Detective Comics #27 and Action Comics #1 in Heritage Sale Each Realize More than $1 Million

Certified by CGC®, comic books featuring the first appearances of Superman and Batman each realized more than a million dollars in Heritage Auctions’ Comic Books Signature Auction on May 7-9, 2026. Some of the world’s finest grails led a superteam of another 12 classic CGC-certified comics that each also reached six figures in the sale.

Leading the way in the auction was a Detective Comics #27 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 91014), which realized $1,525,000. Published in 1939, this historic comic features the first appearance of Batman by creators Bob Kane and Bill Finger. The character’s introduction was an attempt to mimic the success of Action Comics' Superman. Batman was indeed a success, which led to the Caped Crusader's own solo series in 1940.

Hot on this Batman grail’s heels was an Action Comics #1 graded CGC 7.0 Conserved (lot 91002), which realized $1,403,000. Credited with shaping the future of DC Comics and the entire modern comic book industry, Action Comics #1 launched Superman to prominence as an iconic American superhero in 1938. Fewer than 100 copies of Action Comics #1 are listed in the CGC Population Report in any grade.

Its previous owner, Timmy Hague of Arsenal Comics and Games, said proceeds from the sale of this Action Comics #1 will be donated to the Hero Initiative, Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC), and Comics Professional Retail Organization (Comics Pro).

Only 11 comic books have ever had examples realize more than $1 million at auction — with Detective Comics #27 and Action Comics combining for a total of 15 results above that impressive threshold.

Other CGC-certified comics sold in this auction include:

• a Batman #1 graded CGC 5.0 (lot 91010), which realized $366,000
• an Amazing Fantasy #15 graded CGC 8.5 (lot 91007), which realized $268,400
• a Marvel Spotlight #5 graded CGC 9.8 (lot 91018), which realized $244,000
• a Suspense Comics #3 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 91025), which realized $231,800
• a Batman #1 graded CGC 4.0 (lot 91011), which realized $219,600
• an Action Comics #10 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 91003), which realized $195,200
• an All Star Comics #8 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 91006), which realized $183,000
• a Marvel Comics #1 graded CGC 9.0 Restored (lot 91016), which realized $158,600
• an X-Men #1 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 91026), which realized $134,200
• a Captain America Comics #1 graded CGC 4.0 (lot 91012), which realized $128,100
• a Superman #1 graded CGC 1.5 (lot 91127), which realized $109,800
• a Superman #1 graded CGC 1.0 (lot 91024), which realized $109,800

Prices realized include a buyer’s premium.

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games, and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs, and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation, and more. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray, and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.

CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 110 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs, and stamps.