A: Like most fictional characters, Batman and Superman haven’t aged much. But their comic books sure seem to age pretty well – at least monetarily speaking. Action Comics #1 came out in June 1938 and introduced the world to Superman. This is the comic book Holy Grail. Written and drawn by Jerome Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman was pegged “Champion of the oppressed, the physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need!”

As the last survivor of the planet Krypton, Superman could “hurdle a 20-story building ... raise tremendous weights ... run faster than an express train ... and nothing less than a bursting shell could penetrate his skin!”

Back then, he was a physical phenomenon the likes of which no one had ever seen. Today, he’d be on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad. Nevertheless, Superman proved so popular he was given his own comic book in the summer of 1939.

As for Batman, he’s a wee bit younger. Detective Comics #27 came out about a year after Action Comics #1 in May 1939 when artist Bob Kane introduced a caped superhero who was much darker, more mysterious, and more “human” than the Man of Steel.

But back to monetary value - both Action Comics #1 and Detective Comics #27 sold for 10 cents a pop when they came out. Today, the Superman goes for $350,000 and the Batman for $300,000! Kind of makes you wish your forebearers spent a little less time doing homework and a little more time hoarding comics.