Superman
Creation & Design
Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, representing the archetype of the superhero and embodying ideals of hope and justice.Early Years
Superman debuted in Action Comics #1, quickly becoming a cultural icon and leading to the establishment of the superhero genre.Character Development
Over the decades, Superman has evolved from a simple superhero into a complex character grappling with moral dilemmas, identity, and the responsibilities of power.Cultural Reception
Superman has been received as a symbol of hope and justice, influencing countless other characters and stories in the comic book medium.Character Details
Real Name:
Clark Kent
Aliases:
Man of Steel, Kal-El, Last Son of Krypton
Species:
Kryptonian
Gender:
male
Affiliations:
Justice League, Teen Titans, The Daily Planet
Abilities:
Super strength, Flight, Heat vision, X-ray vision, Super speed
Equipment:
Fortress of Solitude, Superman suit
Weight:
225lbs
Height:
6' 3"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
black
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More Fun Comics #31
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
Full page interior advertisement for Action Comics #1 with black and white cover art that is believed to be the first published image of Superman
Full page interior advertisement for Action Comics #1 with black and white cover art that is believed to be the first published image of Superman
Detective Comics #15
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
Full page interior advertisement for Action Comics #1 with black and white cover art
Full page interior advertisement for Action Comics #1 with black and white cover art
Action Comics #1
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
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
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
Action Comics #2
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
2nd appearance of Superman
2nd appearance of Lois Lane and Zatara
2nd appearance of Superman
2nd appearance of Lois Lane and Zatara
Action Comics #3
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
3rd appearance of Superman
Action Comics #4
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
4th appearance of Superman
Action Comics #5
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
5th appearance of Superman
First kiss between Superman and Lois Lane, occurred between panels
5th appearance of Superman
First kiss between Superman and Lois Lane, occurred between panels
Action Comics #6
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Jimmy Olsen, unnamed, referred to only as Office Boy
First reference to Superman as "The Man of Steel" seen in a newspaper headline
[July 2025 - it is rumored Skyler Gisondo will reprise the role of Jimmy Olsen as the host a spin-off crime anthology TV series focused on different DC villains]
1st appearance of Jimmy Olsen, unnamed, referred to only as Office Boy
First reference to Superman as "The Man of Steel" seen in a newspaper headline
[July 2025 - it is rumored Skyler Gisondo will reprise the role of Jimmy Olsen as the host a spin-off crime anthology TV series focused on different DC villains]
Action Comics #7
DC
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
2nd cover appearance of Superman
First time "Superman" is in print on a comic book cover
2nd cover appearance of Superman
First time "Superman" is in print on a comic book cover
Action Comics #8
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
Superman demonstrates extraordinary hearing abilities but not referred to as 'super' until Action Comics #11
Cover art inspired by the 1919 painting 'Last of the Mohicans' by N.C. Wyeth
Superman demonstrates extraordinary hearing abilities but not referred to as 'super' until Action Comics #11
Cover art inspired by the 1919 painting 'Last of the Mohicans' by N.C. Wyeth
Action Comics #10
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
3rd cover appearance of Superman
Action Comics #11
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
Debut of Superman's X-Ray Vision
Superman #1
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
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
💰 8.0 Edgar Church Pedigree sold for $5.3 million dollars in Jan 2022
💰 9.0 sold for $9.12 million dollars in November 2025
💰8.5 Edgar Church Pedigree sold for $7 million dollars in Feb 2026
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
💰 8.0 Edgar Church Pedigree sold for $5.3 million dollars in Jan 2022
💰 9.0 sold for $9.12 million dollars in November 2025
💰8.5 Edgar Church Pedigree sold for $7 million dollars in Feb 2026
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
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
