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Action Comics
#1 · 1938
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DC Comics · 1938 · CGC 2.5 · Universal Blue
The most important comic book ever printed — Superman's world debut in a CGC 2.5 Good+ grade.
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Action Comics #1 (June 1938) is the single most coveted comic book in the world. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's creation — the Last Son of Krypton — changed popular culture forever, birthing the superhero genre itself.
This CGC 2.5 copy presents with complete pages and readable story content, making it one of the most accessible entry points into true Action Comics #1 ownership. Fewer than 100 copies are believed to survive at any grade.
CGC Universal Blue label certifies authenticity and completeness. Full provenance documentation and escrow service available on request.
This copy is encapsulated by CGC at 2.5 on a Universal Blue label under certification number 0920254001, which you can verify independently on the CGC website before you buy. The holder is intact and has not been cracked, re-sealed or altered.
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What is Action Comics #1 worth? See the Action Comics #1 price guide (2 copies on sale by grade).
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Background on Action Comics, the grade and what drives the price.
Key issues
The Superman comic books collectors want most are Action Comics #1 (1938), his first appearance, and the early issues of his own title, Superman #1 and #2. On any of them, the CGC or CBCS grade is the biggest single factor in price.
Updated Oct 11, 2026
Characters
Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1, cover-dated June 1938 and on sale in April 1938, created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster and published by Detective Comics, Inc., the company that became DC Comics. It is the first superhero comic and the most valuable comic book in the world: a CGC 8.5 copy sold for 6 million dollars in April 2024.
Updated Oct 11, 2026
AuctionsConfirmed
According to The Beat's report from New York Comic Con, ICv2's Milton Greipp estimated at Thursday's ICv2 White Paper that comics sales in comic shops are up 19% so far in 2026, with graphic novels up 28%. The Beat notes this comes against even bigger growth last year.
Oct 9, 2026
Values
A comic book values price guide gives a reference figure for a title, issue and grade, but it is not what a particular copy will sell for. The real value comes from the exact condition of your copy and what comparable copies have recently sold for.
Updated Oct 11, 2026
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