Superman

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Superman

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

Non-Key Issues

1 2 3 › »

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Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

Full page interior advertisement for Action Comics #1 with black and white cover art

Key Facts

Full page interior advertisement for Action Comics #1 with black and white cover art

Action Comics #1

DC ⋅ 1938

View Details ⋅ View Variants (18)

Low

$285k

Mid

$1.1M

High

$4.6M

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

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

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Superman

2nd appearance of Lois Lane and Zatara

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Superman

2nd appearance of Lois Lane and Zatara

Key Facts

3rd appearance of Superman

Key Facts

3rd appearance of Superman

Key Facts

4th appearance of Superman

Key Facts

4th appearance of Superman

Key Facts

5th appearance of Superman

Key Facts

5th appearance of Superman

Key Facts

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

[November 2023 - Skyler Gisondo, has been cast as Jimmy Olsen in Superman Legacy]

Key Facts

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

[November 2023 - Skyler Gisondo, has been cast as Jimmy Olsen in Superman Legacy]

Key Facts

2nd cover appearance of Superman

First time "Superman" is in print on a comic book cover

Key Facts

2nd cover appearance of Superman

First time "Superman" is in print on a comic book cover

Key Facts

3rd cover appearance of Superman

Key Facts

3rd cover appearance of Superman

Key Facts

Debut of Superman's X-Ray Vision

Key Facts

Debut of Superman's X-Ray Vision

Superman #1

DC ⋅ 1939

View Details ⋅ View Variants (7)

Low

$110k

Mid

$976k

High

$3.1M

Key Facts

Premiere issue of headlining Superman title

Origin of Superman

1st appearance of Ma and Pa Kent

First pin-up poster in comics, on back cover

🌎 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

Key Facts

Premiere issue of headlining Superman title

Origin of Superman

1st appearance of Ma and Pa Kent

First pin-up poster in comics, on back cover

🌎 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

Key Facts

1st appearance of Superman in the UK

Comic strips collected and reprinted in the larger format

Issue #771 depicts Superman in an advertisement

Key Facts

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

View Details

New York World's Fair Comics #2

DC ⋅ 1940

View Details

Low

$1k

Mid

$3k

High

$14k

Key Facts

1st cover appearance of Superman with Batman and Robin

Key Facts

1st cover appearance of Superman with Batman and Robin

Key Facts

First appearance of Batman and Superman in a story together

Batman and Superman join the JSA as honorary members

Key Facts

First appearance of Batman and Superman in a story together

Batman and Superman join the JSA as honorary members

Key Facts

Guest appearances by New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio and Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel

Key Facts

Guest appearances by New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio and Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel

Key Facts

Clark Kent joins the Army

Key Facts

Clark Kent joins the Army

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Mr. Mxyzptlk

First time Superman references his ability to "fly", previously he was known to leap

🔮 DC Possibilities: Obviously James Gunn won't have time to do all of these projects but he is familiar with the subject matter and has the creative vision to know what gems are buried in the vast DC catalog to hand-off to the right filmmakers

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Mr. Mxyzptlk

First time Superman references his ability to "fly", previously he was known to leap

🔮 DC Possibilities: Obviously James Gunn won't have time to do all of these projects but he is familiar with the subject matter and has the creative vision to know what gems are buried in the vast DC catalog to hand-off to the right filmmakers

Key Facts

Crossover appearance by Superman, Batman, Robin, Green Arrow and Vigilante

Key Facts

Crossover appearance by Superman, Batman, Robin, Green Arrow and Vigilante

Key Facts

First time Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman appeared in the same story together and on the same cover

Key Facts

First time Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman appeared in the same story together and on the same cover

Key Facts

Debut of Superman ability to travel through time

Key Facts

Debut of Superman ability to travel through time

Key Facts

Origin of Superman retold

10 year anniversary of the Superman title

Key Facts

Origin of Superman retold

10 year anniversary of the Superman title

Key Facts

First Superboy title series

Key Facts

First Superboy title series

Meet the New Post-Gazette Sunday Funnies

Post Gazette ⋅ 1949

View Details

Meet the New Post-Gazette Sunday Funnies

Post Gazette ⋅ 1949

View Details

Low

$120

Mid

$400

High

$1.2k

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

Introduction of Kryptonite, an element that weakens Superman, depicted as a red gemstone in the turban of an enemy

