Pulse Reviews and Analysis
The 10 Best Comic Books from the 2000s
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
The best 2000s comic book to collect in 2027 is The Walking Dead #1 (2003) — the most valuable modern-age comic of the decade, driven by the AMC series into five-figure territory: a CGC 9.8 trades around $3,000–$6,000, a CGC 9.9 has sold for $13,000, and raw clean copies still bring $1,000+.
The Best Value pick is NYX #3 (2004), the first appearance of X-23 (Laura Kinney), where a CGC 9.8 trades for roughly $400–$700 — a key first appearance with real screen relevance at an accessible price.
This list is for collectors building a modern-age key portfolio with documented CGC comps, plus newer buyers chasing first appearances tied to live-action adaptations. Modern comics are condition-sensitive in a different way than vintage: print runs are larger, so value concentrates in CGC 9.8 and 9.9 grades and genuine first appearances.
Prices reflect 2027 secondary-market reality, with CGC-graded examples at the top and raw at the floor. First-print verification matters enormously — many of these keys have multiple printings.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We scored every comic on six weighted criteria, anchored to CGC-graded sold data rather than asking-price hype:
- Documented sale comps (30%) — verified Heritage, ComicConnect, and eBay sold results plus GoCollect data.
- Key significance (20%) — first appearances, first issues, and story importance.
- Scarcity in high grade (20%) — CGC 9.8/9.9 population relative to print run.
- Adaptation relevance (15%) — ties to film and TV that drive demand.
- Condition sensitivity (10%) — how steeply value falls from CGC 9.8 to raw.
- Reprint/multiple-print risk (5%) — exposure to later printings diluting value.
Data sources included CGC census data, Heritage Auctions, ComicConnect, eBay sold comps, GoCollect, and PriceCharting.
1. The Walking Dead #1 (2003) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Era/Set: Image Comics, 2003 | Typical price: ~$3,000–$6,000 (CGC 9.8), ~$13,000 (CGC 9.9), ~$1,000+ (raw) | Best for: modern-key investors
Kirkman and Moore's zombie epic is the most valuable modern-age comic of the decade. A CGC 9.8 trades around $3,000–$6,000, a CGC 9.9 sold for $13,000, and it ranks near the top of Overstreet's Top 20 Modern Age list. The AMC series turned a low-print Image first issue into a blue-chip key, and first-print copies (no UPC "Image" credits, black-and-white interiors) command sharp premiums over the many later printings.
Liquidity is excellent at every grade tier.
Pros:
- Most valuable modern-age comic of the 2000s
- AMC series sustains multi-generational demand
- Low first-print run relative to demand
- Strong liquidity from raw to gem
Cons:
- Many later printings dilute the casual market
- First-print verification is essential before buying
Verdict: The blue-chip modern key of the decade, with deep comps at every grade.
2. Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (2000)
Era/Set: Marvel, 2000 | Typical price: ~$300–$700 (CGC 9.8), ~$50+ (raw) | Best for: Marvel-line collectors
Bendis and Bagley's Ultimate Spider-Man #1 launched the entire Ultimate Marvel imprint and is one of the defining first issues of the decade. A CGC 9.8 trades around $300–$700, with raw copies near $50. The white "Ultimate" logo variant and the various 2000 covers create a collecting ladder, and as the foundation of a line that influenced two decades of Spider-Man media, it carries durable historical weight.
Print run is large, so high grade is where the value sits.
Pros:
- Launched the Ultimate Marvel imprint
- Defining first issue of the decade
- Variant cover ladder for specialists
- Affordable raw entry point
Cons:
- Large print run caps low-grade value
- Multiple covers can confuse new buyers
Verdict: A foundational modern first issue with broad recognition and a clear variant ladder.
3. NYX #3 (2004) — First X-23 💎 BEST VALUE
Era/Set: Marvel, 2004 | Typical price: ~$400–$700 (CGC 9.8), ~$80+ (raw) | Best for: first-appearance value buyers
NYX #3 is the first appearance of X-23 (Laura Kinney), and the Best Value pick here. A CGC 9.8 trades around $400–$700 (down from a 2018 peak near $1,500), with raw copies from $80. As one of the most valuable comics released in the 2000s and a key tied to *Logan* and ongoing X-Men media, it offers a genuine, recognizable first appearance at a fraction of the decade's top keys.
The pullback from peak makes the entry point especially attractive.
Pros:
- First appearance of X-23, a major Marvel character
- Screen relevance from *Logan* and X-Men media
- Below-peak pricing offers value
- Recognizable key with broad demand
Cons:
- Has retreated from its 2018 high
- Future value tied partly to film slate timing
Verdict: A genuine first appearance with screen relevance at the decade's best value.
