Brent Moeshlin
Captain America has been a mainstay in superhero comics since way back in 1941, so there were a vast number of issues to choose from for our list of the best Captain America comics.
We’ve chosen a perfect mix of old and new comics to give you a range of storylines and eras to enjoy, whether you’d like to add some new books to your collection or you’re just looking to spend an afternoon getting lost in the Marvel Universe.
Even if you’re new to comic books, you might still recognise some of these stories from the Marvel movies, so let’s jump in!
1. Captain America: Man Out of Time - Issue #3
Key Comic Facts
Issue #3 of Captain America: Man Out of Time Vol. 1 was released in January 2011, with a cover date of March 2011. It was written by Mark Waid, with pencil by Jorge Molina and inks by Karl Kesel and Scott Hanna. It was edited by Tom Brevoort. This issue features Captain America in the 21st century, instead of portraying him close to 1945.
What’s the story?
The story follows Captain America as he struggles with the nostalgia of 1945. He’s in the 21st century now and he has little encounters with other superheroes such as Reed Richards, Iron Man, and Thor, amongst others, but wishes he could find someone who knew him in his own time.
What’s it worth?
Since the comic was only released just over 10 years ago, there isn’t any auction data regarding this issue just yet.
2. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #250
Key Comic Facts
Issue #250 of Captain America Vol. 1 is called “Cap for President!”. It was released in October 1980. It was written by Roger Stern, Don Perlin, Roger McKenzie and Jim Shooter; with pencils by John Byrne and Ed Hannigan; and inks by Josef Rubinstein. It was edited by Jim Salicrup and Bob Budiansky.
This issue marks the first appearance of the terrorist group “The M.L.A” in the comics. A follow-up story on "What If Captain America Became President” was featured in What If Vol. 1, issue #26.
What’s the story?
Captain America stops terrorists from blowing up the New Populist Party's convention and meets Sam Underwood, the convention's chairman. After Cap’s intervention, Sam tells him he should run for president, which Captain America declines first, but then accepts to think about it.
At the Avengers Mansion, Jarvis tells Cap that both the Republican and Democratic parties want him to represent them. Iron Man warns Cap of the consequences of that action. The Wasp, on the other hand, says he's a candidate the public could trust. And Vision’s opinion is that Cap is unqualified. Steve considers his position and finally calls a press conference to decline the candidacy.
What’s it worth?
There are four 9.8 copies of Captain America #250 that have been sold at auction, with prices ranging from $78 to $325. A mid range copy with a 6.0 rating had a May 2015 price of $30. And a 4.0 copy was sold for only $9 in April 2018. Each copy has only been sold once.
3. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #310
Key Comic Facts
Issue #310 of Captain America Vol. 1 is called “Serpents of the World Unite!”. It was released in October 1985. It was written by Mark Gruenwald; with pencils by Paul Neary; and inks by Dennis Janke. It was edited by Michael Carlin. This issue marks the first appearance of the criminal organization Serpent Society. Rattler, one of their members, is also featured in this issue for the first time.
What’s the story?
The Serpent Society is created after Sidewinder invites villains with serpent-like powers to join him. But Constrictor would rather work alone, so on the first Serpent Society mission, he calls the Avengers to stop the criminal group.
Captain America follows the anonymous tip and stops Anaconda, Rattler and Cobra from stealing equipment from the Brand corporation. Anaconda is defeated by Captain America but is retrieved later by Sidewinder, and the Serpent Society escapes.
What’s it worth?
Only mid to high rating copies of Captain America #310 have been sold at auction: the highest quality one being a 9.8 book, sold for $10 in July 2019. In 2020, that same book was valued at $40. The book with lowest quality ever auctioned is a 6.0 copy, sold for $29 in June 2021.
4. Captain America Vol. 3 - Issue #19
Key Comic Facts
Issue #19 of Captain America Vol. 3 is called “Triumph of the Will”. It was released in May 1999, with a cover date of July 1999. It was written by Mark Waid; with pencils by Andy Kubert; and inks by Jesse Delperdang. It was edited by Matt Idelson and Bobbie Chase.
This issue features the apparent death of Korvac.
What’s the story?
The story follows Captain America and Sharon Carter (also known as Agent 13 and Peggy Carter’s niece) as they try to stop Red Skull. At one point, the villain possesses Sharon, but Captain America manages to save her and defeat his foe.
What’s it worth?