Origin of Superman retold

Key Facts

Introduction of Kryptonite, an element that weakens Superman, depicted as a red gemstone in the turban of an enemy

Origin of Superman retold

Key Facts

Early Golden Age super-villain team-up featuring Lex Luthor, the Prankster and Mr. Mxyztplk

Key Facts

Early Golden Age super-villain team-up featuring Lex Luthor, the Prankster and Mr. Mxyztplk

Key Facts

Origin of Superman retold

Key Facts

Origin of Superman retold

Key Facts

First crossover of Batman in the Superman title

Superman and Batman learn one another's identities

Key Facts

First crossover of Batman in the Superman title

Superman and Batman learn one another's identities

Key Facts

Origin of Superman retold

Key Facts

Origin of Superman retold

Key Facts

Ongoing team-up stories of Superman Earth Two and Batman begin

Key Facts

Ongoing team-up stories of Superman Earth Two and Batman begin

Key Facts

Milestone issue #100

Origin of Superman retold

Key Facts

Milestone issue #100

Origin of Superman retold

Key Facts

'Death of Superman' story

Key Facts

'Death of Superman' story

Key Facts

Origin of Superman and Batman team-up retold

Key Facts

Origin of Superman and Batman team-up retold

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Brainiac

1st appearance of the Bottle City of Kandor, the capital city of Krypton

[May 2023 - Brainiac rumored for Superman Legacy]

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Brainiac

1st appearance of the Bottle City of Kandor, the capital city of Krypton

[May 2023 - Brainiac rumored for Superman Legacy]

Brave and the Bold, The #28

DC ⋅ 1960

View Details ⋅ View Variants (4)

Low

$2.2k

Mid

$9.3k

High

$74k

Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Justice League of America: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman

1st appearance of Starro the Conqueror

Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Justice League of America: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman

1st appearance of Starro the Conqueror

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

Origin of the first Superman/Batman team-up

Key Facts

Origin of the first Superman/Batman team-up

Key Facts

1st appearance and death of Lyla Lerrol, Kryptonian love of Superman

Origin of Superman retold

Superman returns to Krypton

Key Facts

1st appearance and death of Lyla Lerrol, Kryptonian love of Superman

Origin of Superman retold

Superman returns to Krypton

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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)

Key Facts

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)

Key Facts

"Death of Superman" story written by Jerry Siegel -non-continuity story

1st appearance of The Flash aka Barry Allen in the Superman title

Key Facts

"Death of Superman" story written by Jerry Siegel -non-continuity story

1st appearance of The Flash aka Barry Allen in the Superman title

Key Facts

Anniversary issue contains a map of Krypton

Key Facts

Anniversary issue contains a map of Krypton

Key Facts

1st appearance of Than-Ol, Kryptonian scientist

Superman disguises himself as Nightwing and Jimmy Olsen as Flamebird

Key Facts

1st appearance of Than-Ol, Kryptonian scientist

Superman disguises himself as Nightwing and Jimmy Olsen as Flamebird

Key Facts

25th anniversary of Superman

Key Facts

25th anniversary of Superman

Key Facts

1st appearance of Parasite

Interior double-page pin-up of Superman

Like Batman 181, this copy has a centerfold newsprint pin-up that is often missing, so when buying a raw copy remember to double-check for it or ask the seller if it is intact

Key Facts

1st appearance of Parasite

Interior double-page pin-up of Superman

Like Batman 181, this copy has a centerfold newsprint pin-up that is often missing, so when buying a raw copy remember to double-check for it or ask the seller if it is intact

Superman #199

DC ⋅ 1967

View Details ⋅ View Variants (1)

Low

$80

Mid

$200

High

$800

Key Facts

First Superman versus the Flash race, resulted in a tie

Key Facts

First Superman versus the Flash race, resulted in a tie

Key Facts

1st appearance of the Golden Age Superman in the Silver Age

Key Facts

1st appearance of the Golden Age Superman in the Silver Age

Superman #233

DC ⋅ 1971

View Details ⋅ View Variants (1)

