Superman did a super feat on Sunday through his first comic book, though he would never have dreamt of being a star. The comic was worth 10 cents in 1938, but clinched a sale of $3.2 million.

Darren Adams, owner of Pristine Comics shop, Seattle, sold what he told the Washington Post was "a freak-of-nature work." Stephen Fishler and Vincent Zurzolo put up in eBay Action Comics No. 1, in which the 1938 superhero was first featured. There were 42 big bids, but finally, it was bought for $3.2 billion, shooting to become the most expensive comic book. It exceeded the $2.1 million that was paid by Nicolas Cage for another first copy in 2011.

So who has picked up the latest copy? eBay wouldn't tell, keeping it as much a secret as Superman did his identity. However, New York dealers Metropolis Comics claim to have bought it.

There are about 100 copies of the comic in the world. Rated 9.0 on a 10-point scale to target the vintage book's condition, the book has been an instant attention-grabber.

Fishler and Zurzolo, owners of ComicConnect.com had auctioned a copy of the book in 2011, as well as another rather more tattered comic for $1 million in 2010. With shooting interests in superperson movies and books, the prices and investment values of the books are peaking too. "It's hard to believe that a kid's 10-cent comic could be worth that much money, but it is Superman. That's an iconic thing," Fishler said. "It's the first time anybody saw what a superhero was like."

Superman was born in Cleveland, birthed by teenagers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This debut comic started the Krypton creation, wearing the hat of an earthly reporter, Clark Kent, but eager activist. He also spawned a number of super avatars over the years. The teenagers earned $10 for every page, after they gave up their rights to DC Comics at $130.

This super-sold book had been living in a box made of cedar in West Virginia. It was bought originally from a nearby stand, according to The Washington Post. It was next bought by a collector who actually hid it in another chest made of the same wood!

What would someone do with the book? Zurzolo isn't sure. "It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up," he said.

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation will gain some of the proceeds, to honour the Hollywood star who once flew as Superman.