Only one copy of Captain America #19 has been auctioned since the issue was released over 20 years ago. It’s a 9.8 copy, sold for $10 in January 2010, which was the only time it was sold.
5. Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 1 - Issue #10
Key Comic Facts
Issue #10 of Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 1 was released in June 2016, with a cover date of August 2016. It was written by Nick Spencer; with pencil and ink by Ángel Unzueta, and color by Cris Peter. It was edited by Tom Brevoort and Alanna Smith. This comic series was very important because it featured the first black Captain America.
What’s the story?
The story follows the funeral of War Machine (James Rhoades), at which Sam has to give a speech on Rhodey’s career, very similar to his own (stepping into a white man’s shadow rather than being a spotlight unto himself).
What’s it worth?
There are no recorded sales of Captain America: Sam Wilson #10, probably due to the fact that it was only released about six years ago.
6. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #153
Key Comic Facts
Issue #153 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in June 1972, with a cover date of September 1972. It was written by Steve Englehart; with pencil by Sal Buscema and ink by Jim Mooney. It was edited by Roy Thomas. For the first time in comic history, two different Captain Americas from two different timelines are featured in one issue.
What’s the story?
Cap and Nick get distanced when Fury is feeling his age and he thinks Cap has made a play for Val. Sharon Carter quits SHIELD and goes on a vacation with Steve Rogers.
Meanwhile Falcon patrols the streets when he finds Captain America bullying men based on their skin color. Eventually, it is revealed that there’s another Captain America and another Bucky.
What’s it worth?
Only high rating copies of Captain America #153 have been sold at auction, with the highest rating being a 9.8, sold for $410 in August 2010. Only a few months before, that book was valued at $250. The lowest quality book sold at auction is a 7.0, sold in March 2022 for $64, decreasing its $123 value from 2021.
7. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #272
Key Comic Facts
Issue #272 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in August 1982. It was written by J.M. DeMatteis; with pencil by Mike Zeck and ink by John Beatty. It was edited by Jim Salicrup. This issue features the villain Vermin for the first time in the comics.
What’s the story?
One night, a bystander alerts Captain America to a taxi driver with a slashed throat. Cap gets medical attention for him and goes to Harlem Community Hospital where Sam and his family are waiting for Sam’s nephew, Jim, to exit surgery, after getting wounded trying to stop a robbery.
A man attacks Cap, sending an army of rats to get him. The attacker identifies himself as Vermin, and announces his master wants Captain America dead. Cap beats Vermin unconscious following a particularly savage battle. The next day, after hearing that Jim will recover, Sam announces he will run for a Congress position.
What’s it worth?
The top price for a copy of Captain America #272 is $258 for a 9.8 copy, sold in November 2021. That’s an increase from its $175 value from a few months before. The lowest price ever recorded for this issue’s sale is $11 for a 5.0 book, sold in March 2020 for the first and only time.
8. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #334
Key Comic Facts
Issue #334 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in October 1987. It was written by Mark Gruenwald; with pencil by Tom Morgan and ink by Dave Hunt. It was edited by Don Daley. Following the story from issue #333, issue #334 features the first story with John Walker as Captain America.
What’s the story?
The story follows John Walker, as he continues his training to become the new Captain America. At some point in his training, he’s having problems mastering the shield throw. The government brings in the Taskmaster as a tutor. Ethan Thurm threatens to sell the identity of the new Cap to a tabloid, so John and Lemar (the new Bucky) steal Guardsmen uniforms to scare Thurm into silence.
What’s it worth?
Only copies ranging from 5.0 to 9.8 of Captain America #334 have been sold at auction. The highest price belongs to a 9.8 book, sold in January 2022 for $191. The lowest price is for a 5.5 copy, sold at $20 in March 2022. Both copies were only sold once.
9. Captain America Vol. 5 - Issue #14
Key Comic Facts
Issue #14 of Captain America Vol. 5 was released in February 2006, with a cover date of April 2006. It was written by Ed Brubaker; with pencil and ink by Steve Epting and color by Frank D'Armata. It was edited by Tom Brevoort. This issue features the final part of the Winter Soldier story arc.
What’s the story?
Falcon and the Captain go on a final mission to get the cube, but Winter Soldier shows up and fights Cap. Steve tries to reason with Bucky, who ignores what he’s saying. Steve then picks up the cube and asks Bucky to remember who he really is, and at that point, Bucky remembers all the things he's done as the Winter Soldier, and takes the cube to shatter it with his hands.
