Comic Books: X-Men Back Issues
June 23, 2008 – 11:58 amThe X-Men comic book series is one of the most popular of all time, and the feature films have helped strengthen peoples interest. Back issues of the X-Men have dramatically grown in value and X-Men #1 now commands a price of over $5,000. Very few comic books ever achieve that level of demand, or enjoy X-Mens longevity, but it has managed to stay popular and flourish over its 30 year history.
The History of the X-Men
The X-Men were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1960s, and flourished for a number of years, although the series was nearly canceled in the mid-1970s. The original X-Men were Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast, and Iceman. As the series developed, however, newer X-Men showed up throughout the course of the series, and even some villains joined the cause of good either temporarily or permanently. Back issues from the early period of the X-Men are easily the most expensive, not only because of their age, but because of the involvement of Stan Lee, who is considered by many to be the father of modern comics.
It was Len Wein and David Cockrum who reinvigorated the series with new characters and new enemies. Wolverine, Storm, and Nightcrawler continue to see success as members of the team. Magneto has long been the primary archenemy of the X-Men, and his electromagnetic antics continue to hamper the efforts of Dr. Xavier and his team of mutant heroes. These back issues, starting with Giant Size X-Men are very valuable, and start the series on its modern course.
Back issues of the X-Men can get very expensive for collectors. The first issue is the most prized of all, but even collecting comics a few years old can be a pricy prospect. Nevertheless, there are stores on the Internet that specialize in selling back issues of the X-Men and many other comic books. Using the Internet is one of the best ways to find some of the rarer comics since stores in your area are unlikely to carry the issues you want. Searching online vendors is the most efficient way to complete your collection.
