The first name in superheroes has always been Superman. Look, up in the sky, it's a bird, it's a plane, it's...Superman! Those words have been used to identify the character for decades and the big red "S" is one of the most easily recognized symbols in the world.

As one of the top Golden Age keys, this issue features the origin of DC's most well-known and best-loved hero! Also often overlooked is the historical importance of this book, which showcases three of the most important supporting characters in the Superman pantheon: Ma and Pa Kent, and Lois Lane.

Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman has enjoyed decades of popularity and been featured in cartoons, serials, movies, and television shows.

The appearance of the Man of Steel on American newsstands in 1938 was like a thunderclap. Nothing like it had been seen before, and the entire industry changed, nearly overnight, in response to the overwhelming success of the colorful hero. Unsurprisingly, DC (then National Periodicals) milked their new property for all it was worth, hastily compiling his earliest exploits into a solo title, wrapping the contents in a blinding yellow-and-red cover that combined the class and grace of a formal invitation with the charmingly sturdy style of Superman co-creator Joe Shuster. The comic flew off shelves, confirming that the new hero was no fad or flash in the pan.

While Action #1, being the Kryptonian's debut, is the more historically significant book, this comic remains a deeply treasured milestone for superhero collectors, and its bright cover may be arguably just as iconic as the Action #1 image. Certainly one of the best portraits of the hero Shuster ever contributed, it's a perfect example of how the artist's steady line and deeply felt imagery made the character seem alive and important to readers still reeling from war, depression, and social upheaval. Note the confidence in the face of the Man of Steel, and the impressive gracefulness of his pose. A far cry from the tentative, minimalist chalkiness of Shuster's initial strips.

Highlight #3 of the Hidden Valley Collection is this professionally restored copy, which is a blazing beauty, with particularly attractive blues and reds on Superman's costume and logo. As Action #1 soars beyond the reach of many potential buyers, collectors have gravitated toward this inaugural issue to embellish their collections, and values have risen dramatically as a result. No longer an "also-ran", undervalued for some time, Superman #1 has become a "must-have" for any serious Golden Age portfolio. We are delighted to offer this copy as part of the Hidden Valley Collection's raft of Super-treasures.

Overstreet Guide 2017 F/VF (7.0) value = $460,000.

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