Low

$45

Mid

$135

High

$450

Key Facts

Iconic cover art by Neal Adams

Key Facts

Iconic cover art by Neal Adams

	Publisher	Low	Mid	High
More Fun Comics #31	DC	$230	$700	$2.5k
Detective Comics #15	DC	$1.2k	$3.6k	$9.4k
Action Comics #1	DC	$285k	$1.1M	$4.6M
Action Comics #2	DC	$18.8k	$46k	$180k
Action Comics #3	DC	$6k	$18k	$77k
Action Comics #4	DC	$3k	$9k	$39k
Action Comics #5	DC	$3k	$9k	$39k
Action Comics #6	DC	$3k	$9k	$39k
Action Comics #7	DC	$23k	$68k	$232k
Action Comics #10	DC	$17k	$51k	$163k
Action Comics #11	DC	$1k	$3k	$12k
Superman #1	DC	$110k	$976k	$3.1M
Triumph Comics #772	Triumph	$1.3k	$4k	$22k
New York World's Fair Comics #2	DC	$1k	$3k	$14k
All-Star Comics #7	DC	$300	$1k	$3k
Batman #13	DC	$500	$1.5k	$5k
Superman #25	DC	$175	$525	$1.9k
Superman #30	DC	$380	$1.6k	$3.8k
All Funny Comics #16	DC	$25	$55	$270
All-Star Comics #36	DC	$470	$1.4k	$4.7k
Superman #48	DC	$120	$400	$1.2k
Superman #53	DC	$400	$1.2k	$4k
Superboy #1	DC	$1.1k	$3.1k	$11k
Meet the New Post-Gazette Sunday Funnies	Post Gazette	$120	$400	$1.2k
Superboy #2	DC	$230	$700	$2.5k
Superman #61	DC	$180	$600	$1.8k
Action Comics #151	DC	$115	$350	$1.2k
Action Comics #158	DC	$125	$380	$1.4k
Superman #76	DC	$500	$1.5k	$5k
World's Finest Comics #65	DC	$105	$315	$1.1k
World's Finest Comics #71	DC	$260	$780	$2.9k
Superman #100	DC	$150	$500	$1.5k
Action Comics #225	DC	$30	$135	$390
World's Finest Comics #94	DC	$50	$150	$550
Action Comics #241	DC	$120	$400	$1.2k
Action Comics #242	DC	$1k	$3k	$10k
Brave and the Bold, The #28	DC	$2.2k	$9.3k	$74k
Action Comics #262	DC	$15	$50	$160
Adventure Comics #275	DC	$20	$70	$230
Superman #141	DC	$25	$80	$225
Superman #146	DC	$35	$110	$450
Secret Origins Special #1	DC	$40	$115	$650
Superman #149	DC	$15	$45	$145
Superboy #100	DC	$15	$45	$225
Superman #158	DC	$30	$90	$300
Superman Annual #7	DC	$12	$40	$120
Action Comics #340	DC	$65	$185	$675
Superman #199	DC	$80	$200	$800
Justice League of America #73	DC	$5	$15	$65
Superman #233	DC	$45	$135	$450

1 2 3 › »

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Creation & Design

Early Years

Character Development

Cultural Reception

Character Details

More Fun Comics #31

DC ⋅ 1938

More Fun Comics #31

DC ⋅ 1938

Key Facts

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

Key Facts

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

Detective Comics #15

DC ⋅ 1938

Key Facts

Full page interior advertisement for Action Comics #1 with black and white cover art

Key Facts

Full page interior advertisement for Action Comics #1 with black and white cover art

Action Comics #1

DC ⋅ 1938

Action Comics #1

DC ⋅ 1938

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

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

Action Comics #2

DC ⋅ 1938

Action Comics #2

DC ⋅ 1938

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Superman

2nd appearance of Lois Lane and Zatara

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Superman

2nd appearance of Lois Lane and Zatara

Action Comics #3

DC ⋅ 1938

Action Comics #3

DC ⋅ 1938

Key Facts

3rd appearance of Superman

Key Facts

3rd appearance of Superman

Action Comics #4

DC ⋅ 1938

Action Comics #4

DC ⋅ 1938

Key Facts

4th appearance of Superman

Key Facts

4th appearance of Superman

Action Comics #5

DC ⋅ 1938

Action Comics #5

DC ⋅ 1938

Key Facts

5th appearance of Superman

Key Facts

5th appearance of Superman

Action Comics #6

DC ⋅ 1938

Action Comics #6

DC ⋅ 1938

Key Facts

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

[November 2023 - Skyler Gisondo, has been cast as Jimmy Olsen in Superman Legacy]

Key Facts

1st appearance of Jimmy Olsen, unnamed, referred to only as Office Boy