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Issue: Superman #[1]
Publication Date: January 1939
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Disclose Detail
Issues: #[1] of 423 Issues (608 Printings)
Title:
Variant: unnamed
Rating: [no rating]
Publisher: FlagDC
Brand: none
Indicia Publisher: Detective Comics Inc.
On Sale Date: 05/18/1939
Volume: none
Pages: 68
ISBN: none
UPC/EAN: none
Price: $0.10 USD
Indicia Frequency: none
Content Items: 19 (8 stories, 1 cover)
Editor(s):  
Disclose Notes: According to Superman: The Complete History, M.C. Gaines told Siegel and Shuster what additional content (aside from the Action reprints) to create for this issue in a letter dated 27 March 1939.
The Audit Bureau of Circulation files reveals that there were three printings of this issue in 1939 (500,000 copies, 250,000 copies, and 150,000 copies) (researched by Russ Maheras). The only difference noted is in the house ad for Action Comics #14, which has either an on-sale date of "June 2nd" or just "Now on Sale" (researched by David Bachman).

There is no number on this issue.

On-sale date from the publication date reported to the U.S. Copyright Office found in the Catalog of Copyright Entries; Third Series; Volume 20; Part 1; Number 1: Books and Pamphlets, Including Serials and Contributions Periodicals, January - June 1966, Renewal Registrations. Original copyright registration number AA299871. Renewed 1 July 1966, copyright renewal registration number R388937.
Originally reported to the Catalog of Copyright Entries, Part 1; Group 2; Pamphlets, Leaflets, Contributions to Newspapers or Periodicals, Etc., Lectures, Sermons, Addresses for Oral Deliveries, Maps; 1939; New Series; Volume 36; Number 4.

May 18 on-sale date also listed in house ad in Action Comics #13.

The Superman logo for each story was hand-drawn by Joe Shuster so they look different for each story and do not follow the cover official design fully.
  Does this data need corrections? Become an editor.
Disclose Format
Publication Type: Comic Book
Color: color
Dimensions: standard Golden Age U.S.; standard Silver Age U.S.; standard Modern Age U.S.
Paper Stock: glossy cover; newsprint interior
Binding: saddle-stitched; squarebound (#183, 187, 193, 197, 202, 207, 212, 217, 222, 227, 245, 252, 272, 278, 284)
Publishing Format: was ongoing series
Format Notes:  
Disclose Reprinted In108
Disclose Reprinted From8
Disclose Images3
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Assets1
Indicia
 
 
spacer
Disclose Content Items (19 total)
Disclose Issue Images
The Complete Story of the Daring Exploits of the One and Only Superman

Illustration  on  Cover, Front
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
First Line: 64 pages of action! All in full color
Synopsis: Superman leaps over a city skyline.
Reprinting
In Issue: FlagSuperman: Cover to Cover #[nn] published August 2006
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Annual #1 published January 1960
as Famous First Issues! [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]"No. 1" added; 1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagSuperboy #100 published October 1962
as Special 100th Anniversary Souvenirs... [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Annual #7 published January 1963
as Famous First Issues! of the "Superman Family"! [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagSuperboy #157 published June 1969
as Special Anniversary Souvenirs [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagSuperman from the Thirties to the Seventies #[nn] [Original Edition] published January 1971
as [untitled] [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #243 published October 1971
as Famous First Issues! of the "Superman Family"! [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]cover
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as [untitled] [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman from the Thirties to the Eighties #[nn] published January 1983
as [untitled] [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Superman #[1] [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Back Cover [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]backcover; 1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagGiant Superman Annual #1 Replica Edition #[nn] published October 1998
as Famous First Issues! [Superman #1] [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]as reprinted in Superman Annual #1
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman in the Forties #[nn] published December 2005
as Milestones [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Superman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published April 2006
as [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
In Content Item: FlagThe Superman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published April 2006
as [untitled] [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagDC Comics Anthologie #[nn] published February 2012
as [untitled] [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: The Golden Age Omnibus #1 published August 2013
as Superman #1 [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes: in Superman: The Complete History (Chronicle Books, 1998 series) [1/3 page]
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Leo O'Mealia drew the cover of Superman #1 based on a Shuster panel in Action #10. Logo design credit from Todd Klein via his Facebook page, used with permission.
Disclose
[untitled]

