Superman fans have been bidding for a copy of the first comic ever to show the red-caped hero - only not at the 10c price the first American buyers would have paid back in 1938.
Bids quickly reached $US200,200 when the rare and unrestored copy of the first issue of Action Comics began selling on Friday on the internet site Comic Connect.
The cover shows Superman, in his familiar cape and blue suit emblazoned with a red S, hurling a green car past terrified onlookers.
"Some books seem to go in and out of fashion,' say the auctioneers. "Action Comics No 1 will never be one of those."
Bidding remains open till 13 March.
