Comic books are one of the world’s biggest industries for collectables that people buy as a collector or investor. Sometimes, certain issues can fetch well over six figures. The Walking Dead certainly has many incredible issues and is one of the biggest series out there, but are they still worth buying after all this time?
There is a lot to be subjective about when it comes to comics. After all, some collectors simply collect random issues from different series, depending on their preference for cover art. This can work in favor of the buyer sometimes, as it may be a rare issue that holds more value.
The Walking Dead was first published on October 8, 2003. At the time, author Robert Kirkman probably did not know just how big this story would become. Not only in physical media with Skybound, but also in digital. And after a massive 193 issues that ended in July 2019, is there still a market for these comics after all this time, and how flooded is the comic market now?
The Walking Dead comic book values
Let’s start by establishing that even if the monetary value of a comic is low, it might be a priceless item to the person who owns it. So there will always be a value there. The first print of issue #1 from 2003 features the first appearance of Rick and Shane. This is the most expensive issue and can fetch between approximately $1,500 and $4,000. This will fluctuate depending on certain factors such as condition, grading, grading number, and geographical restrictions.
Another issue with a fairly decent price tag is The Walking Dead #19, which is the first appearance of Michonne. Issue #19 may set you back approx $100 to $300, depending on factors. The cover art on this one is very iconic, showing Michonne standing with her two pet walkers, which became a very well-known freeze frame from the show. Imagine if Daryl existed in the comic universe and his first appearance issue was available—that would be another hefty price tag!
Not everything always goes to plan, either. In 2007, Image published issue #35, which had a print error that caused the story to become fragmented into a different order. These were pulled, and many were never sold, making the error issue grow in value. This issue is approx $50 to $500, depending on condition; however, a graded copy sold for over $2,000, which ranks this one highly on the value scale.
Another honorable mention is the 100th issue anniversary, which had many variant covers of differing rarity. Some of these can go up to approximately $300. If covers get signed by the cast, Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, or Charlie Adlard, then this can also increase the rarity and cost.
One thing that I love about TWD comics is the constant refreshment brought to the franchise. In October 2020, Dave McCaig took up the challenge to color a re-release of the whole franchise. As the original issues were in black and white, The Walking Dead Deluxe brings a new burst of color to the pages and story.
These issues are still on the newer side, and the value may increase over time; it is something to keep an eye on. There were also some one-shot special stories featuring Negan, Michonne, video game character Clementine, and Rick Grimes’ brother Jeff, to name a few. Some of these issues are harder to obtain and are definitely worth a grab if you see them.
If comics aren’t your thing or you simply don’t have anywhere to store 193 comics, then the four compendiums are a great addition to any collection and are a convenient way to read the series at a lower price. These are even available as e-books. Those compendia do hold some weight!
My favourite issue of TWD is #53, the first appearance of my favourite, Eugene Porter. This isn’t the rarest or most sought-after issue, but to me it is! These comics are still so current and worth collecting: so collect what you love, read the issues you want to be immersed in, admire the art created by some fantastically talented artists, and do check in on the values from time to time, as you never know if you will hold a grail!
Keep your eyes peeled for the continuation of The Walking Dead Deluxe in your local comic book stores!