Action Comics #14
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
Superman's emblem is first featured on his cape
1st appearance of Clip Carson
2nd appearance of Zatara, the father of Zatanna
Superman's emblem is first featured on his cape
1st appearance of Clip Carson
2nd appearance of Zatara, the father of Zatanna
Action Comics #16
DC
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
First mention of the city, Metropolis - previous Superman stories were based in Cleveland, Ohio
First mention of the city, Metropolis - previous Superman stories were based in Cleveland, Ohio
Triumph Comics #772
Triumph
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Superman in the UK
Comic strips collected and reprinted in the larger format
Issue #771 depicts Superman in an advertisement
1st appearance of Superman in the UK
Comic strips collected and reprinted in the larger format
Issue #771 depicts Superman in an advertisement
New York World's Fair Comics #2
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st cover appearance of Superman with Batman and Robin
All-Star Comics #7
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
First Batman and Superman crossover - Batman and Superman join the JSA as honorary members
First Batman and Superman crossover - Batman and Superman join the JSA as honorary members
Batman #13
DC
•
1942
•
Vol. 1
Guest appearances by New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio and Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel
Guest appearances by New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio and Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel
Superman #25
DC
•
1943
•
Vol. 1
Clark Kent joins the Army
Superman #30
DC
•
1944
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Mr. Mxyzptlk
First time Superman references his ability to "fly", previously he was known to leap
1st appearance and origin of Mr. Mxyzptlk
First time Superman references his ability to "fly", previously he was known to leap
All Funny Comics #16
DC
•
1947
•
Vol. 1
Crossover appearance of Superman, Batman, Robin, Green Arrow and Vigilante
Crossover appearance of Superman, Batman, Robin, Green Arrow and Vigilante
All-Star Comics #36
DC
•
1947
•
Vol. 1
First time Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman appeared in the same story together and on the same cover
First time Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman appeared in the same story together and on the same cover
Superman #48
DC
•
1947
•
Vol. 1
Debut of Superman ability to travel through time
Superman #53
DC
•
1948
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Superman retold
10 year anniversary of the Superman title
Origin of Superman retold
10 year anniversary of the Superman title
Superboy #1
DC
•
1949
•
Vol. 1
First Superboy title series
Meet the New Post-Gazette Sunday Funnies
Post Gazette
•
1949
•
Vol. 1
Promotional giveaway intended to advertise the newspaper comic strips featured in the Pittsburgh Post
Interest in this issue based on classic characters Superman, Archie and Dick Tracy on the same cover
Promotional giveaway intended to advertise the newspaper comic strips featured in the Pittsburgh Post
Interest in this issue based on classic characters Superman, Archie and Dick Tracy on the same cover
Superboy #2
DC
•
1949
•
Vol. 1
Referenced in Seduction of the Innocent which led to establishing the Comics Code Authority
Reason: Superboy usurps American History by being the aid to George Washington in the president's most famous moments
First mention of Smallville
Referenced in Seduction of the Innocent which led to establishing the Comics Code Authority
Reason: Superboy usurps American History by being the aid to George Washington in the president's most famous moments
First mention of Smallville
Superman #61
DC
•
1949
•
Vol. 1
Introduction of Kryptonite, an element that weakens Superman, depicted as a red gemstone in the turban of an enemy
Origin of Superman retold
Introduction of Kryptonite, an element that weakens Superman, depicted as a red gemstone in the turban of an enemy
Origin of Superman retold
Action Comics #151
DC
•
1950
•
Vol. 1
Early Golden Age super-villain team-up featuring Lex Luthor, the Prankster and Mr. Mxyztplk
Early Golden Age super-villain team-up featuring Lex Luthor, the Prankster and Mr. Mxyztplk
Action Comics #158
DC
•
1951
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Superman retold
Superman #76
DC
•
1952
•
Vol. 1
First crossover of Batman in the Superman title
Superman and Batman learn one another's identities
First crossover of Batman in the Superman title
Superman and Batman learn one another's identities
World's Finest Comics #65
DC
•
1953
