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cream/off-white pages; (Q) 4th page missing
1st appearance of the Avengers w/ origin; Loki app.; Jack Kirby cover/art; COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 9 (CBI)


Avengers #1 debuted in September 1963, with (naturally) the first appearance of the Avengers as composed of the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Ant-Man, and Wasp. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby had been inspired by the success of DC's Justice League of America and Marvel's own Fantastic Four. Original readers were delighted to learn the story of how these heroes joined forces to become Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Those same fans stayed around as the Hulk departed, Ant-Man became Giant Man, and a revived Captain America joined the ranks. (Of course, Marvel executives also hoped that fans of one hero would be inspired to check out books featuring fellow Avengers.)

The Avengers was always a popular title, with the first issue considered a top collectible. The series would still grow into something much bigger as the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced beloved characters under the Avengers banner. The first film was a huge success, following the Avengers #1 template of our heroes taking on Loki. That would culminate with the Avengers and others joining forces against Thanos for 2019's Avengers: Endgame, which remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

Today, the MCU continues to be built around the Avengers franchise. Marvel Studios' production slate includes Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars. The enduring popularity of the films continues to revive investors' interest in the original Silver Age series and affiliated titles. With no plans to end the MCU any time soon, copies of The Avengers seem set to remain a sharp investment.
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