Action Comics

Action Comics is one of the most important and influential titles in comic book history, published by DC Comics and best known for introducing Superman—the very first superhero. Debuting in June 1938 with Action Comics #1, the series launched the Golden Age of comics and forever changed popular culture.

The landmark issue Action Comics #1 featured the first appearance of Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This issue is considered the single most valuable comic book ever published, with high-grade copies selling for millions of dollars at auction. Beyond Superman, the series also introduced a variety of supporting characters and villains that helped define the superhero genre.

Throughout its long run, Action Comics became the foundation for DC’s superhero universe, introducing and developing key elements that shaped the mythos of Superman and beyond. Notable highlights include:

• Action Comics #1 (1938) — First appearance of Superman, the birth of the superhero genre.
• Action Comics #7 (1939) — Second Superman cover; one of the earliest Superman collectibles.
• Action Comics #10 (1939) — Early Superman appearance, highly prized by Golden Age collectors.
• Action Comics #23 (1940) — First appearance of Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis.
• Action Comics #252 (1959) — First appearance of Supergirl (Kara Zor-El).
• Action Comics #419 (1972) — First appearance of the Human Target.
• Action Comics #844 (2006) — Introduction of Superman’s son, Jonathan Kent, in continuity.

Over the decades, Action Comics has been the longest continuously published comic book series, reaching a historic milestone with Action Comics #1000 (2018), which celebrated 80 years of Superman.

Today, Action Comics issues remain some of the most sought-after collectibles in the comic book market. Early Golden Age issues, especially Action Comics #1, #7, and #10, command extremely high values, while key Silver and Bronze Age issues also retain significant demand among collectors.

If you are considering whether to sell comic books, Action Comics is one of the premier titles to own, representing not only financial value but also the cultural legacy of the superhero genre itself. Consulting a current comic book price guide or professional appraisers can help determine the true market value of your copies.