FYI:
Silver Age comics are from about 1956 - 1970. Bronze Age is about 1970 - 1985. The boundary is approximately when the cover price changed from 12 cents to 15 cents, (ie: all 12 cent comics are Silver Age).
Many of the better comic book artists were active during the Bronze Age. In many cases, who drew the book is a bigger factor in determining the value than the popularity of the lead character or a low issue number.
Bronze Age 'hero' comics from the 1970's are considerably more valuable than anything from about 1981 or later, (except certain key issues). The early 80's was when sales/ distribution shifted from news stands to specialty comic book stores, and it's mainly the 1980's and 1990's collectors who bought comics solely for investment purposes, often 'bagging and boarding' new comics without reading them. When thousands of copies exist in Near Mint or better condition, there is little appreciation; everyone who wants the book already has it.
Only a small percentage of comics published after 1990 are worth even the cover price today, mostly because 'key issues' had enormous print runs.
When comics were sold on news stands, unsold copies were shredded, so the potential pool for future collectors was limited to sold copies. When comics were primarily sold in specialty shops, the print run was 100% based on the number of copies ordered by stores. News stands generally received about 20% discount on the cover price, and all unsold magazines were returnable for credit. Comic book stores received 40% - 50% discount, on a non-returnable basis. The valuable comics after the mid 1980's are usually the ones where stores underestimated the popularity of a title, so the demand exceeded supply.
There can be a huge difference between the selling price of 1990's and later comics, and their value for someone who wants to sell. A store puts one copy on the wall, with a high price sticker. If the book sells, they just get another copy from the stock room to fill the spot.
