Ultra-rare Superman comic to be sold on eBay
Action Comics No. 1, 'the most valuable comic book in the world' will be auctioned online
A pristine edition of Superman's 13-page comic book debut is to be publically auctioned on eBay in mid-August.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the copy of Action Comics No. 1 being sold by collector Darren Adams is particularly special because of its "near-mint condition".
"I felt this book deserves to have as much publicity as possible because of what it is," Adams said. "This is the first time this copy's ever been publicly available for sale".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Potential buyers will be required to "prequalify" in order to take part in the auction, to ensure all bids are serious. One per cent of the profits will also be donated to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which was founded by the late film actor to seek cures for spinal cord injuries.
The book, which contains the origins of Superman and the first appearance of reporter Lois Lane, was originally purchased by a fan in 1938. Afterwards, the copy was "stored in a cedar chest for 40 years ... and later sold to a dealer who kept it in a bank vault" before Adams took possession, the Telegraph says.
Upon inspection by the Certified Guaranty Company, the comic book was given a nine out of 10 quality rating.
"The quality and preservation of this Action #1 is astounding," said CGC inspector Paul Litch. "The book looks and feels like it just came off the news stand. It is supple, the colours are deep and rich and the quality of the white pages is amazing for a comic that is 76 years old".
Adams said it was difficult to estimate how much the comic might fetch, but added that due to the comic's rarity "there’s really no limit to it," the Fiscal Times reports.
In 2011, another highly rated copy of the issue was sold at a record-breaking $2.16 million. The Telegraph claims that "fewer than 50 unrestored copies" of the comic remain in existence, making it "the most valuable comic book in the world".
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The four presidents who were assassinated in office
The Explainer The unlucky men who fell victim to successful plots against their lives
By David Faris Published
-
Canada's carbon tax in the crosshairs
Under the radar PM Justin Trudeau's flagship green policy has become increasingly unpopular as citizens grapple with high inflation and cost-of-living crisis
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: October 14, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sport on TV guide: Christmas 2022 and New Year listings
Speed Read Enjoy a feast of sporting action with football, darts, rugby union, racing, NFL and NBA
By Mike Starling Published
-
Soundbars to air fryers: the best refurbished Black Friday tech deals
The Week Recommends Buying second hand technology can be budget-friendly – and doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality
By Julia O'Driscoll Published
-
House of the Dragon: what to expect from the Game of Thrones prequel
Speed Read Ten-part series, set 200 years before GoT, will show the incestuous decline of Targaryen
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
One in 20 young Americans identify as trans or non-binary
Speed Read New research suggests that 44% of US adults know someone who is transgender
By The Week Staff Published
-
Will fast fashion ever slow down?
podcast Love Island swaps fast-fashion sponsors for eBay amid concerns about environmental impact of clothes waste
By Julia O'Driscoll Published
-
The Turner Prize 2022: a ‘vintage’ shortlist?
Speed Read All four artists look towards ‘growth, revival and reinvention’ in their work
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
What’s on TV this Christmas? The best holiday television
Speed Read From films and documentaries to musicals for all the family
By The Week Staff Published
-
Coco vision: up close to Chanel opticals
Speed Read Parisian luxury house adds opticals to digital offering
By The Week Staff Published