Rare 1939 Superman Comic Sells for Record $9.12 Million

Superman #1 Comic Discovered in Attic Fetches Record $9.12 Million

Three brothers in California made an extraordinary find while clearing out their late mother’s attic last Christmas: a near-pristine copy of Superman #1 from June 1939. The comic, documenting the early adventures of the Man of Steel, has now sold for $9.12 million (£7 million) at auction, setting a new world record for comic book sales.

The discovery, described by Texas-based Heritage Auctions as the “pinnacle of comic collecting,” included six comic books in total, hidden beneath newspapers inside a cardboard box and surrounded by cobwebs.

Discovery and Auction Process

The brothers, who have chosen to remain anonymous and are in their 50s and 60s, waited several months before contacting Heritage Auctions. Once informed, Lon Allen, vice-president of Heritage, visited them in San Francisco within days.

“They always knew their mother had a valuable comic collection but were never shown it,” Allen said. “It’s a twist on the old ‘Mom threw away my comics’ story.”

The comics had been purchased by their mother and her brother between the Great Depression and World War II, and the cool climate of northern California preserved them exceptionally well. Allen noted that in a warmer environment, such as Texas, the comics would likely have deteriorated.

Condition and Valuation

The copy of Superman #1 received a 9.0 rating from CGC, a leading third-party comic grading service, on a 10-point scale. This surpassed the previous highest rating of 8.5 and contributed to its record-breaking sale.

The $9.12 million final price, including buyer’s premium, exceeded the previous record by roughly $3 million. By comparison, Action Comics No. 1, the 1938 issue that introduced Superman, sold for $6 million last year.

Family Reflections

The youngest brother reflected on the emotional significance of the find, explaining that the comics had been forgotten in the attic over the decades amid life’s challenges. “This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” he said. “It’s a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.”

The auction not only underscores the rarity of early comic books but also highlights the cultural and financial value collectors place on iconic pieces of pop culture history.

Heritage Auctions’ Perspective

Heritage called the sale “historic” and emphasized the exceptional preservation of the comics as a critical factor. The auction house described the Superman #1 copy as one of the most important collectibles of the 20th century, given its near-mint condition and provenance.

Allen also noted that the cool northern California climate helped preserve the paper, a key factor for collectors who prize condition in vintage comic books.

Conclusion

The discovery and sale of Superman #1 exemplify how family heirlooms can unexpectedly connect the past to the present. Beyond its financial value, the comic represents a tangible link to the earliest days of superhero storytelling and the cultural legacy of one of the world’s most recognizable characters.