Action Comics #1 Value

by S.
(CA)

Action Comics #1 Value: Has the front cover had varnish or glaze painted on in the past?

Action Comics #1 Value: Has the front cover had varnish or glaze painted on in the past?

Action Comics #1 Value

Not sure the issue date but it dose have the 10c stamp on front. I understand that is what makes it real?

The book is in good condition, no rips or tears in any of it. Has all its pages and no folds or creases in pages.

Editor's reply: WOW! Honestly if you are going to find one Superman comic book in your entire life, then make it Action #1.

But before we get too excited, let's just ensure it's an original.

There was a reprint of this comic called Famous First Edition. Published in the 1970s, it was an exact reproduction with an outer cover added. It's larger than the original at 13" x 10". A genuine Action Comics #1 should be around 10" x 7".

Copies of the reprint with outer cover removed are virtually worthless.

This Action #1 looks in amazing shape, although the front cover seems a bit strangely colored, like it's been varnished in the past or something. The cover also looks like it might be faded towards the top. The blue is not as vibrant as it should be.

Let's presume this is a real one, based on its size of approximately 10 x 7. You need to count the pages. There should be 60 interior pages.

Even if it's somehow incomplete (missing an interior page, or has a coupon clipped) and has some kind of restoration treatment done to the cover, an original 1938 Action Comics #1 would be worth at least $50,000 -- probably double that or more at auction.

You should absolutely get it graded and insured. We'd be happy to help you to (a) work out if it's original, and (b) walk you through the grading process if you like, just get in touch.

If it's an original, then this is an amazing find, thanks for sharing!

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Jan 17, 2024
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Hi there
by: Anonymous

I believe that I have a reprint of Action Comics number one.

Am keeping it in good condition. It’d be worth it for me if someone decides to give me a call at (you really shouldn't publish your phone number online -- Ed). Just address me as Matt.

Well, if you’re at all interested, just leave me a message whomever. You get a good comic in return for a decent offer. And I can start collecting comics.

Have a good day. Take care.

Jul 17, 2021
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Price Update
by: Gonzo

Action Comics #1 recently sold for $3.5 million dollars.

Sep 10, 2020
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Action Comic #1 1938
by: Steven

Hello real or reprint I dont know.
Like everyone else it's best to ask than walk into a truck.
My Action comic is the large 13.5 x 10 so I'm thinking junk.
But I see there's more to this magazine than I thought not only superman but there's 10 other feature stories.70 plus years is a long time the paper is very fragile and the more you touch it the more it breaks down.
I seen in an article Joe Shuster was holding a Action comic and I said wow that Action comic was as large as mine the is easy to find.
I got a book with 99 pages in it excluding the front and back cover.
This has got to be the HOLYGRAIL!

It's a 1970s reprint. Ed.

Jun 18, 2019
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I sold one a few years ago not knowing this
by: Valarie fultz

Just wondering where it was purchased I only had 2 comic books not knowing their value I would once in awhile sell my antiques when needed extra money to a place on Virginia ave antique store in Hagerstown Maryland to the owner when I was in need of money being a single mother yes when you sell something it’s your loss to a certain degree being human and having humanity is another the other one I had was the detective one with the black Batman and the one with the green car just as this one and the store is no longer their so I have been researching where the 2 comic books was bought at thanks again Valarie l Fultz 3019926901

Apr 01, 2019
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Action Comics #1
by: Richard K.

Hi, I'm wondering what value a Canadian edition of the 1938 Action Comics #1 is worth (ie percentage value)compared to its American counterpart, when all other things are equal, i.e. condition. I understand that in general, Canadian issues of comic books are valued at less than their American counterparts. I'm wondering specifically about the original Canadian release of Action Comics #1. I understand that back then (prior to WWII), Canadian issues of American comics book series were printed on not as good quality paper as American ones, and the contrast and colour may not be as good as the American issues of the same comic right off the press. Or were the issues of Action Comics #1 sold in Canada and marked "published in Canada" in fact printed in Canada, or printed in America especially for the Canadian market and then shipped to Canada? Thank you very much in advance for a reply! My email address here in Canada is leftcoast200@hotmail.com

Oct 11, 2018
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Action comics
by: Anonymous

I have a Actions comic #1 but only thing I find different is where 10 cents is its 1.00 instead never been out the wrapper. Is it real ?

Editor's reply:

Your Action Comics #1 is potentially a reprint. All the different ones are explained on this page.

There are two types of reprint. One was an over-size comic about the size of a modern magazine.

Please measure it along the spine and across the bottom edge, in inches, and send me the measurements.

I will be able to tell right away from the size whether it’s a real one or not.

The second kind of reprint was smaller, more like an original comic book in size, but sold much later than 1938.

Open the front cover and look at the fine print. It should say when it was actually published.

Of course, if both these tests fail then it might just be an original… If so, get in touch immediately and we’ll be happy to confirm.

Nov 17, 2017
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how to tell if its fake.
by: donfon66

no rock pieces being knocked off from car being smashed into the rock like the original has. no extra shine/glisten on the front of the car above the wheel. man in fore front doesn't have beads of sweat coming off his head and lastly from 10c mark to bottom edge of cover is much to big. sorry its a reprint with no value.

Nov 15, 2017
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Action #1
by: Anonymous

How do u verify page count of its never been opened and with that said why would I want to open it risking less value

Ask yourself how likely it is that a 1938 comic has never been opened...

Here is a list of known reprints.

Nov 15, 2017
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Action Comics #1
by: Anonymous

I have one that is certified, reprent, not sure of the date but there is no 10cent on the front, no reprint mark, nothing on the front except the regular cover, No 1 and June 1938.????

If there is no price then it's a reprint.

Thanks for writing to https://www.sellmycomicbooks.com

Your Action Comics #1 is potentially a reprint.

All the different ones are explained on this page.

There are two types of reprint. One was an over-size comic about the size of a modern magazine.

Please measure it along the spine and across the bottom edge, in inches, and send me the measurements.

I will be able to tell right away from the size whether it’s a real one or not.

The second kind of reprint was smaller, more like an original comic book in size, but sold much later than 1938.

Open the front cover and look at the fine print. It should say when it was actually published.

Of course, if both these tests fail then it might just be an original… If so, get in touch immediately and we’ll be happy to confirm.

Nov 13, 2017
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Blaze
by: Anonymous

If you could send me a link it would help (I'm not trying to be rude so please dont misconstrue that tone)

HERE IS THE LINK

I cannot send you something because I don't have your contact details.

Nov 12, 2017
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10×7
by: Anonymous

I have no way to contact you unless you use our contact form and send me photos and more details.

Nov 12, 2017
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10×7
by: Blaze

It's 10×7


[You will need to get in touch with more information please. It's possibly the real thing. Sell Comics contact. ]

Nov 12, 2017
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by: Ashley

Hang on. Let's start again -- what size is it?

Nov 11, 2017
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Value of mine?
by: Anonymous

I have a copy whit a couple tears on cover original print and coloring page missing how much is it worth?


[Worthless except to read.]

Feb 03, 2017
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Thanks
by: Ashley

I appreciate you pointing that out. Looks like the search for a real Action 1 will continue! We found a collection last year from #2 up... Tantalizingly close.

Feb 02, 2017
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Action #1 not real
by: Anonymous

This book is missing several detection points- 1)-there is no yellow running board: 2)- there is no glare on fender 3)- there are no "floating rocks" at right- 4) there are no beads of sweat on the man in foreground- has to be a reprint.

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