Superman No 1 Sells for $9.12 Million, Sets New Comic Record

A copy of Superman No 1 has made history by selling for $9.12 million at auction, becoming the most expensive comic book ever sold. This remarkable sale took place on March 2024, following the comic’s discovery in an attic in California by three unnamed brothers. The brothers found the comic while sorting through their late mother’s belongings, where it had been tucked away since she purchased it at the age of nine in San Francisco.

Published in 1939, Superman No 1 marked a pivotal moment in comic book history, being the first title dedicated entirely to a character that debuted in another comic book. This specific copy, remarkably in pristine condition, achieved a high grade of 9.0 on the industry’s grading scale, making it one of only seven known copies rated 6.0 or higher.

Significant Milestone in Comic Collecting

The sale price of $9.12 million, which includes fees, eclipsed the previous record set in 2023 when an 8.5-graded copy of Action Comics No 1, featuring Superman’s debut, sold for $6 million. Initially, Superman No 1 had a print run of approximately 500,000 copies, with subsequent runs of 250,000 and 150,000. The rarity of intact copies today can be attributed partly to the comic’s inclusion of an invitation for children to cut out the cover for use as a poster.

According to Lon Allen, vice-president of Heritage Auctions, which conducted the sale, this event represents a significant moment in pop culture history. “Superman No 1 is a milestone in pop culture history, and this copy is not only in unprecedented condition, but it has a movie-worthy story behind it,” Allen stated. He expressed gratitude for being entrusted with such an iconic piece of comic book history.

The Legacy of Superman

The character of Superman was created in 1933 by two teenagers from Cleveland, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The duo sold the rights to DC Comics for just $130, receiving $10 for each page they illustrated. The enduring popularity of Superman and his stories has solidified the character’s status in both comic book and wider popular culture.

This record-setting sale of Superman No 1 not only highlights the growing value of rare comic books but also reflects on the nostalgia and cultural significance attached to these artifacts. As collectors continue to seek out such iconic pieces, the story behind this specific comic adds an emotional layer to its historical importance.