4. Invincible #1 (2003)
Era/Set: Image Comics, 2003 | Typical price: ~$3,000–$4,000 (CGC 9.8), ~$500+ (raw) | Best for: Image-key collectors
Kirkman's Invincible #1 — the first full appearance of Invincible and Omni-Man — has become a major modern key, boosted by the hit animated series. A CGC 9.8 trades around $3,000–$4,000 (with signed examples and asking prices ranging higher), and raw copies start near $500.
As another low-print Image first issue from Kirkman, it follows the Walking Dead playbook: a sleeper that the adaptation transformed into a blue-chip key with strong first-print premiums.
Pros:
- First appearance of Invincible and Omni-Man
- Hit animated series drives sustained demand
- Low first-print run relative to demand
- Kirkman pedigree adds collector appeal
Cons:
- Has seen sharp price swings with show cycles
- High-grade gem copies are genuinely scarce
Verdict: The second great Kirkman Image key, riding a hit adaptation.
5. Batman #608 (2002) — Hush
Era/Set: DC Comics, 2002 | Typical price: ~$150–$400 (CGC 9.8), ~$20+ (raw) | Best for: Batman story collectors
The Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee "Hush" arc opens with Batman #608, one of the most celebrated Batman runs of the decade. A CGC 9.8 trades around $150–$400, with raw copies from $20. The story's enduring popularity and Jim Lee's art keep the issue in steady demand, and the rarer RRP (Recolored) and variant covers add a collecting layer.
It is an accessible, beloved modern Batman key with broad recognition.
Pros:
- Iconic Loeb/Lee Batman story
- Beloved "Hush" arc with lasting appeal
- Variant cover ladder for specialists
- Accessible pricing in high grade
Cons:
- Not a first appearance, capping the ceiling
- Large print run limits low-grade value
Verdict: A celebrated, accessible modern Batman key with strong art pedigree.
6. Ultimate X-Men #1 (2001)
Era/Set: Marvel, 2001 | Typical price: ~$150–$350 (CGC 9.8), ~$30+ (raw) | Best for: Ultimate-line completists
Mark Millar's Ultimate X-Men #1 extended the Ultimate imprint to the X-Men and is a core first issue of the line. A CGC 9.8 trades around $150–$350, with raw copies from $30. As part of the influential Ultimate universe that shaped modern Marvel storytelling and media, it pairs reasonable pricing with genuine line-foundational importance.
Collectors building the Ultimate imprint treat it as an essential companion to Ultimate Spider-Man #1.
Pros:
- Foundational Ultimate X-Men first issue
- Millar pedigree adds collector interest
- Reasonable high-grade pricing
- Ties to the broader Ultimate line
Cons:
- Large print run caps low-grade value
- Less marquee than Ultimate Spider-Man #1
Verdict: An essential Ultimate-line first issue at an accessible price.
7. Amazing Spider-Man #546 (2008) — First Mr. Negative
Era/Set: Marvel, 2008 | Typical price: ~$60–$200 (CGC 9.8), ~$15+ (raw) | Best for: Spider-Man key collectors
ASM #546 launched the "Brand New Day" era and features the first full appearance of Mr. Negative and Jackpot. A CGC 9.8 trades around $60–$200, with raw copies from $15.
The newsstand variant carries a premium over the direct edition. With Mr. Negative's growing media profile and the issue's role as a major Spider-Man reboot, it is an affordable first appearance with real upside if the character reaches the screen.
Pros:
- First Mr. Negative and Jackpot
- Launched "Brand New Day" Spider-Man era
- Newsstand variant premium for specialists
- Affordable entry with media upside
Cons:
- Modest current value without a film catalyst
- Large print run limits low-grade copies
Verdict: A low-cost first appearance with genuine media upside potential.
8. Ultimate Fantastic Four #1 (2004)
Era/Set: Marvel, 2004 | Typical price: ~$100–$300 (CGC 9.8), ~$20+ (raw) | Best for: Marvel Zombies collectors
Ultimate Fantastic Four #1 is best known as the launch point that led to Marvel Zombies (via the alternate-reality crossover later in the series). A CGC 9.8 trades around $100–$300, with raw copies from $20. With the Marvel Zombies animated series raising the property's profile, the early Ultimate FF issues have drawn renewed collector interest.
It is a reasonably priced modern key with a clear catalyst story behind it.
Pros:
- Launched the Ultimate Fantastic Four line
- Marvel Zombies connection drives interest
- Reasonable high-grade pricing
- Animated series boosts demand
Cons:
- The key Marvel Zombies issue is later in the run
- Large print run caps low-grade value
Verdict: A reasonably priced modern key riding the Marvel Zombies wave.
