A rare copy of Action Comics #1, which once belonged to Nicolas Cage and is famous for the first appearance of Superman, has set a new record with its $15 million sale to an undisclosed buyer. This Nicolas Cage Superman comic sale took place in early January, making the comic one of the most expensive and sought-after collectibles in the industry.
Historic Sale of Action Comics #1 Once Owned by Nicolas Cage
The sale took place on January 9, with The New York Times confirming the transaction. The comic, Action Comics No. 1, played an important role in introducing Superman to readers for the first time back in 1938. Its significant age and iconic status have contributed to its rise in value, making it highly desirable among collectors worldwide.
At present, fewer than 100 confirmed copies of this original Superman comic are known to exist. According to Vincent Zurzolo, who is president of Metropolis Collectibles and ComicConnect, this scarcity is a major reason for its impressive price. Nicolas Cage, known for his love of comic books and the Man of Steel, once counted the issue as a valued piece in his collection.
Initially sold for just 10 cents in 1938, Nicolas Cage acquired the comic in 1996 from Metropolis Collectibles and ComicConnect for $150,000. Trouble struck in 2000 when the comic was stolen from Cage’s residence during a party by an unknown perpetrator. The missing issue remained lost for more than a decade and was finally discovered in a California storage unit in 2011.
After its recovery, Nicolas Cage made the decision to sell the comic at auction, where it fetched $2.2 million. Over the span of just thirteen years, the comic’s worth has risen sharply, culminating in the current $15 million sale.
Comic Book’s Rarity and Condition Drive Value
Experts from organizations such as the Certified Guaranty Company have highlighted the comic’s exceptional preservation, awarding it a grade of 9.0. This score underlines that, despite some minimal flaws, the issue remains in remarkably strong condition for its age. The absence of major defects is rare for assets of this kind, which has undoubtedly contributed to the comic’s surge in price.
Both parties involved in this sale—the buyer and the seller—have remained anonymous following the record-setting transaction. Nicolas Cage, Metropolis Collectibles, and ComicConnect all hold places in the history of this particular copy of Action Comics #1.
Significance of the $15 Million Sale
This Nicolas Cage Superman comic sale has solidified the issue’s standing among the most valuable comic books ever sold, reflecting both the enduring popularity of Superman and the growing interest in vintage collectibles. The event emphasizes the continued impact of iconic comic books on popular culture and the remarkable trajectory of certain collectibles’ values over time. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to pursue legendary editions, the story of Nicolas Cage’s former Superman comic stands as a testament to rarity and history in the world of comics.
