In the Beginning, There Was … Action Comics #1

The world of comics was abuzz at Comic-Con International: San Diego as the Holy Grail of comic books — an original copy of ACTION COMICS #1, featuring the first appearance of the world’s most iconic Super Hero, Superman — made a rare appearance as the guest of honor, along with Man of Steel star Henry Cavill and director Zack Snyder, at a party celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of Superman. Widely considered to be the genesis of the superhero genre, ACTION COMICS #1 — an original on loan from the personal collection of musician Jack White (The White Stripes, The Racounteurs, The Dead Weather) arrived under heavy security to the star-studded Comic-Con event sponsored by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Entertainment.

“There wouldn’t be a Comic-Con without ACTION COMICS #1 and Superman so it’s fitting that we’re honoring the comic book that started it all here in San Diego,” stated Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “It’s been a year filled with milestones for Superman – while we celebrate 75 years of entertainment from the world’s first Super Hero, the global success of Man of Steel proves Superman is more relevant than ever.”

Famed musician Jack White loaned his original, 1938 issue of ACTION COMICS #1 to DC Entertainment for use at the event, stating, “ACTION COMICS #1 is an important piece of history. Instead of keeping my comic locked inside a vault I want to share it with fans during key moments like Superman’s 75^th anniversary, much like fine art is shared in museums.”

ACTION COMICS #1 made a grand entrance at the event, complete with a Brinks security truck delivery following a hand-off from Tornado Comics, a comic retailer that helped facilitate the appearance in San Diego. The comic was displayed in a special, “speeding bullet-proof” display case made specifically for the event, allowing guests to get an up-close look at what many consider to be the most valuable comic of all time.

In addition to the landmark appearance of ACTION COMICS #1, the San Diego celebration honoring Superman was a dazzling event at the Hard Rock Hotel, with guests including Man of Steel star Henry Cavill, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder, DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee, and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, among many others. The event is part of a year-long celebration honoring 75 years of Superman that includes a commemorative logo, and a new, animated short that pays homage to Superman and the many iterations of the Super Hero throughout his 75 years. The animated short is produced by Zack Snyder and will be released later this year.

Superman fans attending Comic-Con International: San Diego can attend a special panel “Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment: Superman’s 75th Anniversary Celebration” on Saturday, July 20 at 4:15pm in room 6A. Panelists include Grant Morrison (All-Star Superman), Tim Daly (Superman: The Animated Series), Jim Lee (DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and artist for SUPERMAN UNCHAINED), Jack Larson (the original Jimmy Olsen from Adventures of Superman), talent from Man of Steel, and many more.

About ACTION COMICS #1:

After first appearing in ACTION COMICS #1, dated June 1938, Superman quickly became a cultural icon, winning fans around the world in live-action and animated form in nearly every known entertainment medium. In comic books, feature films, TV shows, radio, video games, publishing and merchandise, he has battled some of the greatest villains ever created in his endless pursuit of truth, justice and the American way. More than 900 print issues of ACTION COMICS have been published by DC Comics since 1938 and it remains one of the most popular titles for the publisher. Many collectors and comic experts consider ACTION COMICS #1 to be the most valuable comic book in the world.