First Marvel Comic Published Sells for $1.26 Million

A near-mint condition copy of the very first Marvel comic published sold for $1.26 million at a public auction in Texas. The issue, called Marvel Comics no. 1, was published in 1939 and originally cost only 10 cents. The Certified Guaranty Company, a comic book grading service, gave the comic a 9.4 rating out of 10, making it the top-rated copy of the issue in existence. The comic introduced classic Marvel characters such as the Human Torch and Angel. Its cover art was drawn by Frank R. Paul, a famous science fiction artist. According to auction house Heritage Auctions, the issue was first bought by a mailman from a newsstand in Pennsylvania. The mailman had a practice of buying the first issues of comic books and magazines. Since then, the issue’s owner had changed only a couple of times. According to the auction house, the issue’s new owner wanted to remain anonymous. Heritage Auctions’ senior vice president, Ed Jaster, considers the issue historic and treats it as the grandfather of all Marvel comics. He said that without it, people would not be able to enjoy Marvel comic books and films today. Despite the hefty price, Marvel Comics no. 1 is not the most expensive comic book ever sold. In 2014, a copy of DC Comics’ Action Comics no. 1 was sold online for over $3.2 million. The comic marked the first appearance of one of DC Comics’ most beloved superheroes, Superman. Before Marvel Comics no. 1, the most expensive Marvel comic ever auctioned was Amazing Fantasy no. 15. It cost $1.1 million and featured Spiderman, Marvel’s famous web-slinging superhero.