An original print edition of the comic book that introduced Superman was sold at auction for a record-breaking $6 million. The comic book, Action Comics No. 1, published in June 1938, is considered one of the finest copies in the world of this prized issue. The sale took place at a rare comic book auction organized by Heritage Auctions, with the buyer and seller remaining undisclosed. This sale surpasses the previous record of $5.3 million for Superman #1 sold in 2022.
Million-dollar sales of original superhero comic books have become more common recently, with previous sales including Captain America’s first issue for $3.1 million and the first Marvel comic for $1.2 million. Action Comics No. 1 is revered by superhero fans as one of the rarest and most influential comics ever printed, launching the iconic character of Superman. The story follows the journey of a newborn baby boy from the planet Krypton to Earth, who eventually becomes Clark Kent and Superman. The comic enjoyed intense popularity during the Golden Age of comics from 1938 to 1956.
Superman has been a central figure in thousands of comic books, television shows, merchandise, cartoon series, and movies. Various actors such as George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, and Henry Cavill have portrayed the Man of Steel over the years. David Corenswet is set to take on the role in James Gunn’s upcoming film “Superman Legacy” in 2025. Only 200,000 copies of Action Comics No. 1 were printed in 1938, and there are approximately 100 surviving copies in existence today, with 78 of them being in good enough condition to be sold or auctioned.
The auction house described the sale of Action Comics No. 1 as a historic event, with the auction expected to surpass $15 million in total sales. The comic book holds significance as the starting point for the character of Superman, shaping the landscape of superhero comics for years to come. Superman and Action Comics No. 1 are credited with creating and defining the Golden Age of comics, influencing the medium to become what it is today. The popularity of superhero comic books has led to record-breaking sales of rare and historically significant issues in recent years.
The sale of Action Comics No. 1 for $6 million at auction set a new record for the most expensive comic book ever sold. The comic book, which introduced the character of Superman to the world, is considered one of the rarest and most influential comics ever printed. Superman has become an iconic figure in popular culture, appearing in numerous comic books, television shows, movies, and merchandise. The sale of this comic book represents a historic moment in the world of comic book collecting and highlights the enduring popularity and significance of the character of Superman.
