Pulse Reviews and Analysis
The 10 Best Comic Books from the 2010s to Collect in 2027
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateThe 2010s produced a wave of modern comic keys that already command serious money: the first Miles Morales, the first Spider-Gwen, the debut of Kamala Khan, and Image's creator-owned blockbusters. Unlike Golden or Silver Age books, these are recent, well-preserved, and graded in big numbers — which makes condition and exact printing everything.
This 2027 guide ranks the ten best 2010s comic books to collect, using real CGC census and sold-comp data.
Direct Answer
The best 2010s comic to collect in 2027 is Ultimate Fallout #4 (2011), the first appearance of Miles Morales — with regular-edition CGC 9.8 copies trading around $305–$420 and the rare 1:25 variant clearing $5,000 and beyond. Our Best Overall pick is that Ultimate Fallout #4; our 💎 Best Value pick is Suicide Squad #1 (2011 New 52), a movie-relevant key whose CGC 9.8 copies sell for around $60.
This list is for collectors who want modern, high-grade, first-appearance keys from the 2010s with verifiable CGC census numbers and recent sold comps — not speculative variants with no track record. Prices reflect CGC 9.8 first-print copies unless noted; raw and lower grades cost far less.
Budgets run from under $60 for a Suicide Squad #1 up to four figures for a top Ultimate Fallout variant.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted six criteria against real market data:
- First-appearance significance (30%) — debut of a character now central to film, TV, or comics.
- CGC census scarcity in 9.8 (20%) — population data showing how common top grades are.
- Sold-comp strength and stability (20%) — recent GoCollect, eBay, and Heritage results.
- Media momentum (15%) — Disney+, MCU, and film adaptations driving demand.
- Print and variant clarity (10%) — how cleanly first prints separate from reprints/variants.
- Long-term collectibility (5%) — staying power beyond a single movie cycle.
Every price below is a real CGC-graded sold comp, cited at the end.
1. Ultimate Fallout #4 (2011) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Era/Set: 2011, Marvel — 1st Miles Morales | Typical price: ~$305–$420 (CGC 9.8 regular); $5,000+ (1:25 variant) | Best for: the modern blue-chip key of the decade.
This is the definitive 2010s key: the first appearance of Miles Morales, the Spider-Man who carried the hit "Into the Spider-Verse" films. Regular first-print CGC 9.8 copies trade around $305, with a recent year-high near $420, while the scarce 1:25 Djurdjevic variant has broken $5,000 and is a major-money book.
The CGC census is large for the regular edition (hundreds of 9.8s), so it stays liquid, but media demand keeps a firm floor. As Miles grows across films and games, this remains the cornerstone modern key.
Pros:
- The single most important 2010s first appearance.
- Deep liquidity in regular 9.8 around $300.
- The 1:25 variant is a genuine four-figure grail.
- Spider-Verse films guarantee lasting demand.
Cons:
- Large 9.8 census caps regular-edition upside.
- Second-printing and variant confusion is common.
Verdict: The must-own modern key — buy a regular 9.8 to hold or chase the 1:25 if budget allows.
2. Edge of Spider-Verse #2 (2014)
Era/Set: 2014, Marvel — 1st Spider-Gwen | Typical price: ~$300 (CGC 9.2) to $800+ (Land variant 9.8) | Best for: Spider-Verse collectors and variant hunters.
The first appearance of Spider-Gwen (Gwen Stacy) is one of the most beloved character debuts of the decade. The Overstreet 2021 NM- (9.2) value is $300, while the sought-after Greg Land 1:25 variant has realized over $800 in CGC 9.8. Spider-Gwen became an instant fan favorite and a Spider-Verse film mainstay, fueling steady demand.
As with Ultimate Fallout, the variant carries the real premium, so know exactly which cover you're buying.
Pros:
- First appearance of a breakout modern character.
- Land 1:25 variant clears $800 in top grade.
- Spider-Verse media keeps demand strong.
- Iconic cover art with broad appeal.
Cons:
- Multiple printings and variants complicate ID.
- The standard cover is far cheaper than the variant.
Verdict: A top-tier 2010s key — confirm the cover/printing, as the Land variant is the prize.
3. Ms. Marvel #1 (2014)
Era/Set: 2014, Marvel — origin of Kamala Khan | Typical price: ~$150–$400 (CGC 9.8 first print) | Best for: MCU collectors and modern first-appearance buyers.
Kamala Khan's debut as the new Ms. Marvel became a true media key after her Disney+ series and MCU appearance. First-print CGC 9.8 copies command strong premiums over later printings, and the McKelvie design variant is especially desirable.
As Marvel's first Muslim character to headline her own title, the book has cultural significance that supports long-term demand. Verify it's the 2014 first print — there are many reprints.
Pros:
- Origin of a now-MCU character with Disney+ pedigree.
- Strong cultural significance drives durable demand.
- First-print 9.8 carries a clear premium.
- Distinctive McKelvie design variant adds appeal.
Cons:
- Heavily reprinted — first-print ID is essential.
- 9.8 census is large, limiting scarcity upside.
Verdict: A media-driven modern key — only the 2014 first print holds the value discussed here.
