A unique edition of the comic book that first introduced Superman to the world and was previously stolen from actor Nicolas Cage’s residence has been sold for a groundbreaking $15 million US. The undisclosed transaction for Action Comics No. 1, jointly created by Toronto-native cartoonist Joe Shuster and American comic writer Jerry Siegel, was made public on Friday. This sale surpasses the former comic book record set last November when a copy of Superman No. 1 was auctioned for $9.12 million.
The negotiation for the sale of Action Comics was conducted by Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, based in Manhattan. The identities of both the comic’s owner and the purchaser were kept confidential. According to Vincent Zurzolo, the company’s president, this comic, which was initially sold for 10 cents in 1938, signifies the genesis of the superhero genre and is among the most valuable comic books globally. It is estimated that approximately 100 copies of this comic book still exist.
Joe Shuster and his school companion Jerry Siegel conceived the concept of Superman in 1933, five years prior to the release of Action Comics No. 1. In that edition, Superman’s alter ego, a mild-mannered reporter at The Daily Star (later renamed The Daily Planet), was inspired by Shuster’s hometown newspaper, the Toronto Daily Star (now known as the Toronto Star).
“This comic book is considered one of the ultimate treasures in the comic book realm. The significance of Superman’s popularity cannot be overstated, as it paved the way for other legendary superhero comic book characters like Batman,” stated Zurzolo. He emphasized the cultural importance of this deal, noting that it shattered the previous record.
The comic book was stolen from Cage’s Los Angeles residence in 2000 but was later recovered in 2011 after being discovered by an individual who had bought the contents of an old storage unit in southern California. It was subsequently returned to Cage, who had acquired it in 1996 for $150,000. Within six months of its return, Cage auctioned it off for $2.2 million.
Stephen Fishler, the CEO of Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, highlighted that the theft significantly contributed to the comic’s increased value over time. Fishler likened the situation to the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911, which, upon its recovery, transformed from a remarkable Da Vinci painting to a global icon. Similarly, Action Comics No. 1 is now considered an emblem of American pop culture.
The significance of Superman’s legacy and the iconic status of Action Comics No. 1 continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
