From Attic To Auction Block

Here's a story that makes you want to check your own attic. A family in California was cleaning out their late mother's home when they stumbled upon a comic book that would sell for $9.12 million and break the record for the most expensive comic book ever sold.

The comic in question? Superman #1 from 1939, just a year after Superman made his debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938. This wasn't just any copy, though. Protected by a stack of newspapers in a cardboard box, the comic survived in near-pristine condition, earning a 9.0 grade from CGC, the comic grading company. That's the highest grade ever awarded to Superman #1.

To put that in perspective, only seven copies of Superman #1 have ever been graded 6.0 or higher. There's one graded 8.5, one graded 8.0, and now this 9.0, making it exceptionally rare. The 1939 issue is particularly tough to find in high-grade condition not just because of its age, but because the comic actually encouraged readers to rip off the back covers and frame them.

Record Breaking Sale

Heritage Auctions handled the sale, which concluded Thursday as part of their Comic Books Signature Auctions running through November 22. The $9.12 million price tag shattered previous records, including the $6.0 million paid for a CGC 8.5 graded copy of Action Comics #1 and $5.3 million for a Superman #1 graded CGC 8.0.

"What a momentous day. I'm thrilled for our consignor. Superman No. 1 is a milestone in pop culture history, and this copy is not only in unprecedented condition, but it has a movie-worthy story behind it. I was glad to see the price reflect that and am honored Heritage was entrusted with this iconic book," Heritage Auction Vice President Lon Allen said.

Superman's Big Year

The record-breaking sale caps off a strong year for the Man of Steel. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which owns the DC Comics brand, released "Superman" earlier this year to massive box office success. The film opened with $125 million domestically in its opening weekend and went on to gross $354.2 million domestically and $616.7 million globally, ranking third domestically and seventh worldwide for year-to-date gross in 2025.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery is currently fielding bids for the company and its assets, including the Superman brand itself. Turns out Superman is breaking records both on screen and in attics across America.