Batman Beats Superman

Pristine copies of two comic books that featured the debuts of Batman and Superman were sold this week for seven-figure sums at separate, record-breaking auctions.

On Monday, Superman had his brief moment of record-setting glory:

A rare copy of the first comic book featuring Superman sold Monday for $1 million, smashing the previous record price for a comic book.

A 1938 edition of Action Comics No. 1, widely considered the Holy Grail of comic books, was sold from a private seller to a private buyer, neither of whom released their names. The issue features Superman lifting a car on its cover and originally cost 10 cents.

The transaction was conducted by the auction site ComicConnect.com. Stephen Fishler, co-owner of the site and its sister dealership, Metropolis Collectibles, orchestrated the sale.

Superman's record, however, was bested by Batman yesterday:

Heritage Auction Galleries said a 1939 comic book in which Batman makes his debut has sold at auction in Dallas for more than $1 million — setting a record for the amount paid for a comic.

The rare copy of Detective Comics No. 27 from 1939 went for $1,075,500 Thursday. A Heritage official said it was sold on behalf of an anonymous consignor and the buyer wished to remain unnamed as well.

Makes me wish I'd hung on to that overflowing box of comic books I once collected.

(Not that any of them dated back to the '30's. I'm not that old...)

- Garry J. Wise, Toronto

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