Comic Books

Comics began in 18th century Japan and various regions of Europe, long before Superman made his premiere on children’s comic books in the 20th century. Japanese pre-magna is considered the earliest form of comics, an art form that gained wide appeal in the ‘50s and is a global multi-million dollar industry today.

Comics have existed in America since 1842 with the issue of “The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck” in hardcover. The first modern 20th-century printed comic book was issued in 1933. That book was “Famous Funnies,” a 36-page comic derived from early newspaper strips. In 1938, the introduction of “Superman” turned comic books into the major industry it is today.

Today, comic books are graded in popularity by their ages. These include Platinum Age (1897-1937), Golden Age (1938-1955), Silver Age (1956-1969), Bronze Age (1970-1979), and Modern Age (1980-present). Grading is based on rarity, title and issue, and condition. Professional grading is now a must when marketing or selling a rare issue. Comic grading is done in the same manner as a rare coin with pages scrutinized under magnifying lenses.

Quick Facts

• A high-graded 1938 #1 “Superman” comic earned a world record price in August 2008 on eBay when it sold for $3.2 million with 48 bids
• Collectors today search for professionally-graded comic books as well as misprinted, low-distribution comics and books made for comic dealer incentives
• The earliest-known pre-magna Japanese comics are commonly attributed to Toba Sojo, an 11th-century painter who exuberated a whimsical sense of humor