Rare Superman Comic Fetches Record Price
A comic book discovered in an attic has sold for an astonishing $9.12 million, setting a new record for the highest sale price ever for a comic.
This particular copy of the first comic book featuring Superman was unearthed by three brothers in their late mother’s home. It was stored in rather humble conditions—just a cardboard box shielded by some old newspapers.
Despite its less-than-ideal storage, it received a notable 9.0 out of 10 rating from CGC, which is the largest comic book grading company worldwide.
The sale, conducted on a Thursday, smashed the previous record for a comic, which was held by Action Comics No. 1. That comic, graded at 8.5, sold for $6 million at Heritage Auctions last year.
Ron Allen, vice president of Heritage Auctions based in Dallas, expressed excitement over the sale, stating, “We’re thrilled to have such a great deal.”
Superman No. 1 is considered a pivotal piece of pop culture. Not only is this particular copy in outstanding condition, but it also has a captivating backstory.
Allen mentioned before the auction that when the brothers from Northern California were going through their late mother’s belongings last holiday season, they stumbled upon old comic books buried beneath decades of faded newspapers and cobwebs in the attic.
The family had six cherished comics, initially bought during the Great Depression and just before World War II, that could potentially lead to a life-changing financial outcome through Heritage’s auction.
Three months post-discovery, the brothers reached out to Allen to discuss the potential sale. He quickly traveled to San Francisco to review their collection.
“Their mother had always hinted at having an expensive comic collection, but she never showed it to them,” said Allen. “It’s kind of ironic to see how this story reverses the classic ‘My mom threw away my comics’ narrative.”
Published in 1939 after National Allied’s name change to Detective Comics—now recognized as DC—Superman No. 1 has consistently ranked among the world’s most valuable comics.
Heritage noted that previous sales included Action Comics No. 1 at $6 million last year and Superman No. 1 itself at $5.3 million in 2022.
Allen also pointed out that the region’s climate helped preserve these decades-old books, saying, “If it had been in an attic here in Texas, it would have been in ruins.”
For the youngest sibling, the comic’s discovery meant more than just connecting with a collectible. They remarked, “This isn’t just about old paper and ink. It reflects family memories and the past surfacing in amazing ways.”
