A 1938 comic that marks Superman’s first appearance sold for $6 million at auction this week, making it the most expensive comic book ever.
Action Comics No 1 has been described by US-based Heritage Auctions, which oversaw the sale, as the “most important, impactful comic book ever published”. It was released in June 1938, and originally sold for 10 cents. More than 200,000 copies of the issue were printed, of which only about 100 are believed to have survived.
The comic’s cover features Superman, in his idiosyncratic blue and red caped costume, hoisting a car above his head as people scurry around in panic. Written by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the comic delves into Superman’s origin story as an alien child being sent to Earth ahead of his planet’s destruction. It also introduces Lois Lane, Superman’s love interest.
The book is particularly noteworthy because it signals the beginning of the “Golden Age of comics”, Barry Sandoval, vice president of Heritage Auctions, said ahead of the sale on April 4.
“Without Superman and Action Comics No 1, who knows whether the medium would have become what it is today,” he said.
Superman has become a pop culture staple over the past 86 years, and is one of the most recognisable superheroes. He has been featured in several films and TV series, being famously portrayed by Christopher Reeve and more recently, Henry Cavill. As such, due to his popularity and cultural significance, it is no surprise that the original Superman comic books have raked in a fortune.
Here we look at seven of the most expensive comics, with the Man of Steel making more than one appearance.
Superman # 1
In 2022, a copy of Superman No 1 sold for $5.3 million.
Published by DC Comics in 1939, it marked the first time a comic was dedicated to an individual hero. The book was conceived following Action Comics No 1, which more than vouched for Superman’s public appeal. The series would go on to be published consistently until the mid-1980s, with about 400 issues released. This first instalment has been a favourite under the hammer, often fetching millions depending on its condition.
Action Comics No 1
Action Comics No 1 is also a consistent name in the list of most expensive comic books. Even before fetching $6 million, the comic already had a track record of fetching millions at auction. A copy sold for $3.56 million at ComicConnect in 2023 – despite not being in as brilliant a condition as its current record-breaking sibling.
Amazing Fantasy No 15
Amazing Fantasy No 15 is to Spider-Man what Action Comics No 1 is to Superman. The comic, published in 1962, marks the first appearance of the web-slinging teenage superhero. Surprisingly, Stan Lee had to convince Marvel Comics to feature the hero in the final issue of Amazing Fantasy. The comic went on to become a bestseller for Marvel, which went on to give Spider-Man his own series. The rest, of course, is history.
In 2021, a copy was sold by Heritage Auctions for $3.6 million and it briefly became the most expensive comic at the time.
Captain America Comics No 1
Captain America Comics No 1 was published in 1941, at the height of the Second World War, and we can only imagine the enthusiasm felt by young readers when they first saw the cover.
The gleefully chaotic comic shows Captain America punching Adolf Hitler, a bullet ricocheting off the Captain's signature shield. Nazi soldiers are either rushing to come to their Fuhrer’s aid or stand around somewhat flabbergasted. Bucky, meanwhile, salutes the reader at the bottom and is introduced as “Captain America’s Young Ally”.
The work was published by Marvel Comics, which was then known as Timely Comics. A copy sold for $3.12 million by Heritage Auctions in 2022.
Marvel Comics No 1
Published in 1939, the first Marvel Comics featured an anthology of stories that introduced a menagerie of superheroes. Though most of them didn’t stand the test of time, the comic is still significant for being the foundation of the Marvel universe. In 2022, a copy sold for $2.4 million at ComicConnect.
Batman No 1
Batman’s first dedicated comic also introduced some of his most famous counterparts, including Joker and Catwoman. The book was published in 1940 and features both Batman and Robin on the cover. The artwork is relatively restrained and merely features the duo swinging above Gotham.
The issue sold for $2.22 million at Heritage Auctions in 2021.
Tales of Suspense No 39
Iron Man’s first appearance was in this 1963 comic. The character was conceived by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Larry Lieber and Don Heck as a means to explore the Cold War. The cover of the comic features the superhero decked in a suit that is unlike the red and gold iteration we’ve become used to. In fact, the drab armour is likely the aesthetic inspiration to the one featured in the 2008 movie Iron Man, where Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) developed the first Iron Man suit while in captivity.
Tales of Suspense No 39 sold for $2 million at ComicLink last year.
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
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MATCH INFO
Who: UAE v USA
What: first T20 international
When: Friday, 2pm
Where: ICC Academy in Dubai
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final second leg:
Juventus 1 Ajax 2
Ajax advance 3-2 on aggregate
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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
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Atletico Madrid 1 (Costa 39')
Man of the match Iker Muniain (Athletic Bilbao)
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
