From pulp beginnings to modern prestige books, these are the CGC-graded sales leaders by decade, each title topping its era in total dollar volume. Some picks are familiar favourites, riding decades of collector demand. Others? They come out of left field, reminding us that rarity, timing, and cultural relevance all play a role. Whether you're chasing first appearances or following fan-fueled momentum, these titles didn’t just sell — they dominated.

Curious how these decade-toppers compare to this month's most significant title sales, volume sales and trades? Don’t miss our latest Current CGC Market Trends from GPA for a closer look.

Source: GPAnalysis.com recorded sales, April 22 – May 5, 2025.

1930s – Terror Tales

💰 Total sales: $4,830

Before superheroes ruled the racks, horror pulps like Terror Tales pushed boundaries — and buttons. Lurid, lowbrow, and unapologetically grotesque, these magazines thrived on sensationalism, scandal, and cover art designed to stop you cold at the newsstand. Today, they represent a window into a wilder, less-regulated era of publishing.

That Terror Tales cracks this list in a CGC sales snapshot speaks volumes: pre-Code weirdness still has a dedicated, discerning following — especially when it comes to high-grade survivors. It’s a fascinating outlier, sure, but also a reminder that the collecting world doesn’t just prize superheroes. It rewards storytelling extremes, cultural flashpoints, and yes — a little shock value.

1940s – Batman

💰 Total sales: $27,674

It’s not just nostalgia — it’s legacy. Batman Golden Age issues continue to climb, and for good reason. These aren’t just old comics; they’re the blueprint of an icon. With early appearances of Joker, Catwoman, and Two-Face, plus classic cover art and wartime storylines, this run shaped the darker, more complex side of superhero storytelling. For collectors, high-grade copies are a battleground — scarce, pricey, and quick to move when they surface.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a Bat-fan building a long-game portfolio, one thing’s clear: the Bat never really left. He’s just been quietly gaining value in the shadows.

1950s – Showcase

💰 Total sales: $45,025

Welcome to the Silver Age. Showcase wasn’t just a title — it was a testing ground for the future of superhero comics. From the reimagined Flash in issue #4 to the introductions of Green Lantern and The Atom, this anthology lit the fuse on DC’s modern age. It flew a little under the radar for decades, overshadowed by the ongoing titles it helped launch.

But the market has caught up. With multiple first appearances, low print runs, and increasingly fewer high-grade copies in circulation, Showcase is now flexing serious firepower — and not just with the usual key-chasers.

1960s – Amazing Spider-Man

💰 Total sales: $296,491

This is dominance. With nearly $300K in sales in just the last 14 days, Amazing Spider-Man isn’t participating — it’s setting the pace. The numbers don’t lie: this title remains the beating heart of Silver Age collecting. Issue #1 kicks off the journey. Issue #50 delivers that unforgettable Romita cover and the first Kingpin.

But this isn’t just about key issues — it’s about consistency. ASM has remained relevant across reboots, creators, and cultural eras. Whether it’s longtime fans returning or new buyers chasing investment-grade slabs, one truth remains: the Silver Age crown is firmly in Spidey’s webbed hands, and it doesn’t look like he’s letting go anytime soon.

1970s – Amazing Spider-Man

💰 Total sales: $129,161

Back-to-back wins. Amazing Spider-Man not only owned the ‘60s — it marched into the ‘70s with momentum and never looked back. Bronze Age heat radiates from key issues like #129 (first appearance of the Punisher) and #194 (first Black Cat), but the real story here is continuity. While many Silver Age titles faded or pivoted, ASM evolved — sharper stories, darker themes, and characters that stuck.

It’s the rare book that resonates with both old-school purists and modern investors. Whether you’re chasing high-grade keys or watching GPA trendlines tick upward, one thing’s clear: Amazing Spider-Man isn’t just spanning decades — it’s dominating them.

