Superman’s first story was a two-part tale and Action Comics #2, the 2nd appearance of Superman, is also the second half of the first Superman story. And it’s also very cool, with Superman in his full, pre-World War II pacifist mode. Set in 1938, when the winds of war had barely gotten notice in the USA, Superman intervenes in a foreign war that is clearly modeled visually on World War One, right down to the uniforms and the accusations by Superman that the whole conflict was tricked up to sell munitions. This a very rare book. More scarce than Action Comics #1. Superman was not on the cover of this issue, so you are getting “everything Superman” there is to be had. The issue is listed in Overstreet for between 11 and 12K in “good” condition, which is a misnomer for a comic that’s actually in bad condition but is usually complete. This not complete because it’s missing the cover, but like many of the most desirable golden age books, it is not available at Overstreet prices. Generally, this book commands multiples of the guide prices in all grades. Labbed copies of #2 are much cheaper than they would be if not for the fact that, in a certification holder, you cannot see the story, which is what makes the book desirable. Ironically, I have to price this coverless issue of #2 below the asking prices people put on coverless copies of #7, which came 6 months later and has a far less important story but had Superman on the cover. Neither this coverless book nor any coverless Action 7 has a cover with Superman on it, but a coverless 7 costs more because Superman would be on the cover of 7 — if the cover was included. All of which makes this book both expensive and a bargain. Condition-wise this book is complete and the pages are off white and supple except the outermost wraps which have exposed to more of the elements and taken more abuse over the years. The first page is loose and frayed, as you can see in the pics. But as you can also see that it’s still bendy and flexible and readable, and the condition gets better as you go inside the book. The back two leafs are loose and chipping at the edges encroach on the panel edges a bit of the last pages of the Zatara story, but don’t impede readability. There are still some stains and wear, here and there, but it’s overall solid. The item “Action Comics #2 coverless 1938 2nd Superman” is in sale since Monday, July 22, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Comics\Golden Age (1938-55)\Other Golden Age Comics”. The seller is “comix4college” and is located in West Hills, California. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Publisher: DC
