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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. The idea paid off with young fans who kept reading as the Hulk departed, Ant-Man became Giant Man, and a revived Captain America joined the team. (Of course, Marvel executives also hoped that fans of one hero would be inspired to look into 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, with both films making headlines after Robert Downey Jr. joined the cast as Dr. Doom. The enduring popularity of the series continues to revive investors' interest in the original Silver Age comics. 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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