Action Comics No. 1 Sells for $6 Million, Becoming World’s Most Valuable Comic Book 

THE 1938 DEBUT OF SUPERMAN, GRADED CGC 8.5, SETS A NEW AUCTION RECORD AT HERITAGE

By Intelligent Collector Staff 

Superman just made history again.

A copy of Action Comics No. 1, the 1938 comic that introduced the world to the Man of Steel, sold for $6 million at Heritage Auctions on April 4, setting a new world auction record for a comic book. 

The issue, graded CGC Very Fine+ 8.5, is one of the finest surviving examples of the title that launched the superhero genre. Known as the Kansas City Pedigree copy, it is one of only three unrestored copies to earn such a high grade or better. 

With this result, Superman leapfrogged himself: the previous record for any comic book was held by a privately sold copy of Superman No. 1, which brought in $5.3 million in 2022. The highest public auction record until now was set by a CGC 9.6 copy of Amazing Fantasy No. 15, Spider-Man’s debut, which sold at Heritage for $3.6 million in 2021. 

“Some comics transcend collecting — they’re cultural artifacts,” said Barry Sandoval, Vice President at Heritage Auctions. “Action Comics No. 1 is where it all began. To offer one of the best-known copies ever certified was a privilege, and to see it reach this historic price was extraordinary.” 

Published in the spring of 1938, Action Comics No. 1 introduced readers to Superman, a character who would become the blueprint for every costumed hero to follow. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman arrived not as the polished icon of later decades, but as a raw, socially conscious vigilante fighting corruption, abuse, and injustice. 

Only about 100 copies of the comic are believed to still exist, a tiny fraction of the original 200,000 printed. CGC’s census includes just 78 graded examples. Even the most worn copies of the issue are highly sought-after; Heritage sold a CGC 0.5 copy in 2023 for $408,000. 

This $6 million sale reinforces Superman’s place at the top of comic book lore and cements Heritage Auctions’ leadership in the field. For collectors and consignors alike, it also answers a question often asked in the hobby: Where’s the best place to sell a truly valuable comic book? 

The record result came during the first session of Heritage’s April 4–7 Comics & Comic Art Signature® Auction. Other notable sales that day included a CGC 9.6 copy of The Avengers No. 1 for $432,000, a CGC 9.6 Sensation Comics No. 1 for $420,000, and a CGC 9.8 Daredevil No. 1 for $360,000, all setting records for their respective titles. 

But it was the flying strongman from Krypton, in a red cape and blue tights, who once again proved he’s still the gold standard in comic book history. 

Intelligent Collector brings editorial expertise to the world of comic art collecting, offering collectors deep insights into market trends, key issues, and the stories behind iconic characters and creators. Our experienced writers and industry experts help readers navigate the evolving comics landscape with authority, while our connection to Heritage Auctions, the best place to sell comic books, ensures our coverage reflects real market knowledge that serious collectors and investors can trust.