20 Best-Selling Comics of All Time

Marvel, DC, Image Comics, and many more have published comic book issues that have sold millions of copies with records that will never possibly be broken. From the turn of the 20th century to the 2020s, comics still find a way to pull in fans with era-defining heroes and storylines.

The rich history of comic books has been defined by their amazing stories and the impact they have had on the economy. These incredible sales records exist thanks to comic book reboots, epic character deaths, and iconic debuts of legendary heroes. These single-issue comics have changed the landscape of pop culture and the best-selling numbers tell the story. Here are the top 20 best-selling comic issues of all time.

20

DC Universe Rebirth Harley Quinn #1 (2016) – 366,110 Copies Sold

Suicide Squad’s Harley Quinn Hype Delivers A Giant Launch

There is always guaranteed to be excitement and fervor around any Harley Quinn relaunch (and even more when it’s the team of Conner, Palmiotti, and Hardin on hand), so the femme fatale’s entry into DC’s larger Rebirth initiative was a presumed top-seller even before the sales numbers were reported.

The book also launched amidst the growing hype surrounding Harley Quinn’s live action debut, to be played by Margot Robbie in the first Suicide Squad movie. With the film’s box office heading towards the better part of a billion dollars, and Margot Robbie’s Harley a hit, the book made sure that fan affection was brought into the comics as much as possible.

19

Batman #50 (2018) – 412,541 Copies Sold

The Controversial Wedding Issue (Which Catwoman Canceled)

Likely the most ‘controversial’ issue on this list, it earned its spot for good reason: the promise that Batman and Catwoman would finally commit themselves to one another, and become husband and wife in the most unlikely superhero wedding. The book screamed ‘comic book history’ at full volume, and many fans returned the favor when the book itself delivered something… different than expected.

The story marked the halfway point in Tom King’s planned 100 issues diving deep into Bruce and Selina’s relationship, and while the eventual conclusions earned praise from fans and critics (like the work of Mikel Janin, and every other artist to touch the book), the hype and marketing surrounding ‘The Wedding’ guaranteed the response it ultimately received.

18

The Amazing Spider-Man #800 (2018) – 439,465 Copies Sold

The 80-Page Giant To Celebrate A Milestone For The Wall-Crawler

There was no way Marvel was going to let the release of the landmark Action and Detective Comics‘ 1000th issue go without some competition, and 800 issues of Spider-Man is nothing to shrug at, either. The special issue was not only a milestone release for fans to rally behind, but also the second-to-last issue from longtime writer Dan Slott, making it a must-buy for any Spider-Man reader of the past few years.

The ongoing storyline featuring Peter Parker taking on Green Goblin may not have gotten the same reviews as DC’s milestone books, but the sales numbers speak for themselves.

17

Dark Knight III Master Race #1 (2015) – 449,099 Copies Sold

The Final Chapter in Frank Miller’s Landmark Batman Trilogy

There was never any need for more hype or discussion surrounding The Dark Knight Returns, as one of the most iconic Batman stories DC ever told. So with Dark Knight Returns used to build interest in Batman v Superman, there was no better time to announce Dark Knight III: Master Race as the surprise third installment of Frank Miller’s soon-to-be Dark Knight trilogy (following The Dark Knight Strikes Again).

With the Kryptonian-filled threequel co-written by Miller and Brian Azzarello, art by Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson (in Miller’s style), and a parade of variants from acclaimed talents, the bullseye was struck.

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16

Action Comics #1000 (2018) – 504, 203 Copies Sold

DC Celebrates The First Of Several Major Milestone Issues

Action Comics has been in continuous publication for so long that it actually predates “DC Comics” itself. Most famous for introducing Superman, Action Comics was the foundational pillar of DC’s roster of titles –alongside Detective Comics, which gave the company name – from the 1930s through the start of the 21st century.

The series was rebooted and relaunched from #1 in 2011, which made it a big deal when the series resumed its original numbering several years later. The milestone Action Comics #1000 was a super-sized version of the book’s classic anthology format, with nearly a dozen stories from different creators.

15

Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #583 (2009) – 530, 500 Copies Sold

Spider-Man Taps Into The Hopeful Start Of Barack Obama’s Presidency

2009’s Amazing Spider-Man #583 – written by Mark Waid, with art by Barry Kitson – was a milestone issue of its own kind, as it celebrated the inauguration of Barack Obama. The issue shipped with a variant cover featuring an upside down Spidey snapping a picture of the new American president, who gives a thumbs up and flashes his characteristic smile.

The Obama variant was subsequently reprinted a number of times in different colors, both attesting to, and feeding into, the high volume of demand for this issue, which captured a historic moment.

