Action Comics Vol. 1 (1938–2011): Where Superman, and the Superhero Genre, Began
Action Comics Vol. 1 (1938–2011): Where Superman, and the Superhero Genre, Began
The comic that introduced Superman in 1938 and kept him in print for decades. Here is a look at its history, its key issues and the covers we enjoy most.
Few comic books are as famous as Action Comics #1. On sale in April 1938, it introduced Superman to the world, and in doing so it gave readers the template for the modern superhero. The title kept going for decades after, becoming one of the longest-running American comics ever.
We handle plenty of Action Comics at Siomic Comics, from 80s and 90s issues through to modern facsimile editions of the classics. This guide goes through the history of the title, the creators, the key issues and a few things we find fascinating.
Action Comics Vol. 1 at a glance
- Publisher: DC Comics (originally National Allied Publications)
- Debut: Action Comics #1, on sale April 1938 and cover-dated June 1938
- Created by: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
- Original cover price: 10 cents
- Famous firsts: Superman, Toyman, Mr. Mxyzptlk, Bizarro World, Supergirl's introduction
- Milestones: #300 (1963), #400 (1971), #500 (1979), #600 (1988), and the 1,000th issue in 2018
- Notable cover artists: Fred Ray, Al Plastino, Neal Adams, Nick Cardy, José Luis García-López, Gil Kane
- Original numbering: Issues #1 to #904 across 1938 to 2011
The comic that started it all
Action Comics #1 went on sale on 18 April 1938 and carries a June 1938 cover date. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created the Superman story, a 13-page tale that opens the issue, and Shuster drew the cover. Around 200,000 copies were printed at 10 cents each, and it sold out quickly.
Collectors know the rest of the story. Copies of that first issue are among the most valuable comics in the world: a CGC 8.0 copy was the first comic to sell for $1 million in 2010, and in 2024 a CGC 8.5 copy sold for $6 million at auction.
The Golden Age: Superman finds his world
The early issues are where Superman's world is built. #2 has the second appearance of Superman and Lois Lane, #6 brings the first appearance of Jimmy Olsen (still unnamed) and the first mention of Superman as the “Man of Steel”, and #13 introduces the Ultra-Humanite. The covers of #8 and #11 mark the debuts of Superman's super-hearing and X-ray vision. Later on, #64 brings the first appearance of the Toyman and #80 the first cover appearance of Mr. Mxyzptlk.
The title also hosted other heroes. #42 has the origin of the Vigilante, #40 the first appearance of the Star-Spangled Kid and #37 the origin of Congo Bill.
| Issue | Cover year | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 1938 | The first appearance of Superman |
| #6 | 1938 | First appearance of Jimmy Olsen, and the first mention of the “Man of Steel” |
| #13 | 1939 | First appearance of the Ultra-Humanite |
| #64 | 1943 | First appearance of the Toyman |
| #80 | 1945 | First cover appearance of Mr. Mxyzptlk |
| #158 | 1951 | Origin of Superman retold |
| #252 | 1959 | Supergirl's first appearance |
| #263 | 1960 | Debut of Bizarro World |
| #267 | 1960 | First appearances of Chameleon Boy, Invisible Kid and Colossal Boy |
| #285 | 1962 | Supergirl is introduced to the world |
| #300 | 1963 | The 300th anniversary issue |
| #360 | 1968 | Origin of Supergirl |
| #400 | 1971 | The 400th issue |
| #484 | 1978 | Wedding of Clark Kent and Lois Lane |
| #583 | 1986 | A classic story by Alan Moore |
| #600 | 1988 | The 50th anniversary issue |
| #662 | 1991 | Clark Kent tells Lois Lane he is Superman |
| #684 | 1992 | Doomsday reaches Metropolis |
| #689 | 1993 | Debut of Superman's black suit |
| #846 | 2007 | First full appearances of Ursa and Non |
Silver Age: Supergirl, Bizarro and the Legion
Under the Silver Age editors the book became a home for some of Superman's best-known ideas. #263 introduced Bizarro World, #267 brought the first appearances of Legion of Super-Heroes members Chameleon Boy, Invisible Kid and Colossal Boy, and #285 introduced Supergirl to the world. Her origin followed in #360. By the 60s the title had also started to carry covers by Neal Adams, whose first published cover on a Superman title is #356.
