Experiencing a burglary at any point will feel invasive and devastating. Experiencing a burglary during a holiday party in one’s home can feel even worse. Sadly, that’s the situation actor Nicolas Cage experienced more than 20 years ago.
Though the stolen item eventually resurfaced years later, Cage still sorely felt its loss. To make matters worse, someone he invited into his home was responsible for the theft in the first place.
Now, the actor is reflecting on the incident and sharing his true thoughts.
Nicolas Cage Recalls the Night Someone Stole His Rare Comic
Actor Nicolas Cage has always been an avid comic book collector. Once, his collection even included tremendously rare issues. Sadly, one of his beloved rare “Superman” comics was stolen during a party.
The actor recently opened up about the devastating incident that took place over 20 years ago.
“It was heartbreaking. [Action Comics No. 1] was bought for $150,000 and I had a Christmas party and stupidly I had them all in cases … and then I woke up and I went downstairs and they were all gone. All gone,” the “National Treasure” star recently told PEOPLE.
During the heist, Cage lost his 1938 edition of “Action Comics No. 1,” which is the rare comic that officially introduced Superman. He purchased the comic in 1996. At the time it was stolen, PEOPLE reports it was worth about one million dollars.
Cage alerted the Los Angeles police in January 2000. Authorities investigated, but ultimately didn’t turn up any concrete results. He confessed to PEOPLE that he still has no idea who took it, even 26 years later.
Understandably, the actor felt incredibly violated that a guest in his home took his prized posessions.
The Stolen Comic Eventually Resurfaced
Though Nicolas Cage felt understandably heartbroken about the theft, the comic book eventually resurfaced years later. In 2011, ABC News reported the lost comic turned up in a California storage unit.
“It is divine providence that the comic was found and I am hopeful that the heirloom will be returned to my family,” the actor issued an official statement.
Comic book aficionados understand just how valuable the comic truly was.
“It’s the most important and valuable comic book,” Stephen Fishler, the person who sold Cage the comic, told ABC News. “Before this book was published, there was no such thing as a superhero. It really created the comic industry.”
Today, comic books and superheroes are widely beloved around the world. Fans flock to theaters to see the newest Marvel and DC movies in droves.
“It’s worth considerably more than it was then,” Fishler added. He explained there are about 100 copies of the comic in existence. However, only six of them are in preserved condition.
Nicolas Cage Laments His Stolen Comic Book More Than 20 Years Later