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Superman retold
World's Finest Comics #71
DC
•
1954
•
Vol. 1
Ongoing team-up stories of Superman and Batman begin - previous issues told separate stories featuring the heroes
Ongoing team-up stories of Superman and Batman begin - previous issues told separate stories featuring the heroes
Superman #100
DC
•
1955
•
Vol. 1
Milestone issue #100
Origin of Superman retold
Action Comics #225
DC
•
1957
•
Vol. 1
'Death of Superman' story
World's Finest Comics #94
DC
•
1958
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Superman and Batman team-up retold
Action Comics #241
DC
•
1958
•
Vol. 1
Introduction of the Fortress of Solitude
A prototype version of Superman's headquarters was introduced in Superman #17 and the name was mentioned in Superman #58
Introduction of the Fortress of Solitude
A prototype version of Superman's headquarters was introduced in Superman #17 and the name was mentioned in Superman #58
Action Comics #242
DC
•
1958
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Brainiac
1st appearance of the Bottle City of Kandor, the capital city of Krypton
[December 2025 - James Gunn posted an Instagram confirming Lars Edinger will portray Brainiac]
1st appearance and origin of Brainiac
1st appearance of the Bottle City of Kandor, the capital city of Krypton
[December 2025 - James Gunn posted an Instagram confirming Lars Edinger will portray Brainiac]
Brave and the Bold, The #28
DC
•
1960
•
Vol. 1
1st team appearance of the Justice League of America: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman
1st appearance of Starro the Conqueror
1st team appearance of the Justice League of America: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman
1st appearance of Starro the Conqueror
Action Comics #262
DC
•
1960
•
Vol. 1
Introduction of the concept that Kryptonians derive their powers from Earth's yellow sun
Introduction of the concept that Kryptonians are as powerful as ordinary humans under their native planet's red sun
Introduction of the concept that Kryptonians derive their powers from Earth's yellow sun
Introduction of the concept that Kryptonians are as powerful as ordinary humans under their native planet's red sun
Adventure Comics #275
DC
•
1960
•
Vol. 1
Origin of the first Superman/Batman team-up
Superman #141
DC
•
1960
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and death of Lyla Lerrol, a ryptonian love of Superman
Origin of Superman retold
Superman returns to Krypton
1st appearance and death of Lyla Lerrol, a ryptonian love of Superman
Origin of Superman retold
Superman returns to Krypton
Action Comics #275
DC
•
1961
•
Vol. 1
First mention of Superman's Heat Vision power - previous issues demonstrated his X-Ray vision having powers to melt glaciers
Debut of Red/Green Kryptonite - causes mutations including an extra eye on the back of Superman's head
First mention of Superman's Heat Vision power - previous issues demonstrated his X-Ray vision having powers to melt glaciers
Debut of Red/Green Kryptonite - causes mutations including an extra eye on the back of Superman's head
Superman #146
DC
•
1961
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Superman, a recap of his youth including his journey to Earth, childhood with the Kents, time spent as Superboy and relocation to Metropolis
Origin of Superman, a recap of his youth including his journey to Earth, childhood with the Kents, time spent as Superboy and relocation to Metropolis
Secret Origins Special #1
DC
•
1961
•
Vol. 1
Reprinted origin stories:
Adam Strange (Showcase #17)
Green Lantern (Green Lantern #1)
Challengers of the Unknown (Showcase #6)
J'onn J'onzz (Detective Comics #225)
The Flash (Showcase #4)
Wonder Woman (Wonder Woman #105)
Superman/Batman team-up (World's Finest #94)
Reprinted origin stories:
Adam Strange (Showcase #17)
Green Lantern (Green Lantern #1)
Challengers of the Unknown (Showcase #6)
J'onn J'onzz (Detective Comics #225)
The Flash (Showcase #4)
Wonder Woman (Wonder Woman #105)
Superman/Batman team-up (World's Finest #94)
Superman #149
DC
•
1961
•
Vol. 1
"Death of Superman" story written by Jerry Siegel -non-continuity story
1st appearance of The Flash aka Barry Allen in the Superman title
"Death of Superman" story written by Jerry Siegel -non-continuity story
1st appearance of The Flash aka Barry Allen in the Superman title
Superman #158
DC
•
1963
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Than-Ol, Kryptonian scientist
Superman disguises himself as Nightwing and Jimmy Olsen as Flamebird
1st appearance of Than-Ol, Kryptonian scientist
Superman disguises himself as Nightwing and Jimmy Olsen as Flamebird
Superman Annual #7
DC
•
1963
•
Vol. 1
25th anniversary of Superman
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