The World’s Most Expensive Comic Book Sells for $3.2 Million

Brandon Routh Unveils Superman Wax Figure At Madame Tussauds

Since their introduction in 1933, comic books and their characters have played a large role in popular culture.  Many of today’s most recognizable superheroes originated in the comic book form and while many have made their way to both television and the big screen, avid comic book collectors have not forgotten these heroes humble beginnings.  Among these notable heroes is Superman, arguably the most popular of them all.  Superman, also known as Clark Kent, was first introduced almost 80 years ago by National Allied Publications in Action Comics #1.

When the comic book, which features Superman’s first appearance, became available in 1938 it sold for a mere 10 cents.  However, a lot has changed then – mainly the comic book’s availability and Superman’s popularity – causing the comic book’s worth to increase greatly over the years.  As of this month, Action Comics #1, which is considered the “holy grail” of comic books has officially become the world’s most expensive comic book.  The rare comic book recently sold on eBay for an incredible 3.2 million dollars.  When seller, comic book collector Darren Adams, posted the comic book for sale on eBay, he began the bid at a modest 99 cents and comic book collectors quickly jumped at the chance to place a bid on the near perfect condition copy of the hard to come by comic. There are only 50 known copies of Action Comic #1 remaining and Adams’ copy was given a 9.0 by the Certified Guaranty Company and according to eBay this is the highest rating a copy of the comic has ever received and only one other copy has received the high rating. After the auction Adams said that he was “proud to have owned the most valuable comic book in the world,” and Adams plans to donate some of the money from the sale to charity.

With a copy of his debut appearance selling more than any other comic book in the history of the ruled, it appears that Superman really does have superhuman powers.

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

Written by Camille Moore

Camille has a master's degree from Saint Joseph University's Writing Studies program, and she currently works as the Writing Center Assistant Director at a small university in western Pennsylvania. Camille's writing has been published on several websites, and she enjoys writing articles and short stories in her spare time. You can follow Camille on Twitter @CamealAshley.