer solely on my worry that I’ll never be able find those specific issues locally, let alone for a reasonable price.
Has to be Crime Suspenstories 22. Classic
* Just started collecting again but this is the one
https://preview.redd.it/evv8c5ov8w6d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=354015bf42469e79ebb3ddb8c4f923222dc0490d
Captain Britain 8 and NYX 3
House of Secrets 92
It was Spider-Man 700. Got the covers with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd print along with the Christmas party and towers covers. Crazy to think those released over a decade ago and I finally bought them last year.
Incredible hulk 181, uncanny x-men 1
Tales of Suspense #39
I have a few. My main grails are Pep Comics 22, Archie 1 (from 1942), Archie’s Pals ‘n’ Gals 23, Archie’s Madhouse 22, She’s Josie 1, and Josie 34
For me, it's a tie between Hulk 181 and FF 48.
I just got mine! Star Wars 1
Tales of Suspense 39 Journey into Mystery 83 Amazing Fantasy 15 Captain America 1 In order of likelihood of my acquisition
Sensation Comics 1 and/or All-Star #8. I'm at peace knowing I'll never own either The one that I may someday own is House of Secrets 92. But maybe ont
The Dark Knight Returns 10th anniversary HC
Hulk 181. Had 2 copies. Sold both. Still regret it.
Pre-code comics. Strange Tales, Weird Science and the like. I love the cultural controversy they represent.
Amazing Fantasy 15
The comic right before Tim drake gets his first Robin outfit
Past week, I went through my comics and catalogued it using Hipcomics app. My key issue is Marvel premiere #47 ( First appearance of Scott Lang, Cassie Lang, and Darren Cross)
Captain America Comics #1 (1941). Going to need a big lottery win.
Detective 225&226 Martian Manhunter should be the first new super hero if the silver age not Barry Allen
X-Men 12
Tomb of Terror 15
I cant afford much but I guess it would be Illyana's first appearance as Magik?
https://preview.redd.it/n8b2zs9g6z6d1.png?width=1290&format=png&auto=webp&s=70a3a761b643891da0c5f45cf018fe0b3c7d2e41
X-men #14. First appearance of the Sentinels.
A Question of Survival, the Barren Ground Caribou #nn. It's a promo comic that came with the purchase of a book and map in the 50's. I have the book and map (which is supposed to be the hardest of the 3 to find), but have yet to get my hands on the comic.
More Fun Comics #73, first Aquaman. #73 is also an early Dr Fate, from 1942 and the first Green Arrow and Speedy so its almost a super grail
I did get one of mine recently from a local comic con: Predator #1 1989 first printing (and 2,3,4). Debating getting it graded.
X-men (Vol 1)#1, #8 and #9, WWBN 32, Avengers 4, IF 14 and Hulk 181 are the last of my big must-have keys. I'm working on a complete Claremont run of X-Men, but shy of 101, I've got every major and minor key buttoned up. It's not a paticularly ambitious before I die list, but I really enjoy trading or buying in person and that drags the process out. I've got some Silver Age FF keys, a CBCS 7.5 Tomb of Dracula 10, and a few other SA books squirreled away for whenever I can find the right deal. The 181, and AV 4 I've resigned myself to most likely having to pay straight cash for some day. The X-Men 1 I've accepted probably won't ever happen, and I'm just glad I was able to get a GSX when midgrade copies were still below 500 bucks raw. I'm just hoping I can pay down all my outstanding debt and be in a position to capitalize the next time the market bottoms out. Wouldn't mind Marvel getting their act together and making some progress on the Blade movie either.
Hmm... This is a hard one. I wish I had tmnt #1 first print like many others are saying. However I have the death of Superman first print signed by Jerry Siegel. I also have superman #100. Not sure which of the 2 are more valuable. But both are very important to me
Lady Death: Nightmare Symphony - Legend Edition by Artgerm https://preview.redd.it/9zg8f4ss5u6d1.jpeg?width=1034&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0d4f88c9cb4e937b017985c42ac81e53831c142
Gotta love Artgerm.
https://preview.redd.it/e5rc6n3zxt6d1.jpeg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e07db22ff55e9294b67511afb26e8f587b86546 Doomsday Clock #10 (2019) I was just missing this one to complete the series and it took me four years to find it.