A rare prototype copy of 'Action Comics No. 1' up for auction

'Collectors have come to revere these one-of-a-kind copies; they are not seen as 'comic books' but a cornerstone of US history and popular culture, ' said a Heritage Auctions spokesperson. Photo: AFP

There are just three in the world. A rare copy of the Action Comics No. 1 prototype is coming to market for the first time at Heritage Auctions. It will be offered for online auction from April 1-4.

More than 80 years ago, publisher DC Comics introduced Superman to comic book fans in the first issue of Action Comics. The American monthly magazine has since gone down in history as one of the oldest American comic books, and especially the one with the highest numbering. But before it appeared in bookstores in April 1938, Action Comics already existed as an "ashcan" that publisher Harry Donenfeld had created to ensure that his competitors could not steal what he hoped would become "the most important comic book" ever published.