Nicolas Cage's long lost comic returned

A rare comic book stolen from Nicolas Cage 10 years ago has been recovered.

Action Comics No. 1 - which features the début of Superman in popular culture - was first published in 1938, and stolen from the actor's West Los Angeles home in 2000.

It was discovered last month in a storage locker in the city's San Fernando Valley, and is now in the possession of Los Angeles Police.

Detective Donald Hrycyk said the comic - valued at US$1.5 million (NZ$ 1,914,830) - will be staying in police custody.

He said: "We have it protected in a safe and it isn't going anywhere until we finish our investigation."

Detective Hrycyk also refused to confirm the identity of the man who claims to have discovered the comic after purchasing the locker at an auction.

He said: "He claims he doesn't know the exact storage locker."

However, Nicolas - who was once signed up to star as Superman in a late 90s version of the movie before pulling out - is hopeful he will see the illustrated adventure again.

He said: "It is divine providence that the comic was found and I am hopeful that the heirloom will be returned to my family."

The 47-year-old actor was said to be so devastated when the comic was stolen he gave up collecting, and sold his collection of 141 rare comics for more than $1.6 million.

- BANG! Showbiz