A pristine copy of Action Comics #1 will be auctioned on eBay, with all estimations pointed to a new world record for a comic books sold at auction on August 24.

Action Comics #1 is always in demand - it seems unlikely that this issue won't break the record

The historic 1938 comic book sees the first introduction of Superman, the first ever superhero and the archetype of all those to come.

The current record is held by another copy of Action Comics #1, graded 9.0 with off-white pages, which sold for $2.1m through ComicConnect in 2011.

This example is also graded 9.0, but is considered the finer copy due to its white pages, which are virtually unblemished despite being made over 70 years ago.

There is believed to be only 50-100 original copies of Action Comics #1, with just one other copy - graded 2.5 - with "perfect white" pages.

This example spent years locked in a trunk at the bottom of a stack of comics. Thankfully, that trunk protected it from light, heat and was stored at a high altitude, meaning the condition is as pristine as possible.

It was then discovered by a dealer in the late 1970s, who had ran and advert in the back of a newspaper offering free valuations of comic books. Called to the house, it wasn't until he reached bottom of the pile that he unearthed Action Comics #1.

After holding the comic for just a few years, the dealer then sold it to another collector, with whom it stayed for three decades, before selling to current owner Darren Adams.

Adams has enlisted the help of Pristine Comics, a company that specialises in investment-grade comics. A portion of the profits from the sale with benefit the foundation created by Superman star Christopher Reeve, which improves the life of those living with paralysis.

See our comic art for sale.