A previously undiscovered first edition of Superman No. 1, released in 1939, has set a record by selling for $9.12 million at auction. This pristine copy received the highest grading from CGC, achieving a score of 9.0 on a 10-point scale, making it the most expensive comic ever sold. The comic was originally printed in 500,000 copies, but intact versions are exceedingly rare today due to their popularity encouraging readers to cut the covers for posters. The auction surpassed the previous record of $6 million set by an 8.5-graded Action Comics No. 1 in 2024. The comic was fortuitously found in the attic of a family home in Northern California, where the brothers discovered it amongst old newspapers, just as their mother had described it years ago.

What makes Superman No. 1 so valuable?

Superman No. 1 is highly valued due to its historical significance as the first comic dedicated entirely to a character, along with its rarity—only a handful survive in good condition. This particular copy's top CGC grade and its auction success highlight the growing trend of comic book collecting as a lucrative investment.

Superman No. 1 is a landmark in comic book history, distinguishing itself as the inaugural title for a superhero, paving the way for the modern comic book industry. The character, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, has transcended comics to become a global icon, influencing films, television shows, and merchandise since its debut. This high auction price reflects not only the comic's rarity but also the cultural impact Superman has had over the decades.