Action Comics (1938)

The series that launched the superhero genre. Action Comics #1 (June 1938) introduced Superman to the world, forever changing the comic book industry and popular culture. Published by DC Comics, the series initially featured an anthology format with multiple stories per issue, but Superman quickly became its dominant feature. Over its decades-long run, the series chronicled Superman's adventures in Metropolis, his battles against villains like Lex Luthor and Brainiac, and his dual life as Clark Kent. The title also introduced key elements of Superman mythology including Supergirl's debut in issue #252. This original volume ran until issue #904 in 2011, when DC relaunched its entire line with the New 52 initiative, making it one of the longest-running American comic book series in history.