4. Saga #1 (2012)
Era/Set: 2012, Image — Brian K. Vaughan/Fiona Staples | Typical price: ~$200–$500 (CGC 9.8 first print) | Best for: creator-owned and indie collectors.
Saga #1 launched the most acclaimed creator-owned series of the decade. First-print CGC 9.8 copies trade between $200 and $500, with an outlier sale near $4,000 in 2021 at the market's peak. The book's critical pedigree (multiple Eisner Awards) and devoted fanbase give it staying power beyond movie speculation.
First prints are identified by indicia and cover details, so authenticate carefully given the many later printings.
Pros:
- The defining creator-owned launch of the 2010s.
- Multiple Eisner Awards underpin demand.
- Strong 9.8 comps from $200 to $500.
- Indie pedigree insulated from film hype cycles.
Cons:
- Many later printings dilute the first-print market.
- Price softened from the 2021 speculative peak.
Verdict: The premier indie key of the decade — buy a verified first print and hold.
5. Star Wars #1 (2015)
Era/Set: 2015, Marvel — relaunch | Typical price: ~$60–$500 (CGC 9.8, variant-dependent) | Best for: Star Wars fans and variant collectors.
Marvel's 2015 Star Wars #1 marked the franchise's return to the publisher and shipped with a famous wave of variant covers — over 70 in total. The standard CGC 9.8 is affordable, while sought-after movie and store variants command $500 and up. The book's significance as the relaunch issue plus the enormous variant ecosystem make it a deep collecting target.
It's a fun, accessible 2010s key with a high ceiling for rare covers.
Pros:
- The relaunch issue of a global franchise.
- Enormous variant ecosystem to chase.
- Affordable standard 9.8 entry point.
- Rare variants reach $500-plus.
Cons:
- The standard cover was printed in huge numbers.
- Variant chaos makes valuation cover-specific.
Verdict: A franchise relaunch key — cheap in standard, with real upside in scarce variants.
6. The Walking Dead #100 (2012)
Era/Set: 2012, Image — milestone issue | Typical price: ~$50–$300 (CGC 9.8, cover-dependent) | Best for: Walking Dead and horror collectors.
The Walking Dead #100 is the milestone issue that introduced Negan, one of the franchise's most pivotal villains, and it shipped with 20 variant covers on an order of 379,000 copies. The first-print regular and key variants (Ottley, chromium) command varying premiums, with top covers in CGC 9.8 reaching the low hundreds.
As the most consequential issue of the decade's biggest indie franchise, it has durable demand from the show's massive fanbase.
Pros:
- Milestone issue and first full Negan story.
- Twenty variants create deep collecting options.
- Massive franchise fanbase sustains demand.
- Key variants reach the low hundreds in 9.8.
Cons:
- The 379,000-copy print run caps scarcity.
- Value swings widely by specific cover.
Verdict: The decade's biggest indie milestone — target a key variant for the most upside.
7. Suicide Squad #1 (2011 New 52) 💎 BEST VALUE
Era/Set: 2011, DC New 52 | Typical price: ~$60 (CGC 9.8) | Best for: budget collectors who want a movie-relevant key cheap.
The New 52 Suicide Squad #1 features the modern Harley Quinn redesign that carried into the films, and CGC 9.8 copies sell for around $60 — exceptional value for a movie-relevant book. With 88-plus copies already in the 9.8 census, supply is ample and prices are soft, which is exactly what makes it the value play: a recognizable, film-connected key for the price of a few new comics.
For collectors building a 2010s shelf affordably, it's the smart entry.
Pros:
- A movie-relevant DC key for around $60.
- Features the modern Harley Quinn redesign.
- Ample 9.8 supply keeps it easy to buy.
- Great entry point for new collectors.
Cons:
- Large census means limited appreciation upside.
- Softening prices reflect oversupply.
Verdict: The best value on the list — a film-connected key in 9.8 for the price of lunch.
8. Harley Quinn #1 (2013)
Era/Set: 2013, DC — first solo ongoing | Typical price: ~$50–$150 (CGC 9.8, variant-dependent) | Best for: Harley Quinn collectors and variant chasers.
Harley's 2013 solo ongoing #1 launched her into A-list status and spawned a flood of collectible variants. Standard CGC 9.8 copies are affordable, while convention and store variants climb higher. Harley's continued film and animated prominence keeps her books in demand, and #1 is a natural cornerstone for character collectors.
Note that her true first appearance is the 1992–94 animated-tie-in books — this is her solo launch, not her debut.
Pros:
- Launch of Harley's first solo ongoing series.
- Deep variant pool for collectors to chase.
- Ongoing film/animation prominence sustains demand.
- Affordable standard 9.8 entry.
Cons:
- Not Harley's first appearance — a solo launch.
- Standard cover printed in large numbers.
Verdict: A character-collector staple — fun to chase by variant, but not her debut book.
9. Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 (2016)
Era/Set: 2016, DC — Rebirth one-shot | Typical price: ~$20–$80 (CGC 9.8) | Best for: Wonder Woman fans and Rebirth-era collectors.
