Superman might be able to fly and have extraordinary strength but he has been seen off by Spider-Man, after a comic featuring Spidey’s first appearance blitzed the Man of Steel’s record to become the most expensive ever sold.
A copy of the 1962 comic Amazing Fantasy #15, in which Peter Parker and his alter ego Spider-Man make their debut in print, was sold last week at Heritage Auctions for $3.6m (£2.5m). That's a pretty healthy return on an outlay of just 12 cents when the comic hit the shelves nearly 60 years ago.
The record for a comic sale had been held since April by Superman’s first appearance in Action Comics #1, which was auctioned by Comic Connect for $3.25m.
The cover of Amazing Fantasy #15, by Jack Kirby, shows Spider-Man as he swings into action in New York. “Though the world may mock Peter Parker, the timid teenager …” the superhero says, “it will soon marvel at the awesome sight of … Spider-Man!”
Spider-Man’s first appearance – in which he gains the mantra “With great power there must also come great responsibility!” – was so popular that he would make his next appearance in his very own comic, titled Amazing Spider-Man #1, reports The Guardian.
Heritage Auctions said the copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 was “pristine”. It is one of only four copies known to exist in this condition, says to the auction house. “What better book to break the record than the debut of Marvel’s most beloved character?” said Heritage Auctions.
Is it a good time to rootle around the dusty old boxes in your loft to see if you've got any early Marvel comics? Absolutely!
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