Superman soars in collectibles: Comic sets record at $9.12 million

In a modest Northern California attic, three brothers uncovered a hidden treasure beneath a layer of brittle newspapers—a pristine copy of Superman #1 (DC Comics, 1939) tucked away by their late mother. The comic, graded CGC 9.0—an exceptional mark of preservation—made its way to the auction block on November 20 2025, where it fetched $9.12 million, setting a new record for the most expensive comic book ever sold.

The story begins decades ago. According to the press release by Heritage Auctions, the brothers discovered the collection when sorting through their mother’s belongings, which included five early issues of Action Comics #1 and this copy of Superman #1. The family home in Northern California relied, serendipitously, on a climate favorable for paper preservation—“If it had been in an attic here in Texas, it would have been ruined,” Heritage’s vice-president Lon Allen said.

Superman #1 is a landmark issue: the first solo comic series dedicated to the Man of Steel, following his debut in Action Comics #1 (1938). While Action Comics retains its place in comics-history as Superman’s first appearance, Superman #1 is historically important for giving the character an entire title of his own.

Before this sale, the record for a comic book was held by a copy of Action Comics #1, graded CGC 8.5, which sold for $6 million in 2024. The newly minted $9.12 million marks a leap in value for the high-end comic-collecting market and reflects fresh enthusiasm for cultural-heritage collectibles. The Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) noted that this is the highest-graded copy of this issue ever certified.

Industry observers point to multiple factors behind the surge: rarity, condition, provenance (in this case, the attic find and uninterrupted ownership chain), and the broader upswing in pop-culture collectibles. One article noted that Superman’s brand recognition—bolstered by upcoming media projects and enduring fandom—adds intangible value to a physical artifact.

For the brothers, the sale carries emotional weight beyond the price tag. It connects to family memory, to the bygone era in which their mother and her brother purchased the comics during the tail end of the Great Depression and prior to World War II. Heritage’s release quotes the youngest brother: “This was never just about a collectible. This is a testament to memory, family and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.”

As the gavel came down, the moment marked more than an auction result—it became a cultural milestone. A comic book once purchased for pennies now stands shoulder to shoulder with fine art and historical manuscripts, signalling that the hobby of comic-book collecting continues to evolve into an arena of serious investment and archival significance.