X-Men #1 is truly an unsurpassable champion. It earns the reputation as the best-selling comic book ever, distributing almost eight times as many copies as the second spot in this list.

The idea that one could acquire a limited version of a famous comic - then resell it for millions of dollars - has captivated lots of people. In addition, comic book companies earn their cash by celebrating and hyping major plot events - such as new outfits, first character introduction, shocking deaths, or first printed volumes. These events do not just excite fans; they are also bankable.

The main issues for other comic books (such as Amazing Fantasy #15 or Action Comic #1) is that no one had anticipated Superman and Spiderman’s success when the stories about them were first released. As a result, nobody went to purchase the first copies of these series. Later on, when Superman and Spiderman became much more popular, the rarity of these first volumes made them extremely valuable. And that is what everyone (wrongly) assumed would occur to X-Men #1 upon its release. In fact, the comic was launched in various countries around the world, boasting 5 different covers. You can probably predict the outcome already.

Release year: 1991

Sales: 8,186,000 copies

To begin, let us examine the 2015 situation of Star Wars. At this point, the Star Wars fan base has become quite adrift after the conclusion of the original series. Marvel Comics chose this very moment to announce a new era, called Star Wars: The Force Awakens, attracting old fans to the franchise once more. People suddenly realized that there were several holes in the original stories to fill up; and Marvel was more than delighted to do that, having just reclaimed the Star Wars comics license from Disney.

As a collection of canonical tales set in the midst of the first Star Wars franchises, Star Wars #1 found the right balance and managed to appeal to lots of fans. It satisfied readers who yearn for the old extended universe, while also offering something fresh to newer demographics.

However, this is not the only reason why Star Wars #1 sold so well. The issue also included roughly 100 variant covers. Furthermore, Loot Crate, a subscription box company, placed a large order for the comic. As reported, Loot Crate has included a copy of Star Wars #1 in every package delivered by its service that month.

Release year: 2015

Sales: 1,073,000 copies

What is the plot of this issue? To call it short, in the story, the advertising staff of Fantastic Four Incorporated are gathering to analyze the firm’s recent decline in popularity. They've hired a public relations professional called Mister Shertzer to assist them in raising their profile. Shertzer is at a loss for what he can accomplish, since he has previously dealt only with rock musicians. This is the very first time he has to represent a bunch of superheroes. The department chief then proposes that Shertzer meet with the Fantastic Four...

The attraction of Fantastic Four #60 is a mixture of Amazing Spider Man #1 and The Ten-cent Adventure. Although this is not the first issue in the series, it does signal the start of a new era for the comic, as author Mark Waid has embarked on what would soon turn into a celebrated three-year tenure.

Although Fantastic Four #60 is not anthology-style, it did feature a special promo version that sold for only 9 cents. The issue makes a point of emphasizing that this is the "world's least expensive comic book magazine", which boosts its sales impressively.

Release year: 2002

Sales: 752,699 copies

We can say that Batman: The 10-cent Adventure #1 achieved its purpose of luring fans in with a nostalgically cheap price tag. After all, Batman was the reason many people turned into a comic fan. They wanted to know what occurred next - and they wanted to know immediately.

The 10-cent Adventure launched the two-part crossover arcs Bruce Wayne: Fugitive and Bruce Wayne: Murderer? — both of which have been highly praised and ranked as the finest Batman comics ever produced. Batman: The 10-cent Adventure #1 eventually concluded with a cliffhanger, where Bruce Wayne was falsely charged with manslaughter. The only way to prove his innocence was to confess his hidden alibi - Batman, who had been far away from the crime when it occurred.

However, even an interesting cliffhanger cannot make a comic book sold out before its official release. It is safe to say that the extremely low price had a larger role.

Release year: 2002

Sales: 702,106 copies

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 is quite an unusual case. It is not a significant anniversary issue or an anthology. Yet, it ranked number five in this list with just four alternative covers. What Ultimate Spider-Man represents, in retrospect, is the start of a series that would have a profound effect on Marvel Comics. First and foremost, it boosted the writing career of creator Brian Michael Bendis. And secondly, it established the backgrounds for Miles Morales to turn into a Spider Man.

However, we are not just referring to the original version of Ultimate Spider-Man #1. We are also discussing another edition, Free Comic Book Day Ultimate Spider Man #1, whose release coincided with the US launch of Sam Raimi’s Spider Man. To give new readers a comprehensive introduction of Spider Man, the issue re-started Peter Parker's heroic adventure from the outset and updated it along the way.

The Hollywood lure of possible new readers has boosted store pre orders for the Free Comic Book Day Ultimate Spider Man #1. As a result, it improved the total sales of the issue as well.

