A unique edition of a comic book that was previously stolen from Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage’s residence has been sold for a groundbreaking $15 million (£11.19m). The undisclosed transaction for “Action Comics No. 1”, initially priced at only 10 cents in 1938, was revealed on Friday, maintaining the anonymity of both the seller and buyer. This sale surpasses the previous record for a comic book set in November, when a copy of “Superman No. 1” was auctioned for $9.12 million.
The negotiation was facilitated by Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, based in Manhattan. Vincent Zurzolo, the company’s president, emphasized the comic’s significance as a pivotal piece in the superhero genre, estimating that approximately 100 copies of it remain in existence. He described the comic as a cherished artifact within the comic book community, highlighting its role in shaping the superhero comic legends such as Batman, attributing its importance to the unprecedented sale value.
Originally stolen from Nicolas Cage’s residence in west Los Angeles in 2000, the comic resurfaced in 2011 after being discovered by an individual who had acquired the contents of an old storage unit in southern California. Cage, who had purchased the comic for $150,000 in 1996, regained possession of it. Subsequently, he sold it at an auction for $2.2 million, six months after its recovery. Stephen Fishler, CEO of Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, noted that the theft significantly boosted the comic’s worth during the 11-year period it was missing, ultimately benefiting Cage financially.
Fishler drew a parallel between this incident and the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 from the Louvre museum in Paris, suggesting that the comic’s value and cultural impact were amplified through its mysterious disappearance. He likened the comic to an icon of American pop culture, akin to the renowned Da Vinci painting, signifying its status as a cultural artifact.
“Action Comics No. 1” featured a collection of stories involving mostly lesser-known characters. Notably, it narrated the origin story of Superman, depicting his birth on a dying planet, his migration to Earth, and his subsequent decision to utilize his immense strength for the betterment of humanity. The publication of this comic marked the inception of the superhero genre.