Superman No. 1 Comic Breaks Record, Sells for $9.12 Million

A copy of Superman No. 1 has set a new record by selling for US$9.12 million (£6.96 million, A$14.14 million), making it the most expensive comic book ever sold. This historic transaction took place in March 2024, following the discovery of the comic in an attic in California by three brothers sorting through their late mother’s belongings.

Published in 1939, Superman No. 1 was the first solo title featuring the iconic character, representing a significant milestone in comic book history. It was the first time a character who debuted in a comic book received their own dedicated title. The brothers, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that their mother had purchased the comic when she was just nine years old in San Francisco. Over the years, she mentioned to her sons that she owned “rare comics,” although they never located them until now.

The comic, which was found under a stack of old newspapers in a cardboard box, is in pristine condition. It received a remarkable grade of 9.0 on the industry-standard 10-point grading scale, making it the highest-graded copy of Superman No. 1. Only seven copies are known to exist with a grade of 6.0 or higher, adding to its rarity.

The sale price of US$9.12 million shatters the previous record set in 2023, when an 8.5-graded copy of Action Comics No. 1, which introduced Superman to the world, sold for US$6 million. Initially, Superman No. 1 had a print run of approximately 500,000 copies, with subsequent runs of 250,000 and 150,000. Many of these copies did not survive in good condition, partly due to the comic containing an invitation for children to cut out the cover to use as a poster.

Significance in Pop Culture

According to Lon Allen, vice-president of Heritage Auctions, which facilitated the sale, this moment marks a significant day 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. I was glad to see the price reflect that and am honored Heritage was entrusted with this iconic book,” Allen stated.

The character of Superman was created in 1933 by two teenagers from Cleveland, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. They sold the rights to DC Comics for a mere US$130, earning US$10 for each page they illustrated. This low initial investment highlights the immense growth and significance of the character over the decades.

Rarity and Market Trends

The sale of Superman No. 1 reflects the growing trend in the comic book market, where collectors are willing to pay substantial sums for rare issues. The combination of its historical importance, exceptional condition, and intriguing backstory likely contributed to the record-breaking price. As collectors continue to seek out iconic issues, it remains to be seen how high future sales will reach.

This sale not only emphasizes the enduring popularity of comic books but also showcases the significant cultural impact that characters like Superman have had worldwide. The auction has drawn attention from collectors and fans alike, solidifying the comic’s place in both history and the marketplace.