Poker Writer
Yaamava Resort and Casino at San Manuel in California is giving away a copy of the most valuable comic book in the world in a special promotion. The comic in question is a graded copy of Action Comics #1, featuring the first-ever appearance of Superman. It was published in 1938 and is widely regarded as the originator of the superhero genre, which remains popular almost a century later.
There are only 78 graded copies of this comic book in existence, making the promotion a once-in-a-lifetime chance for comic lovers to own a piece of history.
The promotion is called the “Holy Grail of Comics,” and the final draw will be held at Yaamava on August 5. Actor Dean Cain, who played Superman on Lois & Clark, will announce the winner.
Kenji Hall, the general manager of Yaamava Resort and Casino, described the promotion:
This isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the most iconic comic ever published. At Yaamava’, our guests are the real superheroes, and we can’t wait to bring them yet another epic moment.
The comic is visible to the public at the casino, housed in a crystalline “fortress” display.
Some Copies of Action Comics #1 Go for Millions
The value of collectors’ items like this varies greatly depending on their condition. Graded copies like the one being given away by Yaamava have been preserved in a plastic slab and assigned a numerical rating by experts.
The promotional video for this giveaway states that the value of this particular copy is estimated at $400,000, but that may be conservative.
One copy, graded at 8.5 out of 10, sold for $6 million last year. Even copies as low as a 4.0 have fetched mid-six-figure sums.
The Yaamava copy is graded a 6.0, as shown in a video on TikTok.
Regardless of condition, Action Comics #1 is highly sought after as it is the first appearance of the iconic characters Superman and Lois Lane. Since then, they’ve appeared in thousands of issues across dozens of titles.
Poker-playing comics fans may be disappointed to note that Yaamava is not known as a poker destination and lacks a public poker room. However, it does have dealers and private tables available for high-stakes play.
The promotion is available to all Club Serrano loyalty club members who have been earning entries since the beginning of June. Additional entries can be earned up until 8:50 p.m. on August 5.
Draws will take place periodically throughout the promotional period, each awarding $3,000 in free play and a spot in the finals.
Tomorrow, July 11, there is also a comics-themed event at the casino’s Tukut Lounge featuring filmmaker Kevin Smith and actor Ralph Garman, starting at 6 p.m.
