Released June 1938
Action Comics #1
Key Issue
Synopsis
SUPERMAN, CHAMPION OF THE OPPRESSED Superman delivers a witness to the governor to stop an execution, then stops a wife-beater; Later Superman, as Clark Kent, goes out with Lois, but she earns the wrath of Butch Matson and Superman must save her; Finally, Clark is assigned a story on the South American republic of San Monte. THE A-G GANG PART 1 Chuck begins a vendetta against the crooked ranch owners who have, by fraud, acquired the range lands he inherited after his father's death. THE MYSTERY OF THE FREIGHT TRAIN ROBBERIES Zatara and Tong investigate the murders of several railroad detectives and the theft of over $200,000 in loot. STICKY-MITT STIMSON Sticky swipes some apples and is pursued by the police. He gets a lucky break to make good his escape. THE ADVENTURES OF MARCO POLO PART 1 Marco, his father and his uncle are given an audience with the new Pope; They are sent on a mission to satisfy a request from the Khan of Tartary for priests and men of learning. THE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP When the Boxing Commission runs a dirty fight trainer out of town, he swears his revenge...against Pep. THE INTERNATIONAL JEWEL THIEF An international jewel thief arrives in America as a prisoner, but Scoop and Rusty are on hand to witness his escape with the help of his gang lying in wait. MURDER IN ENGLAND Ken is framed for the murder of a man, and, with the help of Betty and Bobby, sets out to prove his innocence.
Variants
Synopsis
SUPERMAN, CHAMPION OF THE OPPRESSED Superman delivers a witness to the governor to stop an execution, then stops a wife-beater; Later Superman, as Clark Kent, goes out with Lois, but she earns the wrath of Butch Matson and Superman must save her; Finally, Clark is assigned a story on the South American republic of San Monte. THE A-G GANG PART 1 Chuck begins a vendetta against the crooked ranch owners who have, by fraud, acquired the range lands he inherited after his father's death. THE MYSTERY OF THE FREIGHT TRAIN ROBBERIES Zatara and Tong investigate the murders of several railroad detectives and the theft of over $200,000 in loot. STICKY-MITT STIMSON Sticky swipes some apples and is pursued by the police. He gets a lucky break to make good his escape. THE ADVENTURES OF MARCO POLO PART 1 Marco, his father and his uncle are given an audience with the new Pope; They are sent on a mission to satisfy a request from the Khan of Tartary for priests and men of learning. THE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP When the Boxing Commission runs a dirty fight trainer out of town, he swears his revenge...against Pep. THE INTERNATIONAL JEWEL THIEF An international jewel thief arrives in America as a prisoner, but Scoop and Rusty are on hand to witness his escape with the help of his gang lying in wait. MURDER IN ENGLAND Ken is framed for the murder of a man, and, with the help of Betty and Bobby, sets out to prove his innocence.
Key Facts
- 1st appearance of Superman
- 1st appearance of Lois Lane
- 1st appearance of Zatara, Zatanna's father
- 1st appearance of Tex Thompson, later becomes Mr. America
- 🌎 Currently holds the world record for the highest comic sale in history after a 9.0 copy from the collection of Nicolas Cage sold for $15 million dollars in December 2025
- 💰 In June 2024, an 8.5 Kansas City Pedigree sold for $6,000,000
Details
- Series
- Action Comics
- Cover Date
- June 1938
- Pages
- N/A
- UPC
- N/A
- Cover Price
- N/A
- Final Orders Cutoff
- N/A
Creators
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ArtistJoe Shuster
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WriterJerry Siegel
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ArtistBill Alger
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ArtistSheldon Moldoff
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WriterWill Ely
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ArtistWill Ely
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Cover ArtistJoe Shuster
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WriterSven Elven
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LettererFred Guardineer
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ArtistSven Elven
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WriterBernard Baily
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WriterFrank Thomas
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WriterHomer Fleming
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ArtistBernard Baily
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ArtistFred Guardineer
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ArtistHomer Fleming
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WriterFred Guardineer
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WriterBill Alger
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WriterSheldon Moldoff