Superman Action Comics ##1
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 2 (The New 52)
Writer
Grant Morrison
Interior Artist
Rags Morales / Rick Bryant
Cover Artist
Jim Lee / Scott Williams / Alex Sinclair
Publication Date
November 2011
Cover Variant
Jim Lee Variant (Variant Cover B)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A reboot of the Superman origin story under DC's 'The New 52' initiative. It features a younger, more aggressive Superman during his early days in Metropolis, wearing jeans and a t-shirt initially, though this cover shows the Kryptonian armor. Key characters include Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and General Lane.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (9.4)
Condition Details
The comic appears extremely well-preserved in its polybag. Visible corners are sharp. Surface gloss is high. There is a tiny micro-stress line visible on the upper left spine area near the DC logo, and very minor blunting at the bottom right corner tip. No color-breaking creases are apparent based on the photograph.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10.00 - $20.00 | Graded (CGC 9.8): $60.00 - $85.00
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $12-$15 on eBay. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $70 range, though prices for modern un-keyed New 52 books are currently soft.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection purposes. The cost of grading (approx. $40-$50 with shipping) nearly equals or exceeds the current market value for a 9.4-9.6 specimen. It would likely need to be a guaranteed 9.8 to see a significant investment return.
Notable Features
First issue of the Action Comics New 52 relaunch. Jim Lee variant cover. Retells the early days of Superman's career in the post-Flashpoint timeline.
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing. Includes standard DC logo, Jim Lee signature on artwork, correct $3.99 price point, and the '00121' code on the UPC (indicating issue 1, variant 2, printing 1).