The single most valuable comic in existence, often referred to as the holy grail of comics and the book that gave birth to the superhero genre, is up for auction on Ebay.
A 9.0 CGC graded copy of Action Comics #1 can be yours. Currently standing at just over the princely sum of $2m and with four days left to run, we could see the record of $2.1m for a sale of a copy of this landmark issue broken. That copy previously belonged to actor Nicolas Cage, which he auctioned after it was stolen from him in 2000 and found ten years later.
Originally published on April 18th 1938 with a print run of 200,000 copies, it is regarded by many as the first true superhero comic and, as many comics were then, was an anthology of stories. There are thought to be fewer than 100 copies remaining and only a small number are in good condition.
The description on the auction page says that there are only two copies in such good condition in existence, the other being the aforementioned copy that belonged to Nicolas Cage. One thing the owners seem to be sure of, this copy is as close as anyone can get to seeing the book in the condition it came off the presses. They claim this copy has “significant superior eye appeal” when compared to the other 9.0 graded copy. It also says the only other copy to exist that has white pages is only graded as 2.5 by CGC.
A quote from CGC’s primary grader, Paul Litch says “The quality and preservation of Adams (the seller) Action #1 is astounding. The book looks and feels like it just came off the news stand. It is supple, the colors are deep and rich, and the quality of the white pages feels amazing for a comic that is 76 years old.”
A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, whose work helps to improve the lives of those dealing with paralysis.
So, check your pockets and down the back of the sofa. Maybe we can all club together and buy this issue! One thing is for sure, keeping an eye on this auction will be watching comic book history in the making.