Everyone believes Bucky is dead, but Cap holds hope. As the issue ends we find Bucky at the military camp where he first met Steve. Also we find Lukin speaking with Red Skull about how they are cursed to be stuck together, where Skull responds: "Yes...For now...".
What’s it worth?
A 9.8 copy of Captain America #14 holds the highest price for this issue at an auction sale, with a value of $180 as of April 2022. It was valued at just $76 in 2021. The lowest quality book sold at auction is an 8.0 graded copy, sold for $21 in May 2017, increasing its $11 value from 2013.
10. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #113
Key Comic Facts
Issue #113 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in February 1969, with a cover date of May 1969. It was written and penciled by Jim Steranko; with ink by Tom Palmer. It was edited by Stan Lee. This 3-issue story arc (from #111 to #113) features the first time a superhero “died” in his own comic.
What’s the story?
Madame Hydra is burning Captain America’s HYDRA file after the news reports him dead. She then thinks back on her past and the means she used to become Supreme Hydra.
The Avengers, together with Nick Fury, Sharon Carter and several SHIELD men, hold a wake for Steve Rogers, but are attacked by HYDRA agents. Out of nowhere, Cap appears on a motorcycle, to the surprise of everyone present.
A battle follows, but ends when a set of "Hunter Missiles" miss their target and take out Madame Hydra. Cap reveals he faked his own death in order to create the idea that he was never Steve Rogers and keep his identity a secret.
What’s it worth?
The highest price paid for a copy of Captain America #113 is $2,401, for a 9.8 copy sold in April 2021. That same book was valued at $1,600 in 2020. A 6.0 copy sold in September 2021 for $129, increasing its value from a few months before, when it was sold for $76. And a 3.5 book sold in April 2021 for $48, an increase from its 2018 price of $31.
11. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #332
Key Comic Facts
Issue #334 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in August 1987. It was written by Mark Gruenwald; with pencil by Tom Morgan and ink by Bob McLeod. It was edited by Don Daley. This issue features Steve Rogers giving up his shield. John Walker takes up the Captain America mantle in the following issues.
What’s the story?
Captain America has been summoned to the Pentagon, where they demand that Cap becomes an official entity of the U.S. Government. Captain America reflects on whether or not he should accept. At the end, he turns over his uniform and shield to the Government, resigning the title of Captain America, and he walks away.
What’s it worth?
In February 2022, a 9.8 copy of Captain America #332 was sold at auction for $265, being the highest value for this issue. The same book was valued at $112 in 2021. An 8.0 copy had a $46 value when it was sold in January 2022, increasing its value of $20 from 2020. And the lowest price for this issue belongs to a 6.5 book, valued at $9 in July 2017.
12. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #176
Key Comic Facts
Issue #176 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in May 1974, with a cover date of August 1974. It was written by Steve Englehart; with pencil by Sal Buscema and ink by Vince Colletta. It was edited by Roy Thomas. This issue features several superheroes, including Thor, Iron Man and Vision, besides Captain America and The Falcon, of course.
What’s the story?
The story follows Captain America as he abandons his identity to become The Nomad. He wants to detach himself from the U.S. Government, which has been corrupted by members of HYDRA. He assumes this new identity and changes his outfit, ready to take a stand against the government.
What’s it worth?
The top price for a copy of Captain America #176 is $156, paid in October 2018 for a 9.8 copy. The same book was valued at $83 in 2016. A 6.0 copy had a December 2016 price of $17; and a 3.5 book was sold for $25 in January 2016. Both of these last two copies have only been sold once.
13. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #109
Key Comic Facts
Issue #109 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in October 1968, with a cover date of January 1969. It was written and edited by Stan Lee, with pencils by Jack Kirby and ink by Syd Shores.
This issue features the origin of Captain America, a story that was later adapted to feature on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What’s the story?
Steve Rogers and Nick Fury talk about Steve’s past and how he became Captain America: how he didn’t have the proper physical condition to get accepted into the U.S. Army, and how he was selected by a Colonel to be the subject in an experiment. He met Dr. Reinstein, the scientist who created the Super-Serum, and got injected with the Vita Rays, becoming the first American super-soldier, Captain America.
He finishes telling Fury about Bucky and how they developed a friendship until his death. Steve thanks Nick for listening to him and Fury tells him to go out into the world and enjoy life.
What’s it worth?
