A copy of the first-ever Marvel comic book has sold at auction for an astounding $2.4 million. The rare collectible featured the initial appearances of superheroes like Submariner, the Angel, Masked Raider, and the Human Torch. An unnamed collector with deep pockets and a passion for Marvel walked away with the comic that some say is in the top 3 in the world of comic collecting.
The issue, which sold for 10 cents in 1938, has increased in value substantially. The item is prized not only for its age and originality but because it features handwritten notes from its creator.
The copy is “arguably one of the top three comic books in the world of comics collecting,” said Vincent Zurzolo, chief operating officer of ComicConnect. “It’s an incredibly important look into the world and behind the scenes of the creation.”
Bidding started at a measly $1, but 33 bids later the New York-based auctioneer sold the rare issue on Thursday night for $2,427,800. The winning bid makes the comic the most expensive version of Marvel #1 ever sold.
The near-perfect condition copy, known as a “pay copy,” features hand-written payment records to Marvel artists made by the publisher, Lloyd Jacquet.
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These days, Marvel Comics is one of the two leading comic book companies in the world, releasing thousands of titles. The Marvel universe has expanded to include well-known characters like Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, X-Men, the Avengers, Iron Man, Daredevil, and the Hulk, but Zurzolo believes it all started with this first edition of Marvel.
“Without this comic book being made, who knows? Maybe none of that happens,” Zurzolo said. “Maybe the name Marvel Comics resonated so much with people, in some way, that that’s what helped to birth all these other things.”
A similar issue, Action Comics #1 from 1938, recently sold for a jaw-dropping $3.18 million at auction. The prized comic book featured Superman’s official debut and is regarded as among the most influential graphic books of all time.
The auctioneer said that the unnamed buyer is a passionate comic collector who understands the importance of the issue and the place in history that it occupies.
Source: TMZ, Associated Press
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