A remarkable transaction in the collectible comic book market was finalized recently, with an elusive copy of "Action Comics No. 1" changing hands for an unprecedented $15 million. This sale, conducted privately, surpasses the former record of $9.12 million set by “Superman No. 1” during an auction last November.
Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, based in Manhattan, facilitated the deal and reported that both the seller and buyer elected to remain anonymous. Originally sold for 10 cents in 1938, "Action Comics No. 1" is an anthology presenting various stories of characters, most of whom remain obscure today. The comic’s defining feature lies in a brief sequence detailing Superman’s origin - his escape from a doomed planet to Earth and his ultimate choice to use his extraordinary abilities to benefit humanity.
This publication is widely acknowledged as the genesis of the superhero genre. Vincent Zurzolo, President of Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, notes that there are approximately 100 extant copies of this seminal issue. "Without the immense popularity of Superman, iconic characters such as Batman and other superheroes probably would not exist," Zurzolo explained. He emphasized the comic’s pivotal role within the collecting community, expressed through the record-breaking sale value.
The history of this particular comic is equally captivating. It was stolen from the Los Angeles residence of actor Nicolas Cage in 2000. The case concluded in 2011 when an individual discovered the comic after purchasing the contents of an abandoned Southern California storage locker. The comic was ultimately returned to Cage, who originally acquired it in 1996 for $150,000. Shortly after its recovery, Cage auctioned the comic for $2.2 million.
Stephen Fishler, CEO of Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, remarked that the theft incident significantly influenced the comic’s valuation. Noting the period it was missing, Fishler stated, "Its value skyrocketed during that 11-year span. Essentially, the theft inadvertently enriched Nicolas Cage." He drew a parallel with the Mona Lisa’s theft from the Louvre in 1911, explaining that such events can elevate a piece's stature from notable artwork to an iconic symbol. Fishler concluded that "Action Comics No. 1" holds a similar iconic status within American pop culture.