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
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 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]
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
DC 1939
2nd Print 3rd Print
Low
$0
Mid
$0
High
$0
View on eBay
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
DC 1949
Low
$230
Mid
$700
High
$2.5K
View on eBay
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

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