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 purchased for a groundbreaking $15 million US. The undisclosed transaction for Action Comics No. 1, a creation by Toronto-born artist Joe Shuster and American comic writer Jerry Siegel, was revealed on Friday, surpassing the previous comic book sale record set in November when a copy of Superman No. 1 was auctioned for $9.12 million.
The negotiation for the sale of Action Comics was facilitated by Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, a Manhattan-based company, with both the seller and buyer opting to remain anonymous. Vincent Zurzolo, the president of the company, emphasized the significance of this comic, originally priced at 10 cents in 1938, as the cornerstone of the superhero genre and one of the most valuable comic books globally, estimating that approximately 100 copies are still in circulation.
The genesis of Superman can be traced back to 1933 when Shuster and Siegel, childhood friends from Cleveland, conceived the character, predating the release of Action Comics No. 1 by five years. The issue featured Superman’s alter-ego as a reporter at The Daily Star, later renamed The Daily Planet, inspired by Shuster’s hometown publication, the Toronto Daily Star.
Zurzolo described the comic as a prized possession within the comic book community, highlighting its role in shaping the superhero genre and surpassing previous records in the industry. The comic’s cultural impact and historical significance were further underscored by its recovery after being stolen from Cage’s residence in 2000 and subsequently resold at auction for $2.2 million six months after its return in 2011.
Stephen Fishler, CEO of Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, noted the role of the theft in enhancing the comic’s value over the 11-year period it was missing, drawing a parallel to the iconic status achieved by the Mona Lisa following its theft in 1911. Action Comics No. 1, akin to the Mona Lisa in the art world, has become a symbol of American pop culture, solidifying its place as an icon in the comic book realm.