A rare copy of an original Superman comic has sold for $NZ9.98 million.
The character was launched in 1938 as Action Comic No. 1 - which marked the first appearance of the DC Comics icon - and the issue has now topped the record previously set by Superman No. 1, which was auctioned off at NZ$8.81 million in 2022.
Heritage Auctions Vice President Barry Sandoval said in a statement ahead of the sale: "Without Superman and Action Comics No. 1, who knows whether there ever would have been a Golden Age of comics-or if the medium would have become what it is today.
"We're thrilled to have made history today with an auction that's rich in history, encompassing everything from a pre-Golden Age Superman artifact to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We couldn't be happier for our consignors and those winning bidders who acquired items without equal."
The comic book issue in question features the famed character performing an act of heroism by lifting up a car.
According to reports, there are 78 copies of the issue known to still be in existence and a previous copy was sold at the same auction house but because that one came with an "apparent grade of 8.0, whilst the latest edition to be sold came with a grade of 8.5, it has broken a further record for being the only one to be marked as being in "very good" condition.
The auction of further vintage comic books will continue until April 7.
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