Action Comics Key Issues: Complete Collector's Guide

Action Comics is the longest-running series in American comic book history, with over 1,070 issues published without interruption since June 1938. The founding title of DC Comics and birthplace of Superman, this series has introduced some of the most important characters in popular culture. For collectors, it represents a vast landscape of key issues spanning nine decades.

From the Golden Age to the present, Action Comics has accumulated dozens of first appearances, major narrative moments, and historic creative changes. This guide reviews the most important key issues from each era, with their current valuations and collecting potential.

Golden Age — The foundations (1938-1956)

The Golden Age era of Action Comics contains the rarest and most expensive issues in American comics. The survival of these copies over 85+ years is a miracle in itself, and every issue in readable condition represents a major cultural artifact.

Action Comics #1 (June 1938) — First appearance of Superman

The most expensive and most important comic book ever published. First appearance of Superman, Lois Lane, and the birth of the superhero genre. Sale record: $6,000,000 in CGC 9.0 (2024). Approximately 80 graded copies in the CGC Census.

• CGC 6.0+ — $2,000,000 and up
• CGC 3.0-5.0 — $800,000-1,500,000
• CGC 1.0-2.0 — $300,000-600,000

Action Comics #7 (December 1938) — 2nd Superman cover

Only the second time Superman appeared on the cover (he shared covers with other features). Extremely rare in any grade.

• CGC 6.0 — $200,000-350,000
• CGC 3.0 — $80,000-120,000
• CGC 1.0 — $30,000-50,000

Action Comics #23 (April 1940) — First appearance of Lex Luthor

Introduction of Superman's greatest enemy. Lex Luthor appears here as a red-haired scientist (he would become bald later). An essential issue for any DC villains collector.

• CGC 7.0 — $150,000-200,000
• CGC 4.0 — $50,000-80,000
• CGC 2.0 — $20,000-35,000

Other notable Golden Age keys

• Action Comics #6 (November 1938) — First time Superman appears on the cover — $100,000-500,000
• Action Comics #13 (June 1939) — First sci-fi Superman cover — $40,000-150,000
• Action Comics #15 (August 1939) — First Superman logo on cover — $30,000-100,000

Silver Age — Expanding the universe (1956-1970)

The Silver Age of Action Comics is marked by the introduction of major characters that enriched the Superman mythology. Curt Swan's covers visually define this era, and the key issues are in strong demand.

Action Comics #242 (July 1958) — First appearance of Brainiac

Introduction of one of Superman's most important enemies and the first appearance of the bottled city of Kandor. A major double key issue.

• CGC 8.0 — $25,000-40,000
• CGC 6.0 — $10,000-15,000
• CGC 4.0 — $4,000-7,000
• CGC 2.0 — $2,000-3,500

Action Comics #252 (May 1959) — First appearance of Supergirl

Kara Zor-El arrives on Earth. One of the most sought-after Silver Age issues, with a market energized by media adaptations.

• CGC 8.0 — $40,000-60,000
• CGC 6.0 — $15,000-25,000
• CGC 4.0 — $8,000-12,000
• CGC 2.0 — $3,500-5,500

Action Comics #254 (July 1959) — First Adult Bizarro

First appearance of the adult version of Bizarro (the child version appears in Superboy #68). Bizarro has become a cult character.

• CGC 7.0 — $2,000-3,500
• CGC 4.0 — $600-1,000
• CGC 2.0 — $200-400

Action Comics #261 (February 1960) — First appearance of Streaky the Super-Cat

A kitsch issue but increasingly sought after by Silver Age curiosity collectors. High-grade copies are rare.

• CGC 8.0 — $800-1,500
• CGC 5.0 — $200-400
• Raw VG — $60-100

Bronze and Copper Age — The maturation (1970-1992)

The Bronze Age of Action Comics is dominated by the long runs of Cary Bates and Curt Swan, then by the post-Crisis transformation under John Byrne. The keys from this period remain relatively affordable.

Action Comics #521 (July 1981) — First appearance of Vixen

The first published comic book featuring Vixen (her planned solo series had been cancelled). This issue has surged in value thanks to the animated series and film rumors.

• CGC 9.8 — $300-500
• CGC 9.6 — $150-250
• CGC 9.4 — $80-140
• Raw NM — $40-70
• Raw VF — $20-35

Action Comics #583 (September 1986) — "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?" part 2

Conclusion of the final pre-Crisis Superman story by Alan Moore and Curt Swan. An absolute classic of comics literature.

• CGC 9.8 — $200-350
• CGC 9.6 — $80-140
• Raw NM — $15-25

Action Comics #584 (January 1987) — Start of the John Byrne run

First post-Crisis issue of Action Comics, with Superman redesigned by Byrne. Marks the beginning of modern continuity.

• CGC 9.8 — $80-150
• Raw NM — $5-10

Modern Age — The contemporary era (1993-present)

Action Comics #775 (March 2001) — "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?"

Considered one of the best Superman stories ever written, by Joe Kelly and Doug Mahnke. Superman faces the Elite, an ultra-violent team. Adapted into an animated film (Superman vs. The Elite, 2012).

• CGC 9.8 — $150-250
• CGC 9.6 — $60-100
• Raw NM — $15-25
• Raw VF — $8-12

Action Comics #811 (March 2004) — First appearance of Cir-El (alternate Supergirl)

• CGC 9.8 — $30-60
• Raw NM — $5-10

Action Comics #1000 (June 2018) — The historic issue

The first comic book to reach issue number 1000. Multiple cover variants by the industry's greatest artists. An absolute milestone in the history of the medium.

• Cover A (Jim Lee) CGC 9.8 — $50-80
• Decade variants (complete set) — $200-400 raw
• Steve Rude variant (1930s) — $30-60 raw
• Jim Steranko variant (1970s) — $60-120 CGC 9.8
• Store exclusive variant (Mattina, Dell'Otto) — $40-150 depending on print run

Action Comics #1050-1067 — Phillip Kennedy Johnson run

The PKJ run is considered by many to be the best Action Comics run of the past 20 years. The early issues are beginning to appreciate in value.

• #1050 CGC 9.8 — $30-50
• #1062 (new costume) — $15-30 CGC 9.8

Summary and collecting strategy

Action Comics offers key issues at every budget level. A collector can build a significant collection by targeting one key per era.

• Unlimited budget — Action Comics #1 in the best accessible grade
• $10,000-50,000 budget — Action Comics #242 or #252 in mid-grade (CGC 3.0-5.0)
• $1,000-5,000 budget — Action Comics #23 in low grade, or #242/#252 in CGC 1.0-2.0
• $200-500 budget — Action Comics #521 in CGC 9.6, or #775 in CGC 9.8
• Under $100 budget — Action Comics #1000 in CGC 9.8, or #583 in CGC 9.6

The Action Comics series continues to produce issues that will become tomorrow's keys. Following new first appearances and major creative changes allows you to acquire future keys at cover price.