Want to know which are the best selling comic books of all time? Although initially a form of entertainment for children and teenagers, comic books have proved themselves to be universal in every sense of the word. In fact, some characters are so exceptional that we cannot let them go, even after years of endless adventures.
Comic books, magazines, papers, leaflets, graphic novels, blogs, books…If you are a reading junkie just as much as we are, you shouldn’t miss our list on the Best Selling Books of All Time.
Are you curious about the best selling comic books of all time? Let’s take a look at the countdown.
9. The Phantom
With over 150 million copies sold, The Phantom is one of the most successful comic book series in the world. In 1936, this Lee Falk creation first appeared as a daily comic strip. Among some of the publishers that continue to publish new The Phantom stories around the world we could mention Egmont, Frew Publications, and Dynamite Entertainment.
8. Dragon Ball
Although probably for us westerners Dragon Ball is a Cartoon Network TV show from the nineties, this Japanese manga series by Akira Toriyama first appeared in 1984 in Asia. Goku’s adventures sold approximately 200 million copies around the world, even after the end of its run in 1995, and especially after the success of the cartoon adaptation.
7. The Adventures of Tintin
Tintin is probably one of the most popular comic book characters of the previous century and certainly one of the most memorable ones. Created by the Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi –who wrote under the pen name Hergé- The Adventures of Tintin were published in various formats including a strip in comics anthologies, a magazine, and several graphic novels. All in all, this European hero and his faithful dog, Milou, sold over 200 million copies.
6. Captain America
With over 210 million sales, Captain America is one of the best selling comic books of all time. The all-American hero first appeared in 1941, some time before the United States entered World War II, and its first issue sold over a million copies. This is not so shocking, especially if you consider the fact that in that first cover Captain America is depicted punching Hitler in the jaw. Since then, the Marvel hero has proved to be immensely popular, with features in films and television even.
5. X-Men
Nowadays, practically everyone knows who this team of American superheroes is, especially after the mutants’ appearance in countless films, cartoons, video games, and books. With over 270 million sales, Stan Lee’s X-Men is one of the most popular comic book series in history. These humans with superhuman abilities have been around since 1963 and they will continue to enthrall us for years to come.
4. One Piece
Yet another Asian creation, One Piece has sold over 345 million copies, making it one of the best selling comic books of all time. This Japanese manga, which is written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, first appeared in 1997 and it is still being published, so luckily, we have many more Monkey D. Luffy adventures to look forward to.
3. Spider-Man
It isn’t hard to believe that Spider-Man has sold over 360 million copies since its first appearance in the early sixties, especially when he’s one of the best-known superheroes of all times. The incomparable Marvel character, created by the legendary Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, continues to enchant us today in every possible media outlet, including a Broadway musical.
2. Batman
Before the movie, television, and video game adaptations, Batman was a superhero who starred in an eponymous comic book series, and a very successful one indeed. Published by DC Comics since 1939, Bruce Wayne’s life has captivated millions of children and adults around the world. In fact, Batman has had over 460 million sales so far.
1. Superman
With over 600 million copies sold since it first appeared in 1938, Superman is undisputedly the best selling comic book of all time. The Man of Steel is probably the most beloved superhero of all times, for who wouldn’t love a strong, fast, intelligent, and handsome alien on Earth?
