An original edition of Action Comics No. 1, featuring the iconic debut of Superman was auctioned for a record breaking $6 million (approximately Rs 49 Crore). Written by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the comic explores Man of Steel’s origins as a Kryptonian child sent to Earth, along with the introduction of his love interest, Lois Lane. The recent auction surpassed the $5.3 million (approximately Rs 44 Crore) sale of Superman No. 1 in 2022, while the debut comic of Spider-Man was sold for $3.6 million (approximately Rs 29 Crore) in 2021. Meanwhile, the recently sold copy was rare, as only 78 copies were tracked by CGC, a grading service for comics. The copy was graded 8.5 out of 10, meaning it was in an excellent condition despite being old. Earlier, a heavily worn version graded at just 0.5 fetched $408,000 in September.
In a conversation with Barron’s, Barry Sandoval, vice president at Heritage Auctions said, “Thursday was a historic day for a historic comic book, and we expected no less. The first session of this four-day event will surpass US$15 million and we haven’t touched the comic art that begins Friday, with numerous pieces of significance forthcoming. Maybe there is more history still to be made.”
The comic is very much important in the superhero genre and it is currently relevant for filmmaker James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. During the opening day of the latest event, a historic 1934 letter written by Siegel to comic strip artist Russell Keaton, talking about The Man of Steel’s concept, was auctioned for $264,000 (approximately Rs 2 Crore). Surprisingly, Superman wasn’t the only superhero breaking records, a top tier copy of 1963’s The Avengers, featuring Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Ant-Man and Wasp, ignited an intense bidding war. The comic, brain child of the legendary duo of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, was ultimately sold for $432,000 (approximately Rs 3 Crore).
More superhero team comics also made headlines at the auction. Two copies of Justice League of America, both graded 9.6, fetched an impressive $348,000 (approximately Rs 2 Crore) each. However, it was a remarkable 9.6 graded copy featuring Wonder Woman’s second appearance that stole the show, which garnered $420,000 (approximately Rs 3 Crore). Daredevil, who is set to be revived in the upcoming Disney Plus series, also garnered attention as Daredevil No. 1 was sold for $360,000 (approximately Rs 2 Crore). Additionally, Doctor Strange’s debut fetched $150,000 (approximately Rs 1 Crore).
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