Copy of 1939 Superman comic auctioned off for $9.12 million

A copy of “Superman No. 1,” the 1939 first comic devoted to the superhero, was sold by Heritage Auctions for $9.12 million on Thursday.

The copy now holds the record for most expensive comic book ever sold, according to Heritage Auctions.

It surpassed a copy of “Action Comics No. 1,” the 1938 issue that introduced Superman and was sold by Heritage Auctions for $6 million in 2024.

The Superman comic was well-preserved despite being covered by only old newspapers within a cardboard box, getting a 9 out of 10 grade from Certified Guaranty.

The copy sold Thursday is one of only seven known issues of “Superman No. 1” to get a grade from the service of 6 or above.

“I’m thrilled for our consignor. ’Superman No. 1’ is a milestone in pop culture history, and this copy is not only in unprecedented condition, but it has a movie-worthy story behind it,” Heritage Auctions Vice President Lon Allen said.

The copy was discovered by three brothers in their late mother’s Northern California attic in 2024, according to the auction house.

“They’re in their 50s and 60s, and their mom had always told them she had an expensive comics collection but never showed them. It’s a twist on the old ’Mom threw away my comics’ story,” Mr. Allen said.