A rare copy of the comic book that introduced the iconic character Superman has been sold for a remarkable $15 million (approximately $22.4 million) in a private deal. This transaction, announced on Friday, sets a new record for comic book sales, surpassing the previous high of $9.12 million, achieved last November for a copy of Superman No.1.
The historic comic, Action Comics No.1, was first published in 1938 and originally sold for just 10 cents. It features an anthology of tales, but it is best known for its brief yet impactful introduction to Superman’s origin story, detailing his birth on a dying planet and his subsequent journey to Earth, where he vows to use his extraordinary powers for the good of humanity. According to Vincent Zurzolo, president of Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, only about 100 copies of this landmark comic are known to exist.
Zurzolo emphasized the comic’s significance within the comic book community, stating, “This is among the Holy Grail of comic books. Without Superman and his popularity, there would be no Batman or other superhero comic book legends. Its importance in the comic book community shows with this deal, as it obliterates the previous record.”
The recent sale was facilitated by Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, based in Manhattan. Both the seller and the buyer have chosen to remain anonymous.
In a fascinating twist, this particular copy of Action Comics No.1 has a storied past. It was once owned by actor Nicolas Cage, who purchased the comic in 1996 for $150,000. In 2000, it was stolen from Cage’s home in Los Angeles. The comic was recovered in 2011 after being discovered by an individual who had bought the contents of an abandoned storage locker in southern California. Following its recovery, it was returned to Cage, who subsequently sold it at auction for $2.2 million six months later.
Stephen Fishler, CEO of Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, explained that the theft played a significant role in increasing the comic’s value. He noted, “During that 11-year period [when it was missing], it skyrocketed in value. The thief made Nicolas Cage a lot of money by stealing it.” Fishler drew a parallel between the theft of this comic and the famous theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, which transformed the painting into a global icon. He remarked, “The recovery of the painting made the Mona Lisa go from being just a great Da Vinci painting to a world icon – and that’s what Action No.1 is – an icon of American pop culture.”
This record-breaking sale not only highlights the enduring appeal of comic books but also underscores the cultural significance of their characters and stories. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to drive the market, the legacy of Superman and his early comic adventures remains as impactful as ever.
