This earliest Superman cover art known to exist sold for $286,800 at Heritage Auctions‘ Vintage Comics Signature Auction in New York. It’s thrilling visage of the Man of Steel from Action Comics #15 by Fred Guardineer, one of DC Comics’ go-to cover artists at the time. The cover depicts the superhero aiding a distressed U.S. submarine on the ocean floor. It was purchased by Richard Evans of Bedrock City Comic Company in Houston.
“We knew collectors would like this season’s line up, but were shocked to see the sheer numbers of collectors who battled it out for gems across every category, artist, and price,” said Ed Jaster, Heritage’s Vice President.
A copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, the first appearance of Spider-Man, CGC 9.0, hammered for $191,200, as 30 different bidders blew its pre-auction estimate out of the water.
The bidding boxing match continued as 13 bidders fought to own Amazing-Man Comics #5 (#1) 9.4 CGC Mile High Pedigree, considered one of the Top 100 Golden Age books. The book, one of just two copies known in the best condition ever recorded, crossed the block for $56,762.
The auction featured a number of special collections that speak to the very heart of the hobby and brought total of $4.7+ million.
