New Delhi: An original edition of Action Comics No. 1, featuring Superman's debut, sold for a record-breaking $6 million (approximately Rs 49 crore), several media outlets reported on Monday. Authored by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the comic introduces Superman's origin story and the character of Lois Lane.

This sale surpasses previous records, including $5.3 million (about Rs 44 crore) for Superman No. 1 in 2022 and Spider-Man's debut comic, which sold for $3.6 million (about Rs 29 crore) in 2021. The Action Comics copy auctioned was graded 8.5 out of 10, indicating its exceptional condition, and is considered rare, with only 78 copies tracked by CGC, a leading comic grading service.

Barry Sandoval, vice president at Heritage Auctions, hailed the auction as a historic day for a historic comic book, anticipating the four-day event to surpass US$15 million. Notable items included a 1934 letter penned by Siegel about Superman's concept, sold for $264,000 (about Rs 2 crore), and a top-tier copy of 1963's The Avengers, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, which fetched $432,000 (about Rs 3 Crore) after igniting a bidding war.

Two copies of Justice League of America, both graded 9.6, were sold for $348,000 (about Rs 2 crore) each. However, a remarkable 9.6 graded copy featuring Wonder Woman's second appearance stole the show, commanding $420,000 (about Rs 3 Crore). Other notable sales included Daredevil No. 1, which sold for $360,000 (about Rs 2 crore) ahead of its revival in a Disney Plus series, and Doctor Strange's debut, which garnered $150,000 (about Rs 1 crore).

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