From Golden Age grails to iconic storylines that shaped the DC Universe, Superman key issues represent some of the most historically significant and collectible comics. As the world’s first superhero, Superman’s publishing history is filled with landmark moments—from his groundbreaking debut to pivotal team-ups and legendary battles. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, these 10 key comics are essential for anyone serious about the Man of Steel.

So, what are the most important Superman key issues every fan should know?

10 Most Important Superman Key Issues

From his historic debut in Action Comics #1 to game-changing moments like the Death of Superman, these Superman key issues highlight the evolution of the Man of Steel across decades. Each comic on this list represents a milestone in Superman’s legacy—whether it’s a first appearance, a pivotal storyline, or a major crossover event that reshaped the DC Universe.

Action Comics #1 (1938)

First Appearance of Superman

One of the biggest, most expensive, most important comics of all time.  The first appearance of Superman.  Written by Jerry Siegel with art by Joe Shuster.  

This issue is the first appearance of Superman, Lois Lane, Zatara and Tex Thompson.  

The synopsis of this legendary first issue contains a story of Superman delivering a witness to the governor to stop an execution by the state.  He then stops a man from beating a woman.  Superman’s public identity Clark Kent is a reporter who is assigned a story in South America.  A number of shorter stories are contained in this first issue.

This first appearance of Superman, the world’s most famous immigrant can be valued as high as 4.6 million dollars. Even the lowest grade of the low can be valued over $100,000. 

Superman #1 (1939)

First Self-Titled Superman Series

This iconic cover was also drawn by the original artist Joe Schuster with the story written by Jerry Siegel.  It is Superman’s first solo series and contains the story of Ma and Pa Kent.  

Expanded Superman Backstory

His adopted mother and father. It contains Superman’s origin story and how he came to be in the care of Ma and Pa Kent.  While some of this information was contained in Action Comics #1 this issue expands on the origin of Superman.

It contains a panel showing Clark standing in front of his parent’s grave.  He decides after this pivotal moment in his life to use his strength and abilities to help people. 

This issue is the highest-selling comic book known to date. A graded copy of 8.0 was sold in 2022 for a record-breaking $5.3 million dollars.

Action Comics #252 (1959)

First Appearance of Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)

Written by Robert Bernstein with art by Al Plastino, released in May 1959.  This is the first appearance of Superman’s cousin Kara Zor-El also known as Supergirl.

In this issue Superman sees a purple rocketship crash to earth.  He dons his costume and goes to investigate.  He comes upon Kara, a fellow Kryptonian. 

Superman comes to find out that her father was Jor El’s brother. Jor El was Superman’s father. 

Kara is in her teenage years when she arrives on Earth.  Superman brings her to Midvale and enrolls her in school.  This issue also includes the first appearance of Metallo, Allura In-Ze, who is Kara’s mother and of course her father Zor-El.

Superman #76 (1952)

First Team-Up of Batman and Superman

One of the greatest team-ups in DC History.  Superman issue 76 sees Batman and Superman.  While Batman has cleaned up Gotham and crime has all but disappeared for the time being. Bruce decides to take a vacation and go on a cruise.  

Coincidentally Superman also decides to go on a cruise.  The cruise happens to be overcrowded and Clark Kent ends up sharing a room with Bruce Wayne.

Both are concerned about the other finding out their secret identities. 

When a fuel truck blows up and the superheroes swoop in to save Lois and douse the fire they figure out each other’s identities and agree to keep it secret. 

This team of Batman and Superman go on to be known as The World’s Finest. 

Action Comics #242 (1958)

First Appearance of Brainiac

This introduces one of Superman’s greatest adversaries. Brianiac is an alien who travels through space stealing cities, technology and knowledge while shrinking down entire cities in small bottles while those people in the cities still exist.

Introduction of the bottled city of Kandor.

Brainiac stole the capital city Kandor from the planet Krypton before it was destroyed.   

The Brave and The Bold #28 (1960)

The first team appearance of The Justice League of America

Written by Gardner Fox with art by Mike Sekowsky this issue was released in March 1960.  This is the first team appearance of the fully formed Justice League of America.  It includes Superman, Batman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Aquaman. 

This issue also introduces Starro The Conqueror.  This is a key issue in Superman’s history as well as the DC comic universe. 

Superman #199 (1967)

First Superman vs The Flash Race

Who is the fastest superhero on planet Earth?  This issue tries to answer the question. Who is faster: Superman or The Flash?

Written by Jim Shooter with art by Carmine Infantino.

The UN asks for Superman and The Flash to run for charity to raise money for their organization.  While excitement is world wide, gangs place bets on who would win and try to rig the race. 

To ensure no gangs win their bets Superman and The Flash make sure it’s a tie!

Superman #233 (1971)

“Kryptonite Nevermore!” Storyline Begins

This storyline follows Superman helping out with an experiment on green kryptonite as an alternate power source.  The experiment goes off the rails and it explodes seemingly turning all kryptonite on earth into lead. 

Iconic Cover Art By Neal Adams

Superman #75 (1992)

The Death of Superman

One of the most anticipated when Superman’s death was announced and one of the most controversial issues in DC history at the time.  

Superman and Doomsday battle it out in Metropolis after Doomsday wreaked havoc while also killing a Green Lantern named Zharan Pel on his travels through the universe before landing on Earth.

After hours of fighting one mighty blow from Superman and Doomsday at the same time ends the fight permanently.  

Superman’s death is mourned by all. 

One of the best selling comics of all time

This issue, written by Dan Jurgens, sold over 6 million copies when it was released with multiple reprints. 

Collecting Superman Key Issues

Market Value and Pricing Trends

For the most part DC keys don’t move much in terms of increasing market value.  Unless it’s Batman Superman or Wonder Woman. Most Superman keys outside the Golden Age of comics aren’t high value. 

Most modern Superman keys are very minor right now and are very affordable. This could change as the DCU ramps up and if the movies start to incorporate minor characters like the MCU could trend the price of those books upwards.

How to Identify Reprints and Variants

Reprints of Golden Age books are going to be on modern paper and not newsprint. They will also have a different price and a bar code.  

Variants will have a different code other than 1 in the 5 digit bar code for variant. 

00141 would mean that it’s the first issue, fourth variant cover and first printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most valuable Superman Comic?

Superman #1 (1939). This issue holds the record as the highest-selling comic book of all time, with a CGC 8.0 graded copy selling for $5.3 million in a 2022 private sale.

How can I tell if my Superman Comic is a key issue?

A number of resources can help determine what the community considers a key.  Key Comic Collector, COVR Price, Go Collect.

Are Modern Superman Key issues worth collecting?

This remains to be seen.  Most key issues have yet to move the needle in terms of monetary investment. However, anyone who enjoys Superman as hero, as a character, as a role model will always find modern books to be entertaining without needing to break the bank or win the lottery.

Building A Legendary Superman Collection

You can start with a Silver Age collection of some key issues that won’t cost an arm, a leg, and your whole family.  To acquire any key issues in the Golden Age would take a lot of savings, however there are a number of Action Comic non keys that can be hard to find but won’t break the bank.

Sales data on early Action Comics are sketchy and most are of poor condition that still sell for hundreds of dollars if not low 4 digits but have a place in any Superman’ fan collection.