9. The Walking Dead #19 (2005) — First Michonne
Era/Set: Image Comics, 2005 | Typical price: ~$150–$400 (CGC 9.8), ~$30+ (raw) | Best for: Walking Dead key collectors
The first appearance of Michonne in Walking Dead #19 is a major secondary key from the series. A CGC 9.8 trades around $150–$400, with raw copies from $30. As one of the most popular Walking Dead characters and a standout of the AMC show, Michonne's debut offers a more affordable way into the franchise's key books than the #1.
First-print verification still matters, and the issue benefits from the same adaptation-driven demand as the series opener.
Pros:
- First appearance of fan-favorite Michonne
- Affordable Walking Dead key alternative
- AMC show sustains character demand
- Strong franchise collector base
Cons:
- Trails the #1 in ceiling and prestige
- Demand tracks show relevance cycles
Verdict: A popular, affordable Walking Dead first appearance for franchise collectors.
10. The Walking Dead #100 (2012-adjacent key) / Runaways #1 (2003)
Era/Set: Marvel, 2003 | Typical price: ~$200–$500 (CGC 9.8), ~$40+ (raw) | Best for: team-debut collectors
Brian K. Vaughan's Runaways #1 (2003) introduced the teen-hero team adapted into the Hulu series, making it a recognizable 2000s key. A CGC 9.8 trades around $200–$500, with raw copies from $40.
As the first appearance of the Runaways team (Nico, Karolina, Molly, and the rest), it pairs a beloved creator with genuine media relevance. The series' critical acclaim and ongoing character appearances keep the debut in steady demand among modern-key collectors.
Pros:
- First appearance of the Runaways team
- Vaughan pedigree and Hulu adaptation
- Reasonable high-grade pricing
- Steady collector demand
Cons:
- Demand softened after the show ended
- Not as marquee as the decade's top keys
Verdict: A creator-driven team debut with media history at a fair price.
Which One Is Right for You?
What to Look For
- Verify the first printing. Walking Dead #1, Invincible #1, and other Image keys have many later printings; first-print markers (interior credits, UPC details) make the difference between a key and a common reprint.
- Buy graded for high-value keys. For four-figure books, insist on CGC, CBCS, or PGX slabs and confirm the cert against the grader's census — counterfeit slabs and label swaps exist.
- Distinguish direct vs. Newsstand. On ASM #546 and similar issues, the newsstand variant commands a premium; check the UPC box.
- Mind the grade cliff. Modern keys concentrate value in CGC 9.8 and 9.9; a 9.6 can be worth a fraction of a 9.8 on the same book.
- Track adaptation timing. Demand for film/TV-linked keys swings with release cycles; buy into lulls, not hype peaks.
What matters less than the hype: chasing every variant cover. For most collectors, a clean first-print first appearance in high grade beats a stack of speculative variants.
FAQ
What is the most valuable comic book from the 2000s? The Walking Dead #1 (2003), the most valuable modern-age comic of the decade. A CGC 9.8 trades around $3,000–$6,000 and a CGC 9.9 has sold for $13,000, driven by the AMC series.
Why did Walking Dead #1 become so valuable? A low first-print run met explosive demand after the AMC television series, turning an obscure Image debut into a blue-chip modern key. First-print copies command sharp premiums over later printings.
Is NYX #3 a good investment? It is the first appearance of X-23, a recognizable Marvel character with screen relevance from *Logan*. At roughly $400–$700 in CGC 9.8 and below its 2018 peak, it offers genuine value among first-appearance keys.
How do I tell a first printing from a reprint? Check interior credits, cover trade dress, and UPC details against a reliable guide for each title. Image keys especially have multiple printings, and only first prints carry the key-book premium.
Where should I buy and sell 2000s comics? Heritage Auctions and ComicConnect handle the high end, eBay sold comps anchor mid-market pricing, and GoCollect and PriceCharting track historical CGC values. Always reference completed sales, not asking prices.
Bottom Line
The Walking Dead #1 (2003) is the Best Overall 2000s comic — the decade's most valuable modern-age key, with a CGC 9.8 around $3,000–$6,000 and a 9.9 at $13,000. For collectors who want a genuine first appearance with screen relevance at a friendlier price, NYX #3 (2004), the first X-23, is the Best Value at $400–$700 in CGC 9.8.
Across the list, first-print verification and CGC grade are everything — buy verified slabs, confirm the printing, and let condition guide your money.
Sources
- Heritage Auctions — The Walking Dead #1 (2003) CGC 9.8
- Heritage Auctions — Ultimate Spider-Man Price Guide
- Heritage Auctions — NYX #3 (2004) First X-23
- PriceCharting — Invincible #1 (2003)
- PriceCharting — Batman #608 (2002)
- GoCollect — NYX #3 Value Guide
- PriceCharting — Amazing Spider-Man #546 (2008)
*The 10 best comic books from the 2000s review — 2000s comic books reviews, ratings, best modern comic books 2027, and a review of the top picks for collectors.*