Sale of CGC-certified Action Comics #1 to Benefit Noble Causes in the World of Comics

The first appearances of Superman and Batman, in comic book grails certified by CGC®, are leading Heritage Auctions’ Comic Books Signature Auction on May 7-9, 2026. The proceeds from a book that launched the Golden Age of Comics are generously going back to help comic professional creators and retailers.

Leading the way in this auction is an Action Comics #1 graded CGC 7.0 Conserved (lot 91002). Credited with shaping the future of DC Comics and the entire modern comic book industry, Action Comics #1 launched Superman to prominence as an iconic American superhero in 1938. Fewer than 100 copies of Action Comics #1 are listed in the CGC Population Report in any grade.

“This is truly an amazing specimen,” said CGC President Matt Nelson about the comic. “It’s always a pleasure when CGC gets to grade an Action #1. It just has some very light conservation work done to it, but as you can see, the book has beautiful, deep colors, which is a real plus on Action #1.”

The pages, Nelson said, are almost white and appear untouched.

“People use the word ‘grail’ a lot in this industry, and when I looked at this thing for the first time, I was like, ‘that’s not a grail, it’s the holy grail,’” said seller Timmy Hague of Arsenal Comics and Games.

Just as it is Superman’s selfless nature to help others, proceeds from the sale of this comic will be donated to the Hero Initiative, Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC), and Comics Professional Retail Organization (Comics Pro).

Also included in this auction is a Superman #1 graded CGC 5.5 Conserved (lot 91128). Published in 1939, just one year after his debut in Action Comics, Superman #1 was the first time a comic book title was devoted entirely to one superhero. If you prefer Big Blue with a big blue label, there’s also a CGC Universal Superman #1 graded CGC 1.5 and another graded CGC 1.0 available in this auction.

Not long after DC introduced the Man of Steel, the publisher gave us the first appearance of Batman in 1939, and this sale features a Detective Comics #27 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 91014). Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the character’s introduction was an attempt to mimic the success of Superman, which they did.

Just like Superman following his debut in Action Comics, DC quickly realized they had another hit on their hands, and Batman was rushed into his own solo title. This auction includes a Batman #1 graded CGC 5.0 (lot 91010), as well as examples graded CGC 4.0 and CGC .5. Featuring the Dark Knight’s earliest adventures under his own title and the first appearances of the Joker and Catwoman, Batman #1 is a cornerstone of modern superhero mythology.

Other CGC-certified comics in this auction include:

• an All Star Comics #8 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 91006)
• an Amazing Fantasy #15 graded CGC 8.5 (lot 91007)
• a Captain America Comics #1 graded CGC 4.0 (lot 91012)
• a Crime SuspenStories #22 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 91013)
• a Fantastic Four #1 graded CGC Signature Series 6.5 signed by Stan Lee (lot 91162)
• a Marvel Comics #1 graded CGC 9.0 Restored (lot 91016)
• a Marvel Spotlight #5 graded CGC 9.8 (lot 91018)
• a Phantom Lady #17 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 91020)
• a Suspense Comics #3 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 91025)
• an X-Men #1 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 91026)

About CGC

Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games, and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for sports cards, TCGs, and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation, and more. CGC Home Video provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of videocassettes, DVD, Blu-ray, and more. CGC also offers seamless solutions for autograph collectors with CGC Signature Series and JSA Authentic Autograph services.

CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, a global provider of expert and impartial authentication and grading services for collectibles. Since 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group companies have certified more than 110 million collectibles, including coins, banknotes, comic books, cards, autographs, and stamps.