A Superman comic soared to an astonishing $9 million at auction, smashing records and officially becoming the most valuable comic book in history.
The 1939 Superman No. 1 copy closed at a whopping $9.12 million at Heritage Auctions on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the collectors’ world.
This comic is the most expensive ever sold, and its pristine condition is a major reason for the staggering price.
Any almost century-old graphic novel is a rare find in itself – but a collectible in high-grade condition is next to impossible.
The Certified Guaranty Company, known for its accurate and impartial assessment of comic books, graded the book a near perfect score, a 9.0.
Three California brothers discovered the 86-year-old issue unexpectedly, while they were sorting through their late mother’s belongings.
They were aware of their mother and uncle’s comic collection but never saw it, until recently.
A rare ‘unrestored’ copy of the first Superman comic which was found in an attic has sold for $9 million
This very comic features pivotal first appearances and defining moments that helped shape the franchise’s entire storyline
1938 Action Comics No.1, featuring the first appearance of Superman, that sold for $6 million in 2024
The brothers had stumbled upon the dusty forgotten box of relics in their attic, with little knowledge of its value.
Another reason this issue stands apart is its rarity and the remarkable content packed within it.
The comic features pivotal first appearances and defining moments that helped shape the landmark franchise’s entire storyline.
These types of books are most valuable – hence the skyrocketing $9million price.
Prior to this record-breaker, the priciest Superman comic ever sold was a private-sale copy that fetched $5.3 million and carried an 8.0 condition grade in 2022.
Other famous comics that sold for grandiose prices include an Action Comics No. 1, that first featured the Kryptonian hero to world sold for $6million in 2024.
An Amazing Fantasy No. 15 sold for $3.6 million in 2021, Captain America Comics No. 1 was valued at $3.12 million in 2022, and Batman No. 1 sold for $2.22 million in 2021.
