CGC Guide to Action Comics #1 Reprints and Variants
Posted on 7/1/2026
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Action Comics #1
Publisher: DC Comics
Released: 1938
About this issue: Action Comics #1 is widely regarded as the most important comic book ever produced. The issue introduced Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, launching the Golden Age era, and helped establish the superhero genre that would come to dominate comics and popular culture for generations. DC quickly sold its entire 200,000 print run, but fewer than 100 are estimated to exist today. As of this writing, there are only 87 examples in the CGC Population Report.
A CGC 9.0 copy of Action Comics #1 set the all-time comic book sales record when it sold for $15 million in 2026, making it the most valuable comic book ever sold.
Few comics have been reprinted as often as Action Comics #1. Determining whether an Action Comics #1 is an original 1938 printing or a later reprint requires careful examination of its printing characteristics. While the original issue is one of the rarest and most valuable comic books ever produced, dozens of authorized reprints, facsimiles, and commemorative editions have been released over the decades.
This guide provides a comprehensive reference to all of the known reprints of Action Comics #1 and the identifying features you can use to accurately determine which edition you own.
Reprints and Variants:
Famous First Edition #26C (1974)
The very first reprint edition of Action Comics #1 was published in 1974 in an oversized treasury edition (10”x13.5”) issue of the Famous First Edition series. The outer cover featured the Famous First Edition logo with a gold border, and a reprint of the original Action Comics #1 was underneath. Beware of unscrupulous sellers who remove the outer Famous First Edition cover and try to pass this off as an original copy. The easy way to identify this edition is by its larger size, as compared to the original 7.75”x10.5” Golden Age comic. In addition to the standard issue, this was also released as a hardcover edition.
Safeguard Reprint (1976)
Following the oversized reprint in Famous First Edition, the Safeguard Edition was the first comic-sized reprint of Action Comics #1. It’s only 16 pages, though, reprinting only the Superman story from Action Comics #1, and it was published entirely on newsprint stock paper. From the front cover, this reprint can be quickly identified by the FREE price box and the reprint box label. On the back, it’s easily identified by the Safeguard Soap advertisement on the back cover. A CGC 9.8 copy realized $1,495 on eBay in August 2014.
Sleeping Bag Reprint (1976)
Safeguard wasn’t the only promotional reprint published in 1976. Another edition, known as the Sleeping Bag Reprint, was included inside specially marked packages of sponge towels. Also like Safeguard, this issue is 16 pages and published entirely on newsprint stock paper. From the front cover, this reprint can be quickly identified by the 10-cent price and reprint box label. On the back, it’s easily identified by the “POW-WOW” sleeping bag advertisement on the back cover. A CGC 9.8 copy realized $1,407 on eBay in March 2021.
Peanut Butter Reprint (1983)
Did you know Superman used to have his own brand of peanut butter? And in 1983, you could mail away for a promotional reprint edition of Action Comics #1. This issue is 16 pages and published entirely on newsprint stock paper. It’s easily identified by the Superman Peanut Butter advertisement on the back cover. A CGC 9.8 copy realized $871 on eBay in January 2026.
Nestle Quik Reprint (1987)
Like the previous promotional editions, this was a reprint made available by Nestle Quik. And just like the others before it, this issue is 16 pages and published entirely on newsprint stock paper. From the front, it's identical to the Peanut Butter Reprint cover, but it’s easily identified by the Nestle Quik advertisement on the back cover. A CGC 9.8 copy realized $550 on eBay in September 2021.
50th Anniversary Reprint (1988)
The 1988 Anniversary reprint is one of the most common editions available. This is the first edition that was published with a modern comic gloss cover, while the interior was published in standard newsprint. But still, like the editions before it, this issue only reprinted the 16 pages of Superman’s story from Action Comics #1. There are two versions — a newsstand edition with a UPC box, and a direct edition with a “Fifty Years” anniversary box. Both editions have a white 50-cent price box, and feature a Superman pinup with yellow background on the back cover. A Direct Edition CGC 9.9 copy realized $1,800 on eBay in May 2016.
Black Box Reprint (1991)
The 1991 reprint is very similar to the 1988 reprint, except that it has a black 50-cent price box and does not have a UPC or anniversary box of the cover. Also, like the 1988 edition, it is only 16 pages and features the same yellow back cover.
Death of Superman Reprint (1992)
This reprint was included in Death of Superman collector packs. Two versions exist of this 1992 reprint — one featuring a 10-cent cover and another with a $1.00 cover. They both also have the same yellow pinup cover as found on the 1988 and 1991 editions. For many years, many believed there was also a 1993 reprint that was included in the Return of Superman collector packs, but those were just these 1992 editions repackaged for the new set. A CGC 9.8 Qualified copy with an unverified Jerry Siegel signature realized $3,000 on eBay in August 2020.
US Post Office Reprint (1998)
To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Superman in 1998, the US Post Office released a commemorative postage stamp. The stamp was included on the outer cover of a reprinted edition of Action Comics #1. A CGC 9.8 copy realized $325 on eBay in June 2018.
