"Action Comics #1" Vintage Copy to Headline "The Vault: Golden Age to Modern Comics" Auction
Posted on January 26, 2026 by Neil Cole
An original, vintage copy of "Action Comics #1", the most consequential comic book ever published, will be featured in Landry Pop Auctions' upcoming auction, "The Vault: Golden Age to Modern Comics" which is scheduled for February 10, 2026. Ranked No. 1 on Overstreet's Top 100 Golden Age Comics, the 1938 issue is universally recognized as the origin point of the superhero genre and a defining artifact of American popular culture.
Published by National Allied Publications, "Action Comics #1" introduced Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, establishing the narrative and visual framework that would define superheroes for generations. The issue also marks the first appearances of Lois Lane and Zatara, expanding its historical importance within the DC canon. Interior artwork by Fred Guardineer and Bernard Baily, paired with Joe Shuster’s iconic cover illustration of Superman lifting a car, produced one of the most enduring images in publishing history and signaled the beginning of the modern comic book era.
The copy being offered is graded CGC 5.0 and originates from The DC Universe Collection, with CGC Certification No. 4282201008. Census data confirms that only two examples are recorded at this grade, with 27 graded higher, underscoring the rarity of the offering. The book features off-white to white pages, with the case reported to be in good condition. Grader notes document professional restoration, including color touch, added pieces, tear seals, reinforcement, cover cleaning, and interior lightening, with multiple creases present on the front cover.
The offering comes in the aftermath of the recent $15 million record-setting sale for a CGC 9.0 graded copy of "Action Comics #1" (once owned by actor Nicolas Cage) reaffirming the title's standing as a premier blue-chip collectible within the global market. The upcoming auction presents collectors, institutions, and investors with a rare opportunity to acquire an authenticated example of the most important comic book ever produced.
Bidding will be conducted both in person and online, with preview appointments available in advance of the sale. Additional information, including registration details and the full auction catalog, is available at LandryPop.com.
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English (US) · 