In a story that seems straight out of a movie, a forgotten piece of American pop culture history, hidden for decades in a family attic, has been sold for a staggering $9.12 million. This sale, which took place last Thursday, has set a new world record for the most expensive comic book ever sold.
The Attic Discovery of a Lifetime
The incredible journey of this comic book began last Christmas. Three brothers from Northern California, now in their 50s and 60s, were sorting through their late mother's belongings when they made a stunning discovery. Tucked away in a box under layers of cobwebs in the family attic, they found a collection of five early Action Comics issues.
Among them was the star of the find: an original first-edition copy of the 1939 Superman comic book. The brothers revealed that their mother and uncle had originally purchased the comics between the Great Depression and World War II, a time when National Allied Publications was transforming into the iconic DC we know today.
What Made This Comic So Special?
The condition and provenance of the comic book made it a unique treasure for collectors. It was graded 9.0 out of 10 by CGC, the world's largest third-party comic grading service. Experts praised its rarity, bright colours, sharp corners, and tight spine, classifying it as the "highest-graded unrestored copy" they had ever offered.
Lon Allen, Vice President of Heritage Auctions, which handled the sale, emphasized its uniqueness. "Superman is a milestone in pop culture history. This copy is in unprecedented condition and has a movie-worthy story," he said. He also credited the cool, dry climate of Northern California for helping preserve the comic so perfectly over eight decades.
More Than Just a Collectible
For the family, the discovery was about far more than just monetary gain. The youngest brother shared a heartfelt statement with the auction house, saying, "This was never just about a collectible. It is a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us."
He added that during their childhood, spent in a small apartment with few luxuries, comic books were a treasured refuge, making the find deeply personal. The sale has now officially broken the previous record, set just last year by a 1938 edition of Action Comics that first introduced Superman, which sold for $6 million.
