First Superman comic nears $2m at auction

The cover of Action Comics #1.

A rare comic book that introduced Superman to the world is now worth well over a £1 million (NZ$1.97m) as bidders battle to claim it in an online auction.

Bidders on eBay are fiercely trying to get their hands on a copy of Action Comics #1 from 1938, which is considered to be the "Holy Grail" of comics because of its influence on the superhero genre.

The book has been described as "the finest known copy of the most sought after comic book in the world".

The item was a museum piece and is said to have "perfect white pristine pages", making it even more valuable.

It is believed that there are only 50 to 100 copies of the issues left in the world. An auction in 2011 saw Nicolas Cage's copy of the comic sold for $2.1 million.

As well as being the Man of Steel's debut, the comic features Clark Kent's reporter partner Lois Lane.

The auction started on August 14 and there have been 21 bids so far.

Some of the money from the sale of the comic will go towards The Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to spinal cord research.

The charity was set up Christopher Reeve, who is best known for playing the Man of Steel, after a horse riding accident left him paralysed.

Action Comics #1 - Origin Story:

The latest bid was made today and puts the comic at $1,750,200.00 (around £1,048,275).

There is a week left until the auction closes on 24 August and it is likely that the value of the comic book could go even higher.

- Independent