Who would have thought the person who bought a comic for $6 million was getting a bargain? That happened last year when an 8.5 out of 10 graded copy of Superman’s 1938 first appearance in Action Comics #1 sold for a then-record price. Thursday, though, a 9 out of 10 graded copy of Superman’s first solo title, 1939’s Superman #1, sold for more than that. Much more. It sold for $9.12 million.
The sale makes this specific copy of Superman #1 the most valuable comic book in history, beating last year’s record of $6 million for that Action Comics #1. The Hollywood Reporter first posted news of the sale, which was run by Heritage Auctions.
Before that, another copy of Superman #1 held the record at $5.3 million, and, before that, a copy of Spider-Man’s first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 sold for $3.6 million, which are all pretty significant jumps.
Why is this Superman #1 now the king of all comics? Well, mostly, the condition. Finding any comic from almost 100 years ago is rare. Finding it in good condition is even rarer. And for it to be this comic, in as amazing a condition as this comic is in, is damned near impossible. It happened because the comic’s owners found it neatly tucked between some very old newspapers in the home of their deceased mother. That story also adds to the value, since it’s basically the dream of anyone exploring old relics. Here it is, in all its $9.12 million glory.
© Heritage Auctions
Now, though, you have to wonder, is there a $10 million comic book out there? It would have to be one of the ones we mentioned, especially now with this specific issue taking on such a prominent role. Most comic fans would assume Action Comics #1 is the granddaddy of them all, but it seems maybe that’s no longer the case. Unless, of course, the person who bought that 8.5-graded Action Comics #1 for $6 million decides to sell it, or someone finds an even better version in an attic somewhere.
If you were filthy rich, what comic would you go after as your white whale? Would it be Superman #1? Let us know below.
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