A valuable comic book, previously stolen from Nicolas Cage’s residence, has been sold in a private transaction for a groundbreaking $15 million (£11.19m). The comic in question is “Action Comics No. 1,” initially priced at just 10 cents upon its release in 1938. This sale surpasses the previous record set last year when another comic book, “Superman No. 1,” was auctioned for $9.12 million.
The negotiations for this historic sale were facilitated by Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, a company based in Manhattan. Vincent Zurzolo, the president of the company, emphasized the significance of this comic book within the superhero genre, estimating that only around 100 copies of it still exist globally.
Zurzolo described the comic as a coveted item within the comic book community, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping the superhero narrative. He credited Superman’s popularity for paving the way for other iconic superheroes like Batman. The comic’s theft from Nicolas Cage’s home in 2000 and subsequent recovery in 2011 contributed to its increased value.
Comparing the comic’s journey to the theft of the Mona Lisa, which enhanced the painting’s fame, Stephen Fishler, the CEO of Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, noted the comic’s transformation into an American pop culture icon. “Action No. 1” contains the origin story of Superman, illustrating his birth on a doomed planet, his arrival on Earth, and his commitment to using his extraordinary abilities for the greater good.
The publication of this comic book is recognized as a significant milestone in the evolution of the superhero genre, setting the stage for the iconic characters that followed.