A 1939 copy of Superman #1, discovered in a long-neglected attic in California, sold for $9.12 million, becoming the most expensive comic book in history. This rare artifact reveals not only a family legacy but also one of the most pivotal moments in comic book history.
A routine attic cleanup in California last year turned into a landmark event in the comic world. Three siblings, sorting through their late mother’s belongings, found a 1939 issue of Superman #1. Initially tucked away in an old box wrapped in newspaper, the rare comic soon shattered a global auction record, fetching $9.12 million.
The siblings were aware that their mother owned a valuable comic book collection, but this was their first time encountering its rarest treasures. Among the five early Action Comics issues they unearthed, the most remarkable was Superman #1, Clark Kent’s first standalone adventure. The issue was identified as a rare, impeccably preserved copy from the initial half-million print run by National Allied Publications.
A Family Heirloom and Childhood Memory
The youngest sibling explained that this discovery held significance beyond monetary value—its importance was rooted in family history and childhood memories. “This box had been forgotten for years, lost amid the changes life brings—until last Christmas,” they said. During their modest childhood, these comics served as a small refuge. Decades later, this long-forgotten box resurfaced as a treasure linking them to their past, reviving both an heirloom and cherished memories.
Texas-based Heritage Auctions underscored the historical and cultural value of Superman #1. Vice President Lon Allen noted that its record price stemmed not only from its pristine condition but also from its “movie-worthy backstory.” The previous record-holder, Action Comics #1, sold for $6 million last year.
The siblings carefully examined the other vintage comics found in the box. Altogether, six rare issues lay hidden among newspaper scraps and cobwebs. For comic collectors, the find was nothing short of a “gold strike.” Since his debut in 1938, Superman has become one of the most enduring icons of American pop culture. Now, by becoming the most expensive comic book ever sold, he has once again inscribed his name in history.
