In a twist of fate that sounds like something straight out of a comic book, three brothers from San Francisco stumbled upon a piece of pop culture history last Christmas while cleaning out their late mother’s attic. A pristine copy of the first Superman comic from 1939 has just sold for a staggering $9.12 million, making it the most expensive comic book ever sold.

The story begins with the brothers discovering a box of old newspapers that contained this incredibly rare comic book. Their mother had originally purchased the comic when she was just nine years old, along with a few other vintage comics. What makes this discovery extraordinary is the comic’s near-perfect condition, which experts attribute to San Francisco’s mild climate.

The comic received a remarkable 9 out of 10 rating from the Certified Guaranty Company, with its spine intact and colors still vivid after nearly 85 years. Heritage Auctions in Dallas facilitated the record-breaking sale to an anonymous collector, surpassing the previous record of $5.3 million set in 2022.

Lon Allen, vice president of Heritage Auctions, described the comic as a “milestone in pop culture history” with a “movie-worthy story”. The brothers, now in their 50s and 60s, chose to remain anonymous following their unexpected windfall.

One of the brothers poignantly shared that this discovery was “never just about a collectible,” but a profound connection to family memory and the surprising ways history can unexpectedly resurface. The comic serves as a tangible link to their mother’s past and a remarkable testament to preservation.

The sale underscores the incredible value of vintage collectibles and the potential hidden treasures that might be lurking in forgotten boxes and dusty attics. For comic book enthusiasts and collectors, this story represents a dream scenario - discovering a priceless piece of cultural history in the most unexpected place.

For those interested in diving deeper into comic book culture, the annual FanExpo convention is happening this weekend in San Francisco, offering fans a chance to meet legendary creators and celebrate the art form that has captivated generations.