A copy of the first issue of Superman, discovered in an attic, sold for a remarkable $9.12 million at a Texas auction earlier this month. This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a comic book, according to Heritage Auctions, the auction house responsible for the sale.
Three brothers unearthed the comic while cleaning out their late mother’s home in San Francisco last year. They found the comic book nestled in a cardboard box, buried beneath brittle newspapers, dust, and cobwebs. Alongside it were other rare comics collected by their mother and her siblings on the brink of World War II. Lon Allen, vice president of comics at Heritage Auctions, noted that their mother had mentioned a valuable comic collection but had never shown it to them until they decided to explore her belongings before putting the house on the market.
The brothers reached out to Heritage Auctions, prompting Allen to travel to San Francisco earlier this year to assess the Superman No. 1 comic and consult with other experts for appraisal. He remarked, “It was just in an attic, sitting in a box; it could have easily been thrown away or destroyed in a thousand different ways.” The excitement surrounding the comic stems from its rarity and compelling backstory, making it highly sought after among collectors.
Released in 1939 by Detective Comics Inc., the Superman No. 1 comic is one of a limited number of copies known to exist and is in excellent condition. The character of Superman is recognized as the first superhero in pop culture, significantly enhancing the comic’s desirability.
The previous record for the world’s most expensive comic was set just last year when an Action Comics No. 1, which introduced Superman to audiences, sold for $6 million. Another copy of Superman No. 1 had sold for $5.3 million in 2022. Experts determined the newly sold copy originated from the first edition of 500,000 printed, identified by a small advertisement included in the comic. Allen estimates that fewer than 500 copies remain today.
Despite lacking any special protective measures, the cool climate of Northern California contributed to the comic’s preservation, leaving it with a firm spine, vibrant colors, and crisp corners. According to Heritage Auctions, the comic received a rating of 9.0 out of 10 from the comics grading company CGC, indicating only minimal signs of wear.
The brothers, aged in their 50s and 60s, chose not to disclose their identities due to the significant financial gain involved, nor did the buyer of the comic book. One brother expressed a sentiment that transcends mere monetary value, stating, “This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink. This was never just about a collectible. This is a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.”
This remarkable sale not only highlights the enduring appeal of comic books but also serves as a reminder of the stories and histories that can be uncovered in the most unexpected places.