14

Secret Wars #1 (2015) – 550,500 Copies Sold

The End Of An Era Generates Significant Buzz For Hickman’s Secret Wars

Before he rebooted the X-Men franchise in 2019, writer Jonathan Hickman was tasked with ending the fifteen-year run of Marvel’s Ultimate line of comics, with the Secret Wars crossover. The anticipation for this Multiverse-redefining event significantly drove up sales for the book, which delivered the kind of sprawling, high-octane storyline that Hickman has become synonymous with.

The Ultimate Universe proved to be a huge success for Marvel, from its introduction in 2000, but over time it lost sight of its original purpose – and Marvel made a smart decision putting a definitive end to it…at least until the recent reboot, also helmed by Hickman.

13

Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 3) #1 (2014) – 559,200 Copies Sold

A New Day For Spider-Man Results In Soaring Sales

Released in 2014, the third volume of Amazing Spider-Man debuted to excellent sales numbers, making it clear that readers wanted a fresh start for the character, in one way or another. The issue became a huge event for Marvel, shipping with over twenty variants, and generating a level of buzz unlike any of the other entries on this list, even if its ultimate number of issues sold isn’t as high as some.

The anthology issue featured eight stories, pulling at some of the best threads from Spider-Man stories of the past, while setting up fresh dynamics for an exciting future.

12

Detective Comics #1000 (2019) – 574,700 Copies Sold

DC Celebrates Its Origins With Another Classic Anthology Issue

As with Action Comics, DC relaunched its other longest-running title, Detective Comics, from issue #1 as part of 2011’s company-wide reboot The New 52. It was likewise returned to its original numbering with issue #934 in 2016, and several years later achieved its milestone thousandth issue.

Few comic book titles make it to four-digits in terms of issue number, and as a result, Detective Comics became another must-have collectors’ issue. Just like Action Comics #1000, DC celebrated Detective Comics #1000 with an anthology issue, featuring a variety of stories ranging from one to a dozen pages.

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11

Ultimate Spider-Man #1: FCBD Edition (2002) – 631,990 Copies Sold

The Launch of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe (Which You Missed The First Time)

TheIt is impossible to imagine given how Ultimate Spider-Man altered the course of Marvel as an entire company, but when Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley decided to “redo” Spider-Man’s origin for a new, modern audience… the audience was skeptical. Variants and reprints boosted sales from the original 54,000 copies, but rarely had a game-changer comic been so doubted instead of anticipated.

Fast forward to 2002, the introduction of the very first Free Comic Book Day in history, and the tied-in launch of Ted Raimi and Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man movie, and the reprint of Ultimate Spider-Man #1 was the book every single comic fan simply had to buy.

10

Batman: The 10 Cent Adventure #1 (2002) – 702,126 Copies Sold

The Perfect Marketing Strategy for a New Batman Comic

As the comic’s title promised, this Batman one-shot cost only 10 cents an issue. This single issue created by Greg Rucka and Rick Burchett features Bruce Wayne on a date with his bodyguard, Sasha Bordeaux, who is trying to help him overcome his breakup with Vesper Fairchild.

It all seems quiet and normal for a Batman story until Bruce and Sasha return to Wayne Manor to find Vesper’s dead body and the GCPD immediately arrest them both. This shocking one-shot was a prequel to the Bruce Wayne – Murderer storyline where the Bat Family helps solve this murder mystery and find the real killer.

9

Fantastic Four #60 (2002) – 752,699 Copies Sold

Marvel’s First Family Gets a Fresh Start for the 2000s

Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo reintroduce Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four, through the POV of their new PR manager. The manager, Mr. Shertzer, is tasked by the Fantastic Four’s advertising department to help boost the superhero team’s failing public image. Mr. Shertzer spends an entire week with the Four as they go through life, fight crime, and struggle with their personal problems.

This issue is seen as a return to form for the Fantastic Four, as they are presented less as superheroes, and more like a group of friends who became family after a series of unfortunate cosmic events. Selling more than 700,000 copies means that there is still a demand to see the Fantastic Four presented as relatable humans first and gaudy, super celebrities second.

8

Marvel Comics #1 (1939) – 880,000 Copies Sold

The One That Started It All

The first issue of Marvel Comics was published by Timely Comics, later known as the “Marvel Entertainment” company fans know today. This comic written and drawn by Carl Burgos introduces the world to Marvel’s first superpowered beings including the Human Torch.

However, this isn’t the Johnny Storm Fantastic Four version fans know and love, but rather an android with free will created by Dr. Phineas Horton during World War II. This comic also introduces fans to characters such as Ka-Zar the Great and the “Sub-Mariner” Namor. A great first start for Marvel Comics.

7

Star Wars #1 (2015) – 1,073,000 Copies Sold

The Epic Original Saga Continues

Jason Aaron and John Cassaday worked together with Marvel Comics to create this continuation of the original 1977 Star Wars. This best-selling first issue takes fans through the events, after Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star, and the Empire is after him and his allies. The story features Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Chewie, C-3PO, and R2-D2 working to free innocents from the Empire until they are intercepted by Darth Vader.