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ? (ad copy)
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as [untitled] [Advertisement on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as [untitled] [Advertisement on Interior Page(s)]inside front cover; 1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #2 published November 1990
as [untitled] [Advertisement on Interior Page(s)]inside front cover; 1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Ads [Advertisement on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Inside front cover.
Disclose
Two Page Origin of Superman

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
First Line: Just before the doomed planet, Krypton, exploded to fragments, a scientist placed his infant son within an experimental rocket-ship, launching it toward Earth!
Synopsis: A rocketship, carrying an infant, rockets from the planet Krypton as it blows up, and lands on the Earth where a couple named the Kents find the baby inside the rocket and eventually adopt him. This infant boy grows up to be Superman.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Annual #2 published January 1960
as Page 2 of the Two-Page Origin [Story on Inside Back Cover (IBC)]page 2 only in black and white
In Content Item: FlagAdventure Comics #285 published June 1961
as [untitled] [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperboy #100 published October 1962
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]page 2 only
In Content Item: FlagThe Great Comic Book Heroes #[nn] published January 1965
as The Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSupermann #16/1970 published August 1970
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]2nd page
In Content Item: FlagSuperman from the Thirties to the Seventies #[nn] [Original Edition] published January 1971
as Two page origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Two-Page Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSupermann #9/1979 published August 1979
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Super Heroes v1 #2 published January 1980
as From the Archives -- [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman from the Thirties to the Eighties #[nn] published January 1983
as Two page origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Two-Page Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Two page origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Two Page Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told #1 published October 2004
as The Origin of Superman & His Powers [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Superman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published April 2006
as Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagDC Comics Anthologie #[nn] published February 2012
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: The Golden Age Omnibus #1 published August 2013
as Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose Notes: This is the first version of the Superman origin that mentions Krypton and his foster parents.
Disclose
Clark Kent Gets a Job

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Sims
First Line: Outer waiting-room of the Daily Star... You may see the editor now.
Synopsis: Clark Kent applies for a job at the Daily Star, but is turned down until Superman stops a lynching and Clark phones in the story. Then Superman gets singer Bea Carroll to confess to the murder of Jack Kennedy.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagSuperman from the Thirties to the Seventies #[nn] [Original Edition] published January 1971
as Clark Kent Gets a Job [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Clark Kent Gets a Job [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSupermann #9/1979 published August 1979
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman from the Thirties to the Eighties #[nn] published January 1983
as Revolution in San Monte pt I [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Clark Kent Gets a Job [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Clark Kent Gets a Job [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Clark Kent Gets a Job [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Superman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published April 2006
as Prelude to "Superman, Champion of the Oppressed" [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: The Golden Age Omnibus #1 published August 2013
as Prelude to "Superman, Champion of the Oppressed" [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 4
Disclose Notes: New material, newly drawn for this issue. Superman wears red boots. The story has no masthead or by-line. The story continues in the next sequence.
Disclose
The Coming of Superman

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): unnamed Governor; Governor's unnamed servant
First Line: A tireless figure races thru the night.
Synopsis: Superman breaks into the Governor's mansion to stop the execution of Evelyn Curry, and Lois is kidnapped by gangsters, no thanks to that spineless milksop, Clark Kent, but is rescued by Superman! In his next assignment, Superman tackles a corrupt Senator in Washington.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as The Coming of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSupermann #9/1979 published August 1979
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as The Coming of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as The Coming of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagAction Comics #1 published June 1938
was The Coming of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 11.67
Disclose Notes: Continued in next story.

Clark Kent is hired as a reporter for the Daily Star newspaper in this sequence. Superman wears blue boots in this reprinted story. A scene from the cover of Action (DC, 1938 series) #1 (June 1938) appears in panel 67.
Disclose
[untitled]

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
First Line: And so begins the startling adventures...
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as [untitled] [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagAction Comics #1 published June 1938
was Action Comics [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.33
Disclose Notes: Illustrated promotional house advertisement for the Superman strip appearing in Action Comics (DC, 1938 series).
Disclose
Revolution in San Monte

