CATALOG RECORD

Action Comics #23

DC · Series began 1938 · April 1940

first appearance of Lex Luthor

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WHY COLLECTORS WANT IT

Lex Luthor (Superman's arch-enemy) — introduction, no first name given until 1960, apparent death
The Black Pirate (Jon Valor) — introduction

Dates

Cover date: April 1940
On sale: February 23, 1940
Pages: 68

Editions and covers

Original edition
Source ↗

Facsimile reprints exist

Action Comics 23 (Facsimile Edition) (2025). A facsimile reproduces this issue with a modern cover price and barcode; check before buying.

Creators

pencils: Joe Shuster, Bernard Baily, Fred Guardineer, Sheldon Moldoff, Chad Grothkopf, Will Eisnerinks: Paul Cassidy, Bernard Baily, Fred Guardineer, Sheldon Moldoff, Chad Grothkopf, Will Eisnerscript: Jerry Siegel, Gardner Fox, Will Eisnerletters: Bernard Baily

Stories

Europe at War, Part 2 · 12.88 pages
While on assignment with Lois Lane as Clark Kent, Superman investigates the conflict between Galonia and Toran and finds munitions manufacturer Luthor behind it. When Lois is kidnapped and taken to Luthor's colossal dirigible, Superman follows and puts an end to Luthor and the war.
Trouble at the Mine · 6 pages
Dead Men Tell No Tales · 4 pages
The Lost City of Gold · 6 pages
No. 1 - Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson · 0.75 pages
How to Find Bones · 0.17 pages
The Man with the Rubber Face · 10 pages
Spy's Return · 1.25 pages
Revolution in Verdania, Part 1 · 6 pages
Red Cross Anniversary; Commemoratives From Philippines · 0.25 pages
The Treasure Tower · 11 pages

Characters

Clark KentSupermanLois LaneLex LuthorGeorge TaylorZataraTex ThomsonThe Black PirateJon ValorPep MorganBob DaleyClip CarsonFog FortuneGunner BillWhistler WillTigressGargantua T. Potts

Reprinted in

Action Comics 23 (Facsimile Edition) (2025), Superman: The Action Comics Archives (1997), Superman in the Forties (2005), The Superman Chronicles (2006), Superman vs. Lex Luthor (2006), Superman: The Golden Age Omnibus (2013), Lex Luthor: A Celebration of 75 Years (2015), Superman: The War Years 1938-1945 (2015), Superman: The Golden Age (2016), Superman: The 85th Anniversary Collection (2023), DC Comics: The Golden Age (1938-1956) (2023), DC Finest: Superman: The First Superhero (2024)