The 2016 Rebirth one-shot relaunched Wonder Woman alongside her film debut and the broader DC Rebirth initiative. As a recent, mass-printed book, raw copies are inexpensive and CGC 9.8 copies are modest, making it an accessible piece tied to a major character's resurgence.
It's more a completist and character-collector pickup than a speculative play, valued for its role in the Rebirth era rather than first-appearance scarcity.
Pros:
- Relaunch tied to Wonder Woman's film era.
- Affordable, accessible 9.8 copies.
- Part of the significant DC Rebirth initiative.
- Strong character-collector appeal.
Cons:
- Low raw value due to a large print run.
- Not a first-appearance or scarcity key.
Verdict: A character-collector and completist pickup — cheap, recognizable, era-defining.
10. Batman #1 (2011 New 52)
Era/Set: 2011, DC New 52 — Snyder/Capullo | Typical price: ~$60–$200 (CGC 9.8, printing-dependent) | Best for: Batman collectors and modern-run buyers.
The Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo Batman #1 launched the acclaimed New 52 run and introduced the Court of Owls storyline. First-print CGC 9.8 copies command a premium over later printings, and the run's critical reputation gives it staying power. As one of the most respected modern Batman launches, it's a cornerstone for collectors of the era — valued for creative pedigree and the Court of Owls debut rather than a single-character first appearance.
Pros:
- Launch of the acclaimed Snyder/Capullo run.
- Introduces the Court of Owls storyline.
- First-print 9.8 carries a clear premium.
- Strong critical reputation underpins demand.
Cons:
- Multiple printings dilute the first-print market.
- Value hinges on confirming the first printing.
Verdict: A modern Batman cornerstone — buy the first print for the Court of Owls debut.
Which One Is Right for You?
What to Look For
- Confirm the first printing: modern keys are reprinted constantly. Check the indicia print line and cover details — a Ms. Marvel #1 second print is worth a fraction of the first.
- Know the variant, not just the issue: with Ultimate Fallout #4, Edge of Spider-Verse #2, and Walking Dead #100, the specific cover/variant determines whether a book is worth $60 or $5,000.
- Buy graded for keys: for the top first-appearance books, a CGC or CBCS 9.8 protects against pressing, restoration, and grade disputes. Raw copies are fine for cheaper completist picks.
- Watch the census: large 9.8 populations (Ultimate Fallout regular, Ms. Marvel #1) keep prices liquid but cap upside. Scarce variants and low censuses drive appreciation.
- Separate media spikes from staying power: books tied to characters with ongoing film/TV roles (Miles, Spider-Gwen, Kamala) hold better than one-movie speculation.
What matters less than the hype: signed "yellow label" signature-series slabs and exclusive convention variants with no track record. For 2010s comics, genuine first appearances in clean high grade are what hold value.
FAQ
Which 2010s comic is the best investment? Ultimate Fallout #4, the first Miles Morales, is the safest modern blue-chip. The regular 9.8 stays liquid around $300, and the 1:25 variant is a genuine four-figure book with continued Spider-Verse momentum.
Why are first printings so important? Modern keys are reprinted heavily, and only the first print carries full value. A first-print Ms. Marvel #1 or Saga #1 can be worth many times a later printing of the same issue.
Should I grade my 2010s comics? Grade the keys (first appearances in high grade) with CGC or CBCS — it authenticates the book and the grade. For cheaper completist picks like Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1, raw copies are fine.
Are movie and TV adaptations driving these prices? Heavily. Disney+ and MCU appearances boosted Kamala Khan and Spider-Gwen books, while the Spider-Verse films sustain Miles Morales demand. But adaptation-driven spikes can fade, so favor characters with ongoing roles.
What's the cheapest worthwhile 2010s key to start with? Suicide Squad #1 (2011) at around $60 in CGC 9.8. It's movie-relevant, recognizable, and easy to find, making it the ideal entry point.
How do I avoid overpaying on variants? Use GoCollect and eBay sold comps for the exact cover and printing, not the issue in general. The same issue number can range from $50 to thousands depending on the specific variant.
Bottom Line
Ultimate Fallout #4 is the Best Overall 2010s comic to collect — the first Miles Morales, with regular CGC 9.8 copies around $305–$420 and the 1:25 variant clearing $5,000. For value buyers, Suicide Squad #1 (2011 New 52) is the 💎 Best Value, a movie-relevant key selling for about $60 in CGC 9.8.
Between the Spider-Verse keys (Edge of Spider-Verse #2), the media-driven debuts (Ms. Marvel #1), and the indie and franchise milestones (Saga #1, Walking Dead #100, Batman #1), this list spans every budget from $20 raw to four figures.
Sources
- GoCollect — Ultimate Fallout #4 Value
- GoCollect — Edge of Spider-Verse #2 Value
- PriceCharting — Saga #1 (2012)
- PriceCharting — Suicide Squad #1 (2011)
- GoCollect — Walking Dead Series Values
- GoCollect — Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 Value
- PriceCharting — Star Wars #1 (2015)
*2010s comic books review — 2010s comic books reviews, ratings, best 2010s comic book keys to collect 2027, and a review of the top first-appearance picks for collectors of Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, and Kamala Khan.*