Hobbies And Interests
Condition
The condition, or "grade," of an individual comic book is a primary consideration when determining its value. Comic collectors use a common grading system. Comics are designated as "poor," "fair," "good," "very good," "fine," "very fine," "near mint," or "mint." "Poor" refers to a badly damaged book and "mint" refers to a pristine book that has been kept under ideal conditions and environmental controls. A book in fine condition will be worth more than the identical issue in fair condition.
First Issues
The first issue of a popular series is frequently the most valuable book in the series. First issues introduce the premise of the story as well as a number of the main characters. If a series spawns a spin-off series that also becomes popular, the first issue of the initial series will often increase in value.
Character Introduction
The introduction of a major character (known in the industry as a "first appearance") significantly increases the value of a comic book. Books featuring the first appearance of Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Wolverine and other popular superheroes are some of the most valuable in the world. However, lesser characters often become fan favorites for no apparent reason and their first appearances can become valuable also. In either case, the first appearance of the character can make a later issue more valuable than the series' first issue.
Age
The actual age of a comic is less of a consideration than most people think. A popular book from the 1960s will generally sell for a higher price than an unpopular book from the 1950s, provided both books are in similar condition. However, both a series and a character need time to "prove" themselves to the reading public, so older popular comics are a safer long-term investment than new popular comics. While a new issue or series might be in high demand and fetch a high sales price soon after release, it is impossible to predict whether the popularity of the comic will stand the test of time.
Rarity
Rarity of a book contributes significantly to its value. Older issues often become more valuable over time -- not because of their actual age, but because the number of available books decreases as existing issues are damaged due to improper storage or thrown out by uninformed owners. In addition, older comic books had lower productions runs (the number of copies of each book produced) than newer comics, so mint issues were rarer to begin with. Recognizing this factor, savvy modern comic book producers often produce low-run "limited editions" of an issue or miniseries in order to drive the demand for--and the perceived value of--certain books.
Demand
Theoretically, a rare, very fine issue of a popular series containing the first appearance of a major character will always be valuable. But, ultimately, a comic book, like any other collectible, is worth only what someone will pay to own it.