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Vintage Superman, Batman comic lot auction grabs $6.5 million on day 1

A copy of the first comic book to feature Superman is going up for sale, Action Comics #1, 1938.
Heritage Auctions
Michael Rothman
ByMichael Rothman
May 10, 2018, 5:23 PM

A massive lot of vintage comic books and original art sold today for a combined $6.5 million and that number could total upwards of $10 million, with two more days to go.

Heritage Auctions in Chicago started selling the books and the art on Thursday, which include rare gems like "Action Comics" #1 from 1938, which is the first time Superman appeared, "Batman" #1 from 1940 and·"Justice League of America" #1 from 1960.

The comic with Superman's first appearance nabbed $573,600, while "Batman" #1 was purchased for $227,050.

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A copy of the first comic book to feature Superman is going up for sale, Action Comics #1, 1938.
Heritage Auctions

"We expect this to be one of the largest comic book auctions ever held," Eric Bradley, director of public relations for Heritage Auctions, told ABC News. He added the total proceeds after the weekend could reach upwards of $9 million to $10 million.

Bradley said auctions of vintage comics and original art have exploded in recent years because of Marvel Cinematic Universe films and those by Warner Bros. that include stars from the DC Comics universe.

A copy of Batman #1 comic book will be up for sale, featuring the first appearance of The Joker and Catwoman.
Heritage Auctions

"We also expect great things on the horizons for Venom and Deadpool with those films coming out," he said.

In fact, one lucky Deadpool fan grabbed a piece of the "Merc with a Mouth"'s history in this auction.

A page of art from the comic featuring the first appearance of Deadpool, will be up for sale.
Heritage Auctions

Original art from his first appearance in "New Mutants" #98, from the 1990's, sold for more than $50,000.

"We also have original cover art from 'Amazing Spiderman' #61, the first cover appearance of Gwen Stacy," Bradley added.

That piece sold for $163,000.

The highest sale of the day went to a Frank Frazetta painting, that went for $1.7 million.

And don't fret, anyone not in Chicago you can head to Heritage's website for all the big listings.

ABC News and Marvel Comics are both part of parent company Disney.

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