Key Collector Comics
Ma and Pa Kent
View Key Issues

Creation & Design

Ma and Pa Kent were created as the adoptive parents of Superman, representing the ideal American family and embodying values of love, support, and moral guidance.

Early Years

They first appeared in Superman's origin story, providing a foundation for Clark Kent's character and instilling in him the values that would guide him as Superman.

Character Development

Over the decades, Ma and Pa Kent have evolved from simple supporting characters to complex figures representing parental guidance, love, and the moral compass for Superman.

Cultural Reception

Ma and Pa Kent are beloved characters in the Superman mythos, often seen as symbols of hope and the American family.

Character Details

Real Name:
Martha Kent and Jonathan Kent
Species:
Human
Gender:
Female and Male
Affiliations:
Superman, Justice League
Abilities:
Nurturing, Wisdom
Weight:
150lbs
Height:
5' 5"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
gray

Clicking on the eBay link and making a purchase may result in this site earning a commission from the eBay Partner Network.

Superman #1

DC ⋅ 1939

View Details  ⋅  View Series  ⋅  View Variants (13)
Superman #1
 
Low
$110k
Mid
$976k
High
$3.1M
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

Premiere issue of headlining Superman title

Origin of Superman

1st appearance of Ma and Pa Kent - Superman was first said to be found by a passing motorist in Action Comics #1

First pin-up poster in comics, back cover

2nd and 3rd printings exist

🌎 Currently holds the world record for the highest comic sale in history after an 8.0 Edgar Church copy sold for $5.3 million dollars in Jan 2022

Superman #1
Non-Key

2nd Print • 3rd Print ⋅ DC ⋅ 1939

View Details  ⋅  View Series
Superman #1
 
Low
$200
Mid
$600
High
$2k
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

There were three printings of Superman #1 in 1939:

First printing - 500,000 copies

Second printing - 250,000 copies

Third printing - 150,000 copies

All printings have an advertisement on page 32 for Action Comics #14

The advertisement in copies of the first printing states an on-sale date of Action Comics #14 as June 2nd

The second and third printings of Superman #1 are indistinguishable from one another but differ from the first printing with ad copy that states "Now on Sale"

CGC does not differentiate the printings on the label but as of 2024 distinguishes between the two in the grader's notes

Adventure Comics #169

DC ⋅ 1951

View Details  ⋅  View Series
Adventure Comics #169
 
Low
$40
Mid
$125
High
$410
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

First use of the named Martha Kent, previously referred to as Mary Kent and Marthe Kent

Action Comics #869

Recalled ⋅ DC ⋅ 2008

View Details  ⋅  View Series
Action Comics #869
 
Low
$20
Mid
$80
High
$200
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

Recalled cover depicts Clark Kent drinking a beer

Re-released with Clark Kent drinking a soda pop

Action Comics #870

DC ⋅ 2008

View Details  ⋅  View Series  ⋅  View Variants (2)
Action Comics #870
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$3
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

Death of Pa Kent, after suffering a heart attack

Adjust Your Filters To See More Comics!

By default Key Collector searches for Standard Cover Key Issues.

Adjust the "Variants" and/or "Non-Key Issues" search filters above for additional content:

  • Variant Covers ([[totalVariants]])
  • Non-Key Issues ([[totalNonKeys]])

At Key Collector, our primary focus is on unearthing those rare Standard Cover Key Issues for you. However, the world of comic collectibles is vast and varied. We want to make sure you have the tools to explore it all!