Millennium Edition (2000)
In 2000, DC released a series of Millennium Edition comics that reprinted key moments in DC’s history. These books were similar to the Famous First Edition series, with the Millenium Edition logo and gold stamped seal shown over the original comic cover. Unlike the oversized Famous First Editions, however, the Millennium Editions were modern comic-sized. Action Comics #1 was among the historic issues reprinted as Direct Edition and Newsstand Edition.
DC First Appearance Mini-Comic (2004)
This mini-comic reprint of Action Comics #1 was included with the DC Direct First Appearances: Superman action figure, featuring the classic Golden Age Superman.
Eaglemoss Subscribers Edition (2015)
The Eaglemoss Action Comics #1 reprint was offered exclusively to subscribers of the Eaglemoss DC Comics hardcover collection. It can be identified by the black frame around the cover, and the “Special Subscriber's Edition” text at the bottom next to the Eaglemoss logo.
Loot Crate Reprint (2017)
This edition from 2017 was the first time Action Comics #1 was reprinted in its entirety, featuring all of the stories originally published in the 1938 issue. The book was published at standard modern comic book dimensions, and it was only available to Loot Crate subscribers. It can be identified by the missing price box on the cover. A CGC 9.8 copy realized $300 on eBay in July 2017.
Tony Daniel Convention Exclusive (2017)
Artist Tony Daniel created an all-new variant as an exclusive convention edition in 2017. The cover featured Daniel’s modern homage to the classic cover, and it was available as a standard edition, a virgin edition, an acetate edition, and an acetate B&W edition. A Standard Edition CGC 9.8 copy realized $500 on eBay in February 2025.
Facsimile Edition (2022)
DC Comics published a facsimile edition of Action Comics #1 in 2022, featuring all of the original stories. The book was published at standard modern comic book dimensions. It can be identified by the missing 10-cent price box on the cover, and a modern UPC at the bottom with a $6.99 price. There was also a NYCC exclusive Foil Edition, which does include the 10-cent price box and does not have the UPC box at the bottom. A CGC 9.8 copy realized $385 on eBay in January 2023.
Folio Society Reprint (2023)
The publisher Folio Society is known for producing premium illustrated editions of classic literature and historical works. In recent years, the publisher has also included high-quality facsimile reproductions of landmark comic books with select releases — including a reprint of Action Comics #1 included with their Golden Age of DC Comics boxed set. This is the first time the issue had been reprinted in its original Golden Age dimension (7.75”x10.5”).
Fan Expo Blind Bag (2023)
This special blind bag reprint was available exclusively at Fan Expo 2023, featuring new cover art by Francesco Mattina. Inside was either the standard edition, featuring trade dress and Superman in his classic red and blue suit, a Virgin Edition, a Foil Edition, a Spot Color Edition, a Black Suit Variant, a Black Suit Variant Virgin Edition, a Black Suit Variant Foil Edition, or a Black Suit Variant Spot Color Edition.
Superman Day Facsimile Edition (2025)
To celebrate Superman’s return to the theaters in 2025, in an all-new film by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, DC Comics celebrated “Superman Day” by releasing an all new Golden Age-sized facsimile edition. It can be identified by the Superman Day logo and $9.99 cover price. DC also released a foil edition with a $14.99 cover price, a blank cover sketch edition, and a Dan Mora variant featuring Corenswet’s Superman. There were also two NYCC exclusive foils: silver and gold.
Progressive Insurance SDCC Edition (2025)
Progressive Insurance also released a special reprint exclusive at San Diego Comic-Con in 2025. The cover features the Progressive logo and the Progressive Insurance team, in original homage art by Bernard Chang.
Supergirl Day Facsimile Edition (2026)
After the success of Superman in theaters, DC Studios followed up with Supergirl in 2026. DC Comics once again celebrated “Superman Day” with the release of another Golden Age-size facsimile. This edition has a $6.99 price box.
Facsimile Edition (2026)
As of this writing, DC has announced another facsimile edition to be released in August 2026, along with a foil edition and a blank sketch edition. No further details are available at this time.
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| Safeguard Reprint Edition Click images to enlarge. |
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| Sleeping Bag Reprint Edition Click images to enlarge. |
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| Peanut Butter Reprint Edition Click images to enlarge. |
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| Nestle Quik Reprint Edition Click images to enlarge. |
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| 50th Anniversary Reprint Direct Edition Click images to enlarge. |
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| Death of Superman Reprint $1.00 Edition Click images to enlarge. |
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| 2022 Facsimile Edition Click images to enlarge. |
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| 2025 Superman Day Facsimile Variant Edition Click images to enlarge. |
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Submit your copy to CGC!
Whether you own an original copy of Action Comics #1 or a later reprint, having one of the most iconic comic books ever published is something special. Consider submitting your copy to CGC for professional authentication and grading. Collectors can also enhance their submission with an official DC Comics custom label, creating an even more impressive display piece for one of the hobby's most celebrated comics.
After your comic has been graded and encapsulated, be sure to add it to your Custom Set in the CGC Comics Registry, as part of the Character Runs category. The Registry allows collectors to showcase their collections, track their books, compete with fellow collectors, and share their passion for comics with the collecting community.
About CGC
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