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Lola Cortez; Emil Norvell (villain)
First Line: As they topple like a plummet to the street below, eighty stories distant, Greer shrieks insanely the entire length of the building!
Synopsis: Clark Kent and Lois Lane board the steamship Baronta, bound for San Monte in South America to cover the war brewing. He and Norvell join the San Monte Army so that the Man of Tomorrow can prove the war is being fomented by munitions manufacturers.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Revolution in San Monte [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSupermann #9/1979 published August 1979
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Revolution in San Monte [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Revolution in San Monte [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Revolution in San Monte [Story on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagAction Comics #2 published July 1938
was Revolution in San Monte [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 12.67
Disclose Notes: Clark apparently works for the (Cleveland, Ohio) Evening News, as he sends pictures there, although panel 15 of the story has Lois stating "our editor decided to have me accompany you to the warzone..." and Lois works for the Daily Star. Since Siegel and Shuster both came from Cleveland, it's possible Siegel put this in as a plug for their hometown newspaper! Superman wears blue boots.
Disclose
[untitled]

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ? (promo copy)
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
First Line: Attention all American youth!
Synopsis: House advertisement asking readers who would like to see the Superman newspaper strip in their local paper to fill out the coupon and mail it to the publisher "and we will try to get your paper to run it as a daily strip."
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as [untitled] [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagAction Comics #2 published July 1938
was [untitled] [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.33
Disclose Notes: This house advertisement replaced the house advertisement which appeared on the last page of "Revolution In San Monte" in its original publication in Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #2 (July 1938). Only the "Attention All American Youth" headline and the image of Superman were retained from the original house advertisement.
Disclose
Superman & Action Comics Invite You to Become a Charter Member of the Supermen of America

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
First Line: The opportunity of a lifetime!
Synopsis: Supermen of America fan club application (initial launch).
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Superman & Action Comics Invite You to Become a Charter Member of the Supermen of America [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Superman & Action Comics Invite You to Become a Charter Member of the Supermen of America [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Superman & Action Comics Invite You to Become a Charter Member of the Supermen of America [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Superman & Action Comics Invite You to Become a Charter Member of the Supermen of America [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose Notes: The illustration accompanying this promotional house advertisement was also used as the pinup on the back cover.
Disclose
Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: science fiction
First Line: Superman came to Earth from the planet Krypton, whose inhabitants had evolved, after millions of years, to physical perfection!
Synopsis: Superman's strength is attributed to the lighter gravity found on Earth, and is compared to the ant and the grasshopper, both insects whose strength and jumping ability, by comparsion, would be considered super strength.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told #1 published October 2004
as Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Superman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published April 2006
as Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: The Golden Age Omnibus #1 published August 2013
as Scientific Explanation of Superman's Amazing Strength--! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes: in Superman: The Complete History (Chronicle Books, 1998 series) [1/2 page]
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Adapted (not reprinted) from page 1 in Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #1 (June 1938). According to Superman: The Complete History, the idea, and title for this sequence came from M. C. Gaines in a letter to Siegel and Shuster dated March 27, 1939.
Disclose
The Blakely Mine Disaster

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Elsa Maxwell; George; Stanislaw Kober; Thornton Blakely (villain)
First Line: A creaking of timber - an ominous rumble - and then, with a terrific crash, the Blakely coal mine caves in, entrapping a lone miner within its terrible confines!
Synopsis: Clark asks editor Taylor for the assignment at a cave-in the Blakely Mine, a mine notorious for its unsafe working conditions. However, when he disguises himself as a miner, he is caught and taken to Blakely, who is entertaining guests at a party. Blakely decides to move the party into the mine, showing to all present that conditions and fail safe measures are more than adequate for the worker's safety.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as The Blakely Mine Disaster [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as The Blakely Mine Disaster [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as The Blakely Mine Disaster [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as The Blakely Mine Disaster [Story on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagAction Comics #3 published August 1938
was The Blakely Mine Disaster [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 12.67
Disclose Notes: Superman appears in only one panel in this story. Wears blue boots.
Disclose
[untitled]

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
First Line: Hey fellers!
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as [untitled] [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagAction Comics #3 published August 1938
was [untitled] [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]modified
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.33
Disclose Notes: Modified from a promotional advertisement for a cartoon contest in Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #3 (August 1938) into a promotional advertisement for membership in The Supermen of America here, using most of the original artwork.
Disclose
Superman Plays Football

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Tommy Burke; Mary; Wallace Dodd (cameo); Coach Randall (villain); Oliver Stanley; Ray Martin; Mike
First Line: Exhilarated by the demon speed, a drunken, irresponsible driver races faster -- faster still!
Synopsis: Learning that the football coach of Dale University, who is desperately trying to save his job, has hired professional thugs to play against Cordell University, Superman kidnaps Cordell's bench warmer-player, Tommy Burke, and takes his place in the big game, foiling the plot and allowing Cordell to win the game.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Superman Plays Football [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Superman Plays Football [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Superman Plays Football [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Superman Plays Football [Story on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagAction Comics #4 published September 1938
was Superman Plays Football [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 12.75
Disclose Notes: Clark works for the Evening News in this story. Superman wears blue boots.
Disclose
Acquiring Super-Strength