The highest quality book ever sold of Captain America #109 is a 9.8 copy from Boston Pedigree, valued at $4,000 as of June 2021. In 2020, it was valued at $2,200. Another book, rated 5.5, had an April 2022 value of $176, after slightly increasing its $160 value from 2021. And a 2.0 book was sold in February 2022 for $95, being the only time it changed hands.
14. Captain America Vol. 5 - Issue #25
Key Comic Facts
Issue #25 of Captain America Vol. 5 was released in April 2007. It was written by Ed Brubaker; with pencil and ink by Steve Epting and color by Frank D'Armata. It was edited by Tom Brevoort. This is the first issue after the “Civil War” arc, and it launches the “Death of a Dream” story arc, after Captain America dies in the pages.
What’s the story?
Steve Rogers is about to be held on trial after the events from Civil War. When he gets to the courthouse, Bucky starts yelling at the crowd, asking them to remember all the things Steve has done for them and his country.
Steve is walking up the steps and notices a sniper rifle on a roof, which shoots him in the neck. Three more shots hit him and Bucky goes to find the shooter. He’s rushed to the hospital but the News reveals he was proclaimed dead on arrival.
What’s it worth?
Only top-rated copies of Captain America #25 have been sold at auction, with the highest of them all being a 9.8 book, valued at $112 as of May 2014. This is the only time it changed hands. The lowest price belongs to a 9.2 copy, sold for $9 in February 2011. Its price has decreased significantly since 2007, when it was valued at $57.
15. Captain America Vol. 7 - Issue #1
Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Captain America Vol. 7 was released in November 2012, with a cover date of January 2013. It was written by Rick Remender; with pencils by John Romita Jr., ink by Klaus Janson and color by Dean White. It was edited by Tom Brevoort.
This is the first issue of the Volume 7 of the series, which launches the “Castaway in Dimension Z” story arc.
What’s the story?
Captain America stops Green Skull from bombing the population. Afterwards, he meets Sharon Carter and it is revealed that Steve is 90 years old.
He has a mission to investigate a suspicious car, which takes him to Dr. Arnim Zola in a strange dimension. The doctor tries to extract some of Cap’s blood but he escapes, taking Zola’s baby boy with him.
Captain America tries to escape Z Dimension on a jet, but the jet is shot down by enemy forces. Escaping the wreckage, Captain America decides to protect Zola's son and find another way to escape.
What’s it worth?
There are only top-rated copies of Captain America #1 being auctioned, due to the fact that the issue was released less than 10 years ago.
The top price for this issue is $130 for a 9.8 copy, sold in March 2021 an increase from its $61 value from 2013. The lowest price belongs to a 9.0 graded book, sold for $10 in August 2013.
16. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #193
Key Comic Facts
Issue #193 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in October 1975, with a cover date of January 1976. It was written, penciled and edited by Jack Kirby, with ink by Frank Giacoia and color by Janice Cohen. This issue features the return of Jack Kirby as the main writer for the comics.
What’s the story?
At Leila Taylor's apartment, Cap and Falcon are overcome with hate. They initially fight but come to their senses. While Falcon restrains a maddened Leila, Cap finds a small device between two buildings. He again succumbs to the madness but manages to destroy the device with his shield.
Soon after, a S.H.I.E.L.D agent takes them to "Madbomb Control," a secret government base, leading them to the "Panic Course," a lethal obstacle course. Successfully emerging, the heroes meet "Henny," the Secretary of State, who tells them there are more madbombs still not under control.
What’s it worth?
A 9.8 copy of Captain America #193 was sold in March 2022 for $570, being the highest rated copy with the highest price for this issue. In 2021, the same book was valued at $426. A 6.5 book was sold only once in January 2022 for $68; and a 4.0 copy had a price of $45 when it was sold in November 2021, more than doubling its $20 value from 2009.
17. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #444
Key Comic Facts
Issue #444 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in October 1995. It was written by Mark Waid; with pencil by Ron Garney and ink by Mike Sellers. It was edited by Ralph Macchio. Issues #444 to #448 cover the “Operation Rebirth” story arc.
What’s the story?
Two weeks after the Cap goes missing, a terrorist holds the U.S President hostage and demands that the hero shows himself. The Avengers manage to stop the terrorist, but without their leader, they come to realize they need to come clean to the public about Cap’s fate. Elsewhere in a high tech control center, a villain holds Captain America in suspended animation.
What’s it worth?
Only one 9.2 copy of Captain America #444 has been sold at auction, for a price of $31 as of October 2005. There’s only one recorded sale for the issue.
18. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #247
Key Comic Facts
Issue #247 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in April 1980, with a cover date of July 1980. It was written by Roger Stern and John Byrne, with pencils by Byrne, inks by Josef Rubinstein and color by George Roussos. It was edited by Jim Salicrup. This issue features the villain Baron Von Strucker and his death in the comics. The issues #247 to #255 cover the “War and Remembrance” story arc.
What’s the story?
Nick Fury is interrogating Baron Von Strucker, but the villain manages to escape, leaving Nick unconscious.
Cap and Dugan are at an abandoned storage facility where Dugan presents Cap with a container holding Steve’s possessions from the war, including his old journal and his first shield. The journal reveals that his memories before the Army were actually false, implanted by the Army so that Cap wouldn't reveal anything to the Nazis in the event of his capture.
Cap's real memories start to come back but Strucker crashes into the storage facility, driving Fury's flying car. After a battle with Dugan and Cap, Fury rolls out of the car, which has crashed. Fury throws Cap's current shield to him which Cap uses to defeat Strucker, and it’s revealed that Strucker was an android.
What’s it worth?
Only top quality copies of Captain America #247 have been auctioned, with the highest quality book being a 9.8, sold for $103 in February 2021. The lowest quality book ever auctioned is a 9.2, sold for $43 in January 2022. Both books have only been sold once.
19. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #450
Key Comic Facts
Issue #444 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in April 1996. It was written by Mark Waid; with pencil by Ron Garney and ink by Scott Koblish. It was edited by Ralph Macchio. Issues #450 to #453 cover the “Man Without a Country” story arc.
What’s the story?
Sharon Carter is staying in Steve Rogers’ apartment, when Government agents burst in looking for Steve. Cap is brought to the Oval Office, when he is asked to take responsibility for breaking into a Government facility with Red Skull. Cap knows it’s a set up but he can’t prove it, so he accepts to be stripped out of his costume, shield and identity. Steve is sent to London, where he finds Sharon there, eager to help him clear his name.
What’s it worth?
The top rated copy of Captain America #450 is a 9.8 issue, sold for $75 in February 2022. The lowest rating belongs to a 9.4 copy, sold for $15 in January 2009.
20. Captain America Vol. 1 - Issue #300
Key Comic Facts
Issue #300 of Captain America Vol. 1 was released in December 1984. It was written by J.M. DeMatteis; with pencil by Paul Neary and ink by Dennis Janke. It was edited by Mark Gruenwald. This issue features the death of the legendary villain Red Skull.
What’s the story?
Cap is fighting Red Skull as he grieves over the death of his friend and fiancé. Even though the Skull reveals the poison which will soon kill each of them has no antidote, Cap stops himself from finishing him, angering Red Skull. He pleads with Cap to kill him, but the Nazi finally succumbs to the poison's effects and dies in Cap's arms.
Cap carries Skull's body above ground just as the poison overtakes him. As Black Crow arrives and revives Cap with his mystic abilities, Bernie, Falcon, Nomad, and Arnie escape from Skull-House. Nomad re-enters to find Cap still alive. The aged Avenger carries the Skull's corpse outside, remarking that the time has finally come to bury the past.
What’s it worth?
Only mid to high rating copies of Captain America #300 have been sold at auction, with the highest price belonging to a 9.8 copy, sold for $130 in December 2021.The same issue was valued at $74 just a few months before. The lowest quality issue ever auctioned is a 6.0 copy sold for $32 in September 2020, when it changed hands for the first and only time.
21. Avengers Vol. 1 - Issue #276
Key Comic Facts
Issue #276 of Avengers Vol. 1 was released in November 1986, with a cover date of February 1987. It was written by Roger Stern; with pencil by John Buscema and ink by Tom Palmer. It was edited by Mark Gruenwald. Even though this is an Avengers story, it’s one of the best Captain America moments from the comics.
What’s the story?
When the Masters of Evil besiege the Avengers’ mansion and catch them unaware, Cap overcomes torture to take on the team of supervillains nearly single-handedly. Given that the Masters of Evil are led by Baron Zemo, Cap is the one to lead the charge against him.
What’s it worth?
In May 2021, a 9.8 copy of Avengers #276 was sold for $80; which is a small increase from its 2015 price of $65. The lowest rating copy ever sold at auction is a 7.5 book, valued at $20 as of November 2020.
With over 70 years worth of Captain America comics to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to what we think are the best books ever made. Take your pick from our list for your next read and we promise you won’t be disappointed!
