D.C. Comics created the prototype for the super hero in 1938, in Action Comics #1. For just ten cents, readers learned about the red-caped wonder from outer space who possessed super human strength and speed, but passed as the unassuming human Clark Kent when he wasn't fighting evil. Over the decades Superman thrilled television and movie audiences, but this first comic book demonstrated its ultimate value by selling for one million dollars in 2010 -- the first comic book in history to fetch such a price.
Known then as Timely Comics, D.C.'s rival released one of its earliest super hero comic books in 1939 with Marvel Comics #1, starring the Human Torch. Unlike the other character that would populate the Marvel Universe later as part of the Fantastic Four, the first Human Torch was an android named Jim Hammond. He burst into flames whenever exposed to oxygen, but went from wreaking havoc on New York City to becoming a cop to understand right from wrong. A copy of the introductory comic with this character in near mint condition can fetch upwards of $330,000 in 2011.
Also released in 1939 was Detective Comics #27, which first introduced the world to Batman. After witnessing the murder of his parents, young Bruce Wayne vowed to fight crime as the dark avenger Batman. Though Bruce nor his alter ego possess supernatural power, his training, skill and litany of accessories help him fight evil in Gotham City. As of 2011, this introductory copy to one of D.C.'s signature super heroes is also worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in near mint condition.
Ryan Reynolds plays the role of the Green Lantern in the 2011 movie, but the super hero himself dates all the way back to 1940, with the release of All American Comics #16. This predated the character of Hal Jordan, the modern alter ego of The Green Lantern, when Alan Scott was the first to wear the Green Lantern's ring. As of 2011, this rare comic book is worth low six figures in mint condition.