A pristine copy of Action Comics #1 has raised the world record for a comic book sold at auction, having received global attention on eBay.
 Both record holders are graded 9.0, though this copy has perfect white pages |
The comic book sold for an outstanding $3.2m on August 24, with the bids received appearing to be genuine. The previous record was set at $2.1m in 2011 at ComicConnect, showing a 52% increase for the record.
The CGC 9.0-graded comic dates to 1938, and is fabled among collectors as the issue that introduces Superman - the archetype of all superheroes to come. The previous record holder is also graded 9.0, yet the present example has white pages that remain virtually unblemished.
There are believed to be only 50-100 examples of the comic extant, with only one other known to have "perfect white" pages.
The current copy has spent much of its life in a trunk at the bottom of a stack of comic books, which have protected it from light damage. It was then discovered by a dealer in the 1970s, after the owner called him to value a box of old comic books.
Having held on to the copy for a few years, the dealer then sold it to another collector, who held it for 30 years before selling it to the consignor, Darren Adams.
Adams recruited Pristine Comics, a company that specialises in investment-grade comics, to assist with the sale. The fact that such as company exists is a reflection of the health of the comic book market, which has gone from strength to strength in recent years.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which aims to improve the life of those living with paralysis.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a wonderful selection of comic and illustration art for sale.