Release year: 2002

Sales: 631,990 copies

Amazing Spider-Man #1 was a pleasant defining moment for the character. It placed itself in the midst of writer Dan Slott's now-legendary Spider-Man series. Peter Parker had lost all control of himself a few years before, when Doc Octopus merged himself into Peter’s body. Peter seems to have died in Otto Octavius' sickly body, but his last request prompted Otto to abandon his evil deeds and take up the mantle of Superior Spider-Man.

However, with the publication of Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel's third Amazing Spider-Man #1, actually), Peter Parker took back control of his whole body (and of Spider Man) for the very first time in two years.

As with other issues on the list, this was a type of anthology issue, featuring the most memorable characters in Spider Man’s history. Furthermore, this is also the first issue for an ongoing era, which makes it a valuable item in the eyes of keen collectors. All of these reasons may have played a role in its sell-out status. Its 75 alternative covers certainly helped as well.

Release year: 2014

Sales: 559,200 copies

Secret Wars #1 was released in 2015, as a sequel to the most popular Marvel Comics crossover of all time - 1984's Secret Wars. The Beyonder, a cosmic monster, zapped all of Marvel's most famous good guys and bad guys to an alien world and forced them to battle to death. By shattering the Marvel universe, this 2015 version maintained the "Everyone is here!" theme. The remaining fragments of all the Marvel alternate Earths were gathered into one mismatched planet named Battleworld. The story continued from there.

Throughout its history, Marvel has been keen on creating miniature mashups and bizarre timelines that turn everything inside out. Age of X, Age of Apocalypse, House of M, and so forth are examples. In this stunning crossover, Dr. Doom took back the baton of power from Beyonder, constructing a new world and universe as its god emperor.

The interesting crossover that threatens to kill all the superheroes may have boosted Secret Wars #1 sales. Or it could have been the 50+ alternative covers that attracted readers.

Release year: 2015

Sales: 550,500 copies

Can you guess why an otherwise boring and forgettable issue of Barry Kitson and Mark 's Amazing Spider-Man makes its way into this list? We will give you a clue: Amazing Spider-Man #583 was published on 15 January, in 2009. However, some of you might have figured it out already: the story is about the presidential narrative and variant takes of that issue, whose release deliberately coincided with the day Barack Obama was officially elected as the US’s 44th President.

Amazing Spider-Man #583 also included a backup story "Spidey Meets the President” In this story, the Chameleon attempts to take over the place of Obama, and uses his mimicking powers to change his appearance into the president’s, fooling everyone.

As a Daily Bugle photojournalist, Peter Parker is on site to cover the election; and as Spider-Man, he managed to distinguish the real Barack Obama from the Chameleon by asking him several questions that only the real Barack Obama could answer.

Release year: 2009

Sales: 530,500 copies

It's finally here after 80 years - the 1,000th volume of Detective Comics, the series that defines DC! This 96-page issue has an incredible roster of artists that will take you on a tour through Batman's history, present, and future. Plus, there is a stunning epilogue featuring the dangerous Arkham Knight in his first-ever DC Universe appearance! However, who is hiding behind the mask? Also, why does he want Batman’s head? Batman's spectacular future adventures begin here!

Detective Comics #1000 did an excellent job of blending lighter entertainment with serious tales about Batman and the forces that motivate him to combat crime. These tales go to the essence of who Bruce Wayne is and the several sides of his nature - from his fanatical pursuit of justice, his dependence on terror, and his ability to think ahead of his foes - in a fairly unique way.

How is it possible that Detective Comics #1000 sold 22,000 more copies than the Action Comics #1000 - the celebratory issue about Superman? Maybe Batman is simply much more popular.

Release year: 2019

Sales: 526,941 copies

At the bottom of our list is the newest comic book compared to the rest. This issue marks the 80th anniversary of the original superhero - and the second longest-running superhero comic still in print today - Superman and Action Comics. Despite its low rank, it is actually Action Comics #1000 that has established a common theme for all other issues in this list, namely the huge anniversary blowout anthology.

DC Comics published the 80-page colored book with 11 distinct covers. We could say this is standard for a book of this scale and era. It is undoubtedly a very important release in the comics history; hence, DC has invited lots of famous artists to contribute to this analogy. Apart from that, Action Comics #1000 also offered other extra benefits that could pique a collector’s interest.

For instance, in this issue, Superman wore his old suit for the very first time in six years - complete with his red underpants on the outside. The book also included the first few panels of Brian Bendis' work on Superman, a significant turnaround for the iconic Marvel Comics author.

Release year: 2018

Sales: 504,200 copies