A rare copy of Action Comics No. 1, featuring the debut of Superman, sold for $15 million in a private sale brokered by Metropolis Collectibles Comic Connect on Friday. The comic book, once stolen from actor Nicolas Cage's home and later recovered, was purchased by an anonymous collector, setting a new record for the sale of a comic book.

The sale surpasses the previous record set in November when a Superman No. 1 comic fetched $9.12 million at auction. Both sales dwarf the original 10-cent price tag of Action Comics No. 1, which equates to approximately $2.25 today. The broker, Metropolis Collectibles Comic Connect, stated that both the seller and the buyer wished to remain anonymous.

Action Comics No. 1, published in 1938, is widely regarded as the comic that defined the superhero genre. It features several stories, with Superman's debut being the most iconic. Fewer than 100 copies of the comic are believed to still exist.

The copy sold on Friday was graded nine out of a possible 10 points by the Certified Guaranty Company, a firm specializing in authenticating collectibles. This grade makes it one of the highest-scoring copies of Action Comics No. 1 in existence. The theft of this particular copy from Nicolas Cage's home made headlines years ago, adding to its notoriety and value. Its eventual recovery and return to Cage became part of comic book lore.

Industry experts note that the high price reflects not only the comic's rarity and condition but also Superman's enduring cultural impact. "Superman is more than just a character; he's a symbol of hope and the embodiment of the American ideal," said Emily Atkinson, a comic book historian. "Action Comics No. 1 is the genesis of that symbol, making it a highly sought-after piece of history."

The sale highlights the increasing investment potential of rare comic books and the enduring appeal of superhero narratives. While the identity of the buyer remains a mystery, their acquisition underscores the significance of Action Comics No. 1 as a cornerstone of comic book history and a valuable cultural artifact.