Activity  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: non-fiction
First Line: Warning: when exercising it is always well to remember that overstrain is dangerous
Synopsis: This sequence provides advice on how to improve your strength.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Acquiring Super-Strength [Activity on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Acquiring Super-Strength [Activity on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagAction Comics #4 published September 1938
was Acquiring Super-Strength [Activity on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.25
Disclose
[untitled]

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ? (photographs)
Inker(s): ? (photographs)
Colorist(s): ? (photographs)
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: biography, informational, non-fiction
First Line: Boys and Girls: Meet the creators of the one and only Superman - America's Greatest Adventure Strip!
Synopsis: Features photos and biographies of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of Superman.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Boys and Girls: Meet the Creators of the One and Only Superman - America's Greatest Adventure Strip! [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as [untitled] [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as [untitled] [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Boys and Girls: Meet the Creators of the One and Only Superman - America's Greatest Adventure Strip! [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Superman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published April 2006
as Meet the Creators [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: The Golden Age Omnibus #1 published August 2013
as [untitled] [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
Biff Dugan

Text Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Sergeant Blake; Harvey Brown; Biff Dugan (villain, introduction); Mooney
First Line: Smashed desks, overturned filing cabinets, strewn plaster, gaping holes in the walls, shining steel fixtures drooping in sad caricature of their former modernistic splendor, greeted the startled Detective Sergeant's eyes...
Synopsis: After Superman eludes Sergeant Blake by changing to Clark Kent, Clark blackmails the detective into allowing him a jailhouse interview with Biff Dugan. When Dugan escapes, Clark switches to Superman and returns Dugan to his cell.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Biff Dugan [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Biff Dugan [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Biff Dugan [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Biff Dugan [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman in the Forties #[nn] published December 2005
as [untitled] [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Superman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published April 2006
as Superman Text Story [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: The Golden Age Omnibus #1 published August 2013
as [untitled] [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose Notes: In this story, Clark works for the Daily Star.
Disclose
[untitled]

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: fantasy, superhero
First Line: Follow the adventures of the one and only Superman...
Synopsis: Promotional house advertisement for Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) #14, for July of 1939, on sale July 2, 1939 (see notes).
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as [untitled] [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as "Follow the adventures of the one and only Superman in every issue of Action Comics!! [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as House Advertisement [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: This house advertisement contains clues to which printing of the issue this is: the on-sale date of "June 2nd" (at least first printing) or just "Now on Sale" (at least third printing, the second printing is undetermined).
Disclose
[untitled]

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ? (ad copy)
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as [untitled] [Advertisement on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as [untitled] [Advertisement on Interior Page(s)]inside back cover; 1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Ads [Advertisement on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Inside back cover. Ads for new 576 page catalog of novelties from Johnson Smith & Co., with full pages of novelties available.
Disclose
[untitled]

Illustration  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Synopsis: Superman is breaking out of chains across his chest.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #C-61 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1979
as Pin-Up [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Superman Archives Volume I [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]illustration, from back cover
In Content Item: FlagSuperman Archives #1 [Standard Edition] published February 1989
as Back Cover [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]back cover; 1/4 page
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #1 [Masterpiece Edition] #[nn] published January 1999
as Pin-Up [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Superman 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published December 2000
as Back Cover [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Superman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published April 2006
as Pinup [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Back cover.

This illustration was originally used for The Supermen of America club. This original back cover appearance has a dashed line to the right where this pinup could be cut out. The dashed line does not appear on any of the comics this back cover was reprinted.

This image also appears on Action Comics (DC, 1938 series) covers as a masthead image from issues 16 (September 1939) to 127 (December 1948).

This image was trademarked and has been redrawn and homaged numerous times as both a call-back to the original image but to help maintain the trademark. Trademark application from Detective Comics, Inc., New York, N.Y. Application on June 3, 1941. Trademark Serial No. 444,138.

The statement to the U.S. Patent Office by treasurer Jacob S. Liebowitz stated that the trademark had been in use since September 3, 1937. As to what this date might be referring to is unknown.

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