From glasses and lunchboxes to action figures, artwork and comic books, David Olsen's collection encompasses everything Superman. The character first captured his imagination when he was a young boy, though his collection didn't kick into full gear until 10 years ago.
Olsen was shocked to find out that his wife's grandfather actually drew Superman in the comic books. His collection has its own home in Olsen's basement, where he can relax and feel like a kid again. One rule he has is that the collection is not allowed to move to the upstairs.
Here are some quick tips on how to start your own collection:
- Superman action figures and statues can be a good buy. A five-inch Superman action figure made by Kenner in the mid-1980s originally sold for $3 to $4, but today it can be worth more than $40. Look for the 10-inch vinyl Superman in a flying pose made by Transogram in the 1940s. That one can go for more than $200.
- Old Superman comic books in good condition can be a great find. The Superman Action Comic No. 254, featuring the first encounter between Superman and Bizzaro, originally sold in 1959 for 10 cents, but today it can be worth $350. Action Comic No. 252, also from 1959, introducing the original Supergirl, is worth more than $2,000, and a copy of Superman No.1 from 1939 can be worth more than $200,000!
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