Rare copy of Superman comic sold for $8.1m

A rare copy of an original Superman comic has sold for US$6 million (S$8.1 million).

The character was launched in 1938 as Action Comics No. 1 — which marked the first appearance of the DC Comics icon — and the issue has now topped the record previously set by Superman No. 1, which was auctioned off at US$5.3 million in 2022.

Heritage Auctions Vice President Barry Sandoval said in a statement ahead of the sale: "Without Superman and Action Comics No. 1, who knows whether there ever would have been a Golden Age of comics — or if the medium would have become what it is today.

"We're thrilled to have made history today with an auction that's rich in history, encompassing everything from a pre-Golden Age Superman artifact to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We couldn't be happier for our consignors and those winning bidders who acquired items without equal."

The comic book issue in question features the famed character performing an act of heroism by lifting up a car.

According to reports, there are 78 copies of the issue known to still be in existence and a previous copy was sold at the same auction house but because that one came with an apparent grade of 8.0, whilst the latest edition to be sold came with a grade of 8.5, it has broken a further record for being the only one to be marked as being in "very good" condition.

The auction of further vintage comic books will continue until April 7.

The auction overview reads: "The most valuable comic Heritage has auctioned to date, Action Comics #1, is the biggest highlight of one of the best lineups of key issues we have ever had.

"The Silver Age selection is led by the sole highest-graded copy of Iron Man's first appearance, Tales of Suspense #39. The original art section is highlighted by art from a number of first appearance issues including those of Iron Man, Ghost Rider, Doomsday, Cloak and Dagger, Rachel Summers as Phoenix, and Spider-Man's black costume as well as the first meeting of the Justice League and Justice Society.

"A special catalogue is devoted to the collection of Denis Kitchen, reflecting his career as an artist and publisher as well as the creators who influenced him. Also of note is our first-ever offering of CGC-certified pulp magazines."

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