A rare copy of the inaugural Superman comic has set a new world record, fetching an astonishing $9.12 million at a Texas auction. This sale marks it as the most expensive comic book ever sold.
The comic was discovered by three brothers while cleaning out their late mother’s attic in San Francisco. Hidden beneath layers of dust, old newspapers, and cobwebs, they found the comic in a cardboard box, alongside other rare issues collected by their mother and her sibling just before World War II.
Although their mother had mentioned owning a valuable comic collection, the brothers had never seen it. It wasn’t until they prepared her house for sale that they decided to explore the basement for potential family treasures. Their find prompted them to contact Heritage Auctions, where Lon Allen, the vice president of comics, flew to San Francisco to authenticate and appraise the “Superman No. 1” comic.
“It was just sitting in an attic, in a box, and could have easily been discarded or destroyed,” Allen remarked. “Every factor that excites collectors is wrapped up in this find.”
Released in 1939 by Detective Comics Inc., “Superman No. 1” is one of the few surviving copies in excellent condition. The Man of Steel’s debut in popular culture significantly boosts its value, along with its remarkable discovery story, Allen explained.
The previous record for the most expensive comic book was held by “Action Comics No. 1,” which introduced Superman and was sold for $6 million last year. In 2022, another copy of “Superman No. 1” sold for $5.3 million.
A small, in-house advertisement in the comic book helped experts identify it as originating from the first edition of 500,000 Superman No. 1 copies ever printed. Allen estimates there are fewer than 500 in existence today.
The copy was not given any special protection, but the cool Northern California climate helped preserve it, leaving it with a firm spine, vibrant colors and crisp corners, according to a statement from Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. The copy was rated a 9.0 out of 10 by comics grading company CGC, meaning it had only the slightest signs of wear and aging.
The three brothers, in their 50s and 60s, did not wish to be identified due to the windfall involved nor did the buyer of the comic book, according to the auction house.
“This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” one brother said in a statement released by the auction house. “This was never just about a collectible. This is a testament to memory, family and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.”
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Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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