Bronze Age and the big milestone issues
The 70s and 80s gave the title weddings, anniversaries and a lot of experiments. #484 carries Superman Takes a Wife!, the wedding of Clark Kent and Lois Lane. #500 is the 500th-issue celebration, and #583 contains a famous story by Alan Moore. #600 marked the 50th anniversary in 1988. The run in this era includes work by Cary Bates, Gil Kane, Roger Stern and David Michelinie.
The 90s: Doomsday and the Eradicator
In the early 90s the book joined the interlinked Superman storylines. #662 has Clark telling Lois the truth, #683 and #684 follow Doomsday's path into Metropolis, #687 brings the first full appearance of the Eradicator and #689 shows Superman in his black suit.
The creators behind the comic
Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Created Superman in 1938, and Shuster drew the cover of the first issue.
Fred Ray and Al Plastino
Cover artists whose work defines many 40s and 50s issues.
Neal Adams
Drew covers in the late 60s and 70s, starting with #356.
Nick Cardy and Gil Kane
Cover artists in the early 70s and the 80s.
José Luis García-López
Cover artist during the late 70s.
Alan Moore
Wrote the classic story in #583.
Curiosities collectors should know
A Mark Waid first
#572 includes the first written work by Mark Waid.
A Sonic crossover
#672 includes a 16-page Sonic the Hedgehog promo comic.
The JFK issue
#309 (1964) is known among collectors as the JFK issue.
Facsimile editions
DC has reissued a number of classic issues as facsimile editions, so check the cover year when you collect.
Superman beyond the page
- Film and TV: Superman has appeared in many films and TV series since the 1940s, and the Action Comics stories supplied many of the characters and ideas they used.
- Supergirl: introduced in the late 50s and early 60s in these pages, she later got her own series and screen versions.
- Action Comics #1000: in 2018 DC marked the 1,000th issue with an oversized special and a hardcover tribute to Superman's 80th year.
Why Action Comics still matters
Action Comics was the first book to carry a superhero star, and many of the genre's conventions began on its pages. Even now, its early issues are among the most sought-after comics, and its later issues give a window into how Superman changed with every decade.
Where to start reading Action Comics Vol. 1
For the origins, read #1 in a reprint or collected edition. For the Silver Age fun, try #252 to #285, and for the 90s, the #683 to #690 stretch is a good way in.
Action Comics Vol. 1 covers through the years
A look at some of the covers from the run. Tap a cover to see what we have in stock.
#2
#6
#64
#158
#253
#285
#300
#309
#356
#360
#484
#600
#684
#689Browse our Action Comics Vol. 1 back issues
These are some of the issues we currently have on the shelf. Every copy is photographed so you can check its condition before buying.
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#1
Action Comics #1: 2026 facsimile edition
A modern facsimile edition of the first issue, a way to see the classic cover.
View our copy -
#419
Action Comics #419: First appearance of the Human Target
A facsimile edition of the issue that introduced the Human Target.
View our copy -
#583
Action Comics #583: Alan Moore's classic story
A facsimile edition of the issue with Alan Moore's story, a story many collectors single out.
View our copy -
#662
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#845
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#873
We also have these issues of the series in stock:
You can also search all our Action Comics comics.
Frequently asked questions about Action Comics Vol. 1
When did Action Comics start?
Action Comics #1 went on sale in April 1938 with a June 1938 cover date.
Who created Superman?
Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman, who debuted in Action Comics #1.
How much did Action Comics #1 cost?
It had a cover price of 10 cents.
Which issue of Action Comics has Supergirl's first appearance?
Supergirl's first appearance is in Action Comics #252 (1959), and she is introduced to the world in #285.
Which issue introduced Bizarro World?
Bizarro World debuts in Action Comics #263 (1960).
Did Action Comics reach issue 1000?
Yes. DC marked the 1,000th issue with an oversized special in 2018.
Where should I start reading Action Comics Vol. 1?
Try the first issue in a reprint, then the Silver Age Supergirl issues from #252.
Condition grades on our listings follow our comic & book condition guide. Have Action Comics comics of your own? See how to sell your comics to Siomic Comics. Superman, Supergirl and all related characters are trademarks of DC Comics. Cover images are shown for reference.