This comic was released in January 2015, the same year Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrived in December, and Star Wars fans were ready to celebrate. This new wave of Star Wars comics meant to flesh out the original trilogy characters worked wonders for comic sales.

6

Spawn #1 (1992) 1,700,000 Copies Sold

A New Hellish Hero Debuts for the 1990s

Todd McFarlane makes his childhood dream anti-hero a reality in one of the biggest comic book debuts ever. Spawn #1, published by Image Comics, instantly sold more than a million copies at launch. The story begins with Spawn struggling to remember his past life as Al Simmons while killing criminals with his demonic abilities given to him by the King of Hell, Malebolgia.

Spawn’s debut did big business for Hollywood with the release of a 1997 Spawn HBO series and a live-action film, with a Spawn reboot movie in production. This necro demon proves that fans are always ready to support a new and edgy superhero.

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5

Spider-Man #1 (1990) – 2,500,000 Copies Sold

Todd McFarlane Has the Honor of Relaunching Spider-Man

Todd McFarlane is best known for being the official artist behind the symbiote villain/anti-hero Venom and he had been working for Marvel on Spider-Man comics since the late 1980s. The variant cover of 1990’s Spider-Man #1, showing Spider-Man tangled in a giant web of spiders, has become an iconic piece of Marvel artwork.

The comic story features Peter Parker enjoying his marriage with MJ and life as Spider-Man while about to do battle with his old foe, the Lizard. This comic was McFarlane’s opportunity to give Spider-Man fans a darker storyline involving a returning villainess, Calypso, controlling the Lizard to commit murder.

4

Superman #75 (1993) – 3,000,000 Copies Sold

The Death of Superman Changes the Comics Industry Forever

In this heartbreaking issue, DC’s newest supervillain, Doomsday does the impossible and kills the Man of Steel. 1993’s Superman #75 by Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding features the climactic battle between the Justice League and the indestructible Doomsday. The entire world, including The Daily Planet’s Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, watches as the last line of defense, Superman, fights Doomsday with their battle shaking the Earth itself.

However, the monster proves too much for the Man of Steel and one final dual punch takes out both Doomsday and Superman. The splash page of Lois cradling Superman’s dead body, the tattered red cape, and the bloody “S” variant cover live forever in comic book history as the day when the greatest superhero in fiction was actually killed. Or was he?

3

Adventures of Superman #500 (1993) – 4,200,000 Copies Sold

The Reign of Supermen Storyline Begins

Less than a year after the “Death of Superman,” DC Comics set the pieces up for the resurrection of Superman. This milestone 500th issue by Jerry Ordway and Tom Grummett sees Jonathan Kent have a heart attack and, while at the hospital, he sees his son Clark in the afterlife. After having a literal tug of war for Clark’s soul against Jor-El, Jonathan snaps out of his coma and tells Martha Kent that their son is alive.

To add to the drama, Superman’s body is missing from his coffin, leading to four different Supermen claiming to be the real Man of Steel. The Metropolis Kid, John Henry Irons/Steel, The Last Son of Krypton, and Hank Henshaw/Cyborg Superman debut in this issue, launching the infamous “Reign of the Supermen” storyline.

2

X-Force #1 (1991) – 5,000,000 Copies Sold

Rebranding the Next Generation of Mutant Anti-Heroes

The second best-selling comic of all time rebooted the New Mutants into X-Force with their own solo series. X-Force #1, by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld, features the mutants Cable, Domino, Shatterstar, Feral, Boom-Boom, Cannonball, and Warpath battling the dangerous Mutant Liberation Front. Cable formed X-Force to keep the New Mutants united as a ruthless task force that had no rules or regulations like the X-Men.

The team would eventually cross paths with the Externals, the Brotherhood of Mutants, and have an eternal love-hate relationship with Deadpool. Selling more than 5 million copies, X-Force #1 was one of the first big changes to the X-Men 1990s lineup. However, the biggest change to the X-Men would come just a few months later.

1

X-Men #1 (1991) – 8,186,500 Copies Sold

Chris Claremont’s Swan Song for the X-Men

The highest-selling comic book issue of all time is 1991’s X-Men #1 by the legendary Chris Claremont and Jim Lee. This new-era comic introduced two new X-teams, while featureing Magneto recruiting mutants to his Asteroid M project, and introducing fans to the Acolytes, Magneto’s rabid supporters. However, this issue would remain a timeless classic as the beginning of the end for Chris Claremont’s 16-year career on the X-Men series.

Selling more than 8 million copies, the two X-Men teams battling Magneto and the Acolytes is a huge “Thank you” for X-Men fans after a wonderful ride with Chris Claremont. With 3 million more copies sold than the second highest-selling comic book, this issue set a high bar that publishers like DC, Marvel or Image Comics will have a tough time surpassing.