Superman No. 1 Comic Fetches $9.12 Million at Auction

A copy of Superman No. 1 has sold for a staggering $9.12 million at auction, cementing its status as the most expensive comic book ever sold. This particular copy, discovered in an attic in California, was auctioned off by Heritage Auctions on March 28, 2024. The comic, published in 1939, marks the first solo title of the iconic superhero, Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The comic was found by three brothers while they were sorting through their late mother’s belongings. Initially, the comic had been tucked away beneath old newspapers in a cardboard box. According to the brothers, their mother bought the comic when she was just nine years old in San Francisco. Over the years, she often mentioned having “rare comics somewhere,” but they had never managed to locate them until now.

Despite its age, the comic is in pristine condition, achieving the highest-ever grade of 9.0 on the 10-point scale used in the comic book industry. Only seven known copies of Superman No. 1 have a grade of 6.0 or higher, making this sale particularly significant. The previous record for a comic book sale was set in 2023, when an 8.5-graded copy of Action Comics No. 1, which featured Superman’s first appearance, sold for $6 million.

A Rare Find with a Rich History

The original print run of Superman No. 1 included approximately 500,000 copies, followed by additional runs of 250,000 and 150,000. Many of these copies have been lost or damaged over the years, partly due to the comic’s inclusion of a cover invitation for children to cut it off and use it as a poster. This practice has contributed to the scarcity of intact copies today.

Vice President of Heritage Auctions, Lon Allen, described the sale as “a momentous day.” He emphasized that this copy of Superman No. 1 is not only a significant artifact in pop culture history, but it also has a captivating story behind it. “I was glad to see the price reflect that and am honored Heritage was entrusted with this iconic book,” Allen stated.

The legacy of Superman, who was first introduced in 1933, continues to resonate. Siegel and Shuster sold the rights to their creation to DC Comics for a mere $130, receiving $10 for each page illustrated. This sale not only highlights the enduring popularity of the superhero but also the remarkable increase in value of comic books as collectibles.

As the comic book industry continues to thrive, this record-breaking sale serves as a testament to the cultural impact and financial potential of vintage comics. The excitement surrounding Superman No. 1 is expected to inspire collectors and fans alike, further elevating the status of comic books in both the art and investment worlds.