Action Comics #1 was one of the top-selling comics at Comic Buying Center in December. But why exactly was action comics 1 so popular? Why has it gained so much attention among those who like to sell comic books?
Action Comics comic series
The original Action Comics series launched in June 1938, published by Detective Comics, which later became DC Comics. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the series famously introduced Superman in action comics 1 original, which was essentially a birth of the superhero genre. Initially an anthology, Action Comics featured various characters and stories, but Superman quickly became the centerpiece because of his huge popularity. The series chronicled Superman’s battles against crime, corruption, and supervillains, which later became “the usual” of the superhero genre. It also introduced iconic characters like Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Brainiac. Popular storylines included Superman’s origin and his early struggles to balance his dual identities. Action Comics became a cultural phenomenon, running continuously for over 80 years until issue #904 in 2011, when it was relaunched as part of DC’s “New 52” initiative. Its legacy as the launchpad for Superman and the superhero genre is unmatched in the comics world.
Action Comics 1
Action Comics number 1, published in June 1938 by Detective Comics (now DC Comics), is a cornerstone of comic book history, introducing Superman, created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. Action comics no 1, initially priced at 10 cents, featured an anthology of stories, with Superman’s debut chronicling his origins from the doomed planet Krypton to his life as Clark Kent on Earth. The narrative was (obviously) about his superhuman feats, including lifting a car overhead – a now-iconic image from the cover. Upon release, the issue was a huge commercial success, because superhero stuff was so new back then. Even today, it’s one of the most desired comics among collectors, and action comics 1 value can go up to millions of dollars!
How much is the action comics 1
In April 2024, a 1938 action comics #1 copy graded CGC 8.5 (Very Fine+) from the Kansas City Pedigree sold for a record $6 million, which is considered the most expensive comic book ever sold on an auction. Which is not a surprise. Action Comics issue 1 was the birth of the superhero genre as well as introduced one of the most popular (if not the most) heroes ever – Superman. Even on lower end action comics #1 value can go up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
-
Pete Przysiezny, owner of Comic Buying Center, has been buying and selling comics and collectibles for over 30 years. He lives in Northern Illinois and specializes in buying large comic book collections. He has a vast knowledge of all eras and types of comic books ranging from the 1930s to the 2000s. Pete spent his childhood going to comic book conventions with his father, so you could say he was raised in the industry.