1980s – Amazing Spider-Man

💰 Total sales: $87,184

The three-peat. By the 1980s, Amazing Spider-Man wasn’t just thriving — it was rewriting the rules. Venom’s debut in issue #300 is the headliner, but the supporting cast is stacked: #252 brings the black suit, #238 introduces Hobgoblin, and #298–299 set the stage for McFarlane’s breakout run. These books move fast, especially in high grade, and they’ve become cornerstone slabs for collectors across generations.

Even as indie titles started making waves, ASM stood tall — the mainstream book with street-level grit, top-tier art, and a character who never stopped evolving. The data backs it up: Spider-Man didn’t just survive the ‘80s. He owned them.

1990s – New Mutants

💰 Total sales: $29,416

Deadpool strikes again. New Mutants #98 continues to headline the decade, proving that loud, brash, and fourth-wall-breaking still sells — especially when it’s wrapped in early-‘90s foil and attitude. While not the most prestigious title of the era, New Mutants has become the de facto home of one of Marvel’s most bankable antiheroes.

Deadpool’s rise from cult favourite to box office mainstay has kept this issue hot across CGC grades. It’s not the obvious pick if you’re chasing rarity or literary acclaim, but it is exactly the kind of book that defined 1990s collecting: spec-heavy, character-driven, and constantly trading hands. Seasoned buyers know this playbook well — and they’re still running it.

2000s – Invincible

💰 Total sales: $37,222

The indie that made it big. When Invincible #1 hit shelves in 2003, it was a niche launch from Image — solid, well-reviewed, and modestly ordered. Fast forward two decades, and it’s one of the most coveted modern keys on the CGC market. The Amazon Prime series lit the fuse, but Robert Kirkman’s reputation and the book’s long-form storytelling keep the demand burning. It’s got all the hallmarks of a modern classic: low initial print run, explosive first issue, and a loyal fan base that spans readers, flippers, and long-haul investors.

For many collectors, Invincible isn’t just a great book — it’s the modern blueprint for creator-owned success, proving that sometimes, the underdog punches hardest.

2010s – Ultimate Fallout

💰 Total sales: $13,373

Miles Morales isn’t just a character — he’s a cultural movement. Ultimate Fallout #4 has become the undisputed modern-era key, fueled by consistent CGC demand, strong resale value, and cross-media visibility. From animated hits to merchandise shelves, Miles is everywhere — and collectors have taken notice.

What started as a controversial legacy character now stands as a defining symbol of diversity and modern storytelling in comics. High-grade copies are actively tracked, variants are fiercely hunted, and 9.8s command serious attention. This isn’t speculative hype — it’s sustained momentum. UF4 proves the next generation of keys is already here. And it's not just valuable — it's vital.

2020s – Amazing Spider-Man

💰 Total sales: $25,017

He’s back. Again. Even in a decade defined by speculation, shifting tastes, and print run mind games, Amazing Spider-Man remains a constant. The 2022 volume has already delivered a string of variant-driven heat, character debuts, and eye-popping cover art that keeps collectors engaged across grades.

Whether it’s the latest issue flying off shelves on release day or a CGC 9.8 hitting auction hot, ASM continues to prove it knows how to adapt — and sell. For flippers, it’s active. For long-term holders, it’s trusted. The 2020s market may be unpredictable, but Spider-Man is still the steady hand on the CGC wheel — balancing nostalgia, speculation, and brand loyalty in one glossy package.

🧠 Final Thoughts

From grisly pulps to legacy superheroes to breakout modern icons, the decades tell a story — and Amazing Spider-Man is the headline. Four consecutive wins. Six total appearances. No other title even comes close. For collectors, these top performers are more than just sales stats — they’re signals. Indicators of what’s moving, what’s aging well, and what might outlast the trends. Watch these titles closely. They’re not just survivors. They’re benchmarks.

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Top of the stack: Best-selling titles by decade (Apr 22 – May 5, 2025)