Three brothers in Northern California recently stumbled upon a batch of rare comics while sorting through their mother's belongings, unexpectedly discovering the original first issue of “Superman” (Superman no.1) published in 1939. Professionally graded at an impressive 9.0, this comic is considered one of the best-preserved copies in existence and is valued at over 6 million US dollars (25.09 million ringgit), likely to set a new record at an upcoming auction.
This inaugural issue of “Superman” was published in May 1939 by National Allied Publications (later renamed DC Comics), marking the world’s first personal comic book series dedicated solely to a superhero and creating the “hero-centric comic” trend. Although Superman made his first appearance in the 1938 “Action Comics no.1,” it was “Superman no.1” that officially began his solo comic legacy.
Impeccably Preserved for Over 80 Years Thanks to a Unique Factor
The brothers revealed that their mother had occasionally mentioned owning “extremely valuable comics,” but had never shown them. Not until last year, when they sorted her belongings, did they find a cache of comics sealed away in the attic for over 80 years—among them five early issues of “Action Comics,” including this exceptionally rare first edition of “Superman.”
The auction house “Heritage Auctions” noted that the comic was graded 9.0 (VF/NM, meaning Very Fine/Near Mint) by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), a respected American grading authority. The comic’s corners are undamaged, colors unfaded, and spine intact—an extraordinary state. “This comic represents the pinnacle of collecting—not only is it the highest-graded unrestored copy we’ve ever auctioned, it also surpasses the famous Mile High and Davis Crippen copies.”
The starting bid has already exceeded 2.65 million US dollars (11.08 million ringgit), with a final sale price expected to reach 6 million US dollars or beyond. The comic’s remarkable preservation is partly thanks to Northern California’s dry climate—had it been kept in a humid location like Texas, it likely would have decayed by now.
The “Superman” series has always ranked among the world’s most valuable comics. In 2022, another first issue sold for 5.3 million US dollars (22.17 million ringgit), and last year an “Action Comics no.1” fetched an astonishing 6 million US dollars.
Collector: The Holy Grail of Comics
The brothers plan to consign these comics to auction from the 20th to the 22nd of this month, hoping to find a new home for their mother’s treasured legacy. Collecting experts describe this find as “the holy grail of the comic world,” marking a historic moment in Superman’s birth and providing fresh proof that “attic treasure hunts” really do exist.