In anticipation of the new Disney movie The Avengers, starring Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans, interest in the original comic book has grown to epic proportions. A very rare, and in excellent condition, issue of The Avengers #1 has sold for $250,000 — a highest price ever for the inaugural issue featuring the team-up of Thor, Ant Man, Hulk and Iron Man. Sold by Metropolis Collectibles of New York, the issue was in superb condition (pictured below) with a geeky comic book grade of CGC 9.6.

The Avengers #1 was written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby with inks by Dick Ayers. The comic, cover-dated September 1963, features the then B-list superhero team battling the sinister Loki — Thor’s half-brother. Loki will also be the main villain in the upcoming movie edition of The Avengers.

“This exceptional copy is tied with two other copies of Avengers #1 CGC in 9.6. The other two copies have never been brought to market,” said Vincent Zurzolo of Metropolis Collectibles. “Their owners have no interest in selling. This makes this the only publicly sold copy of a CGC 9.6 to date. We are very proud to make this the highest price anybody has ever paid for a copy of Avengers #1. ”