Rare Comic Book Sells for Record $15 Million, Exceeding Previous High by Millions
A rare copy of the comic book that introduced Superman to the world has been sold at auction for a record-breaking $15 million, surpassing the previous record price set just last November. The private deal was negotiated by Manhattan-based Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, with the buyer and seller choosing to remain anonymous.
The Action Comics No. 1, which was published in 1938, is considered one of the most valuable comic books in existence. Only about 100 copies are known to exist, making it a highly sought-after item among collectors. The comic book tells the origin story of Superman's birth on a dying planet, his journey to Earth, and his decision to use his strength for the greater good.
The sale of the comic book is significant not only because of its value but also due to its historical significance. Without Superman and other superhero comic books, there would be no Batman or other iconic characters that followed. The importance of Action Comics No. 1 in the comic book community was evident in the record-breaking price it fetched at auction.
The comic book has a unique history that includes being stolen from actor Nicolas Cage's Los Angeles home in 2000. It was recovered in 2011 after being found in an old storage locker in Southern California and eventually returned to Cage, who had bought it for $150,000 in 1996. However, the theft had a profound impact on the comic book's value, with its price skyrocketing during the 11-year period it was missing.
The sale of Action Comics No. 1 is reminiscent of the infamous theft of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa from the Louvre museum in Paris in 1911. The recovered painting made the iconic work a world-renowned treasure, and similarly, the return of this rare comic book has solidified its place as an icon of American pop culture.
The record-breaking sale is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic comic books and their ability to transcend time. For collectors and enthusiasts, Action Comics No. 1 is more than just a valuable item β it's a piece of history that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
A rare copy of the comic book that introduced Superman to the world has been sold at auction for a record-breaking $15 million, surpassing the previous record price set just last November. The private deal was negotiated by Manhattan-based Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, with the buyer and seller choosing to remain anonymous.
The Action Comics No. 1, which was published in 1938, is considered one of the most valuable comic books in existence. Only about 100 copies are known to exist, making it a highly sought-after item among collectors. The comic book tells the origin story of Superman's birth on a dying planet, his journey to Earth, and his decision to use his strength for the greater good.
The sale of the comic book is significant not only because of its value but also due to its historical significance. Without Superman and other superhero comic books, there would be no Batman or other iconic characters that followed. The importance of Action Comics No. 1 in the comic book community was evident in the record-breaking price it fetched at auction.
The comic book has a unique history that includes being stolen from actor Nicolas Cage's Los Angeles home in 2000. It was recovered in 2011 after being found in an old storage locker in Southern California and eventually returned to Cage, who had bought it for $150,000 in 1996. However, the theft had a profound impact on the comic book's value, with its price skyrocketing during the 11-year period it was missing.
The sale of Action Comics No. 1 is reminiscent of the infamous theft of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa from the Louvre museum in Paris in 1911. The recovered painting made the iconic work a world-renowned treasure, and similarly, the return of this rare comic book has solidified its place as an icon of American pop culture.
The record-breaking sale is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic comic books and their ability to transcend time. For collectors and enthusiasts, Action Comics No. 1 is more than just a valuable item β it's a piece of history that continues to captivate audiences around the world.