A pristine copy of Superman No. 1 sold for $9.12 million at auction, becoming the most expensive comic book ever sold.
DALLAS: One of pop culture’s greatest icons just made comic book history. A nearly perfect copy of Superman No. 1, first published in 1939, sold for a jaw-dropping $9.12 million on November 20, 2025, at Heritage Auctions — making it the most expensive comic book ever sold at auction.
The rare gem was discovered in 2024 during an attic clean-out by three brothers in Northern California who were sorting through their late mother’s belongings. Buried in a cardboard box beneath old newspapers was the holy grail of superhero comics — a remarkably well-preserved copy of Superman’s first solo issue.
The issue was later authenticated and graded CGC 9.0 — the highest known condition for this title. Most surviving copies are significantly worn or incomplete, making this particular edition a once-in-a-lifetime find. Its unexpected backstory and pristine quality sparked global buzz ahead of the auction.
Though Action Comics No. 1 is known for introducing Superman to the world, Superman No. 1 is what cemented his cultural legacy. It marked the launch of the Man of Steel’s own series and helped define the Golden Age of comic books, setting the stage for modern superhero storytelling and billion-dollar franchises.
Originally published with a 500,000-copy run, most editions were read to pieces, tossed away or destroyed. This untouched attic treasure now holds the crown, beating out the previous comic book record — a $6 million sale for Action Comics No. 1 in 2024.
Collectors and fans alike marvelled at the sale’s symbolic impact. Not only does it underscore the enduring power of Superman’s legacy, but it also highlights the rising value of pop culture artefacts in today’s investment markets.
The winning bidder remains anonymous, but the impact of this sale is clear: Superman may be 86 years old, but he’s still flying higher than ever.
