A copy of the first self-titled Superman comic sold for a world record $9.12 million. The vice-president of the auction house called the rare comic the "pinnacle of comic collecting". He said the copy is "in unprecedented condition". He said: "Superman No. 1 is a milestone in pop culture history." He was proud that his company auctioned the comic. Superman No. 1 first appeared in shops in June 1939. It started a new genre of superhero comics.

The copy of Superman No. 1 had been gathering dust in a house for 86 years. Three brothers discovered it covered in cobwebs. The brothers said their mother was an avid comic collector, and that she had "rare comics somewhere". Half a million copies were initially printed. Mint condition copies are rare because people cut off the front cover to use as a poster. Superman No. 1 became the blueprint for today's modern superheroes.