Superman has done practically everything in his nearly 85 years in publication. Now, we can add one more thing to that list—being part of Congress.

If Superman were to run for public office, who wouldn’t vote for him? Besides being the beacon of truth, justice, and the American way, how awesome would it be to have the Man of Steel as your representative or, better yet, president? We could start Twitter feuds with the hashtag #OurPresidentCanBeatUpYourPresident. I can see it now. 

Maybe Superman wasn’t actually getting sworn in as a representative for the U.S. Congress, but he will be there nonetheless. Proving he’s a comic book nerd with more clout than any of us, newly-elected congressman Robert Garcia took along a Superman #1 when he took his oath on Tuesday, Jan. 3. We’re not talking about a reprint, either. No, this was the real deal, and it’s in immaculate condition, judging by the pictures. 

Much to Garcia’s chagrin, this wasn’t actually his copy; it was on loan from the Library of Congress, who happens to own the largest public comic collection in the world. Still, the fact that he had an authentic Superman #1 at his side when he took his oath of office was impressive in itself. I mean, were you cool enough to take a Superman #1 to your congressional swearing-in ceremony? I didn’t think so, but neither did I, so don’t feel bad. #wastedopportunities.

Personally, I would have guarded that comic with my life if I were Garcia. If he accidentally dinged that cover, the comic book community would unite to track him down, pitchforks and torches at the ready. Since the congressional copy isn’t graded (such a travesty, I know), we can only guess at what CGC would rate it. It appears to be high grade, and the highest grade ever sold online—an 8.0—brought over $5 million in April. 

If this starts a new precedent, how long will it take before someone takes a Detective Comics #27 to a congressional swearing-in?

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.