Action Comics #23: A Key Pillar in Superman’s Legacy & Why Its Digital Drop Matters

Action Comics #23 has remained cornerstone issue in the Man of Steel’s storied history. Originally published in April 1940, this Golden Age classic is most famous for introducing two of Superman’s most enduring elements: Lex Luthor, the archenemy who would define Superman’s rogue gallery for decades, and the first-ever mention of the Daily Planet, the fictional newsroom that would become central to Clark Kent’s dual identity.

Quick Story Overview, Thanks to Candy Digital:

In this Golden Age classic, Lex Luthor, first appears armed with a twisted intellect, a full head of red hair and a plan to push Superman to his limits. Operating from a high-tech airship, Luthor kidnaps Lois Lane and threatens global disaster, forcing the Man of Steel into a battle of strength versus strategy that will define their dynamic for decades.

Did You Know?

The Daily Planet, where Editor Perry White ran the show, was modeled after The Toronto Daily Star Newspaper? The idea was conceived by none other than Canadian writer, comedian & comic legend Joe Shuster, who co-created Superman with Jerry Siegel. And...Lex has HAIR too haha!

QUICK LOOK AT THE FIGURES

Per GoCollect data, high-grade physical copies of this book consistently fetch six figures at auction. With only 167 total graded listed, CGC 8.0 graded copies have an 1-year Fair Market Value (FMV) of $84,000 and NO GRADES FOUND OVER 9.0. Its historical value, scarcity, and the enduring appeal of its content (let's not forget GENE HACKMAN'S performances as Lex!) combine to make it a very cozy Superman comic to have in your possession!

OK, being real, this is a TOUGH ONE for the average physical comic collector to acquire. If you're one of the few lucky enough, CONGRATS - you have some envious readers clapping right now!

For those of us who’d love to own a piece of this massive history, but are a ‘few bills shy’ of even the $2,000 FMV of a 0.5 GCG physical, DC Comics recently released Action Comics #23 as digital assets on April 30th through Candy Digital, their curated digital comic platform.

This offers fans another rare opportunity to own a piece of Superman history in a unique collectible format. Available in very limited editions (only 2,000 total were minted into existence!), this offers high collectibility while granting accessibility to a global audience, particularly fans who may never have the chance to see or afford a physical copy of this level.

After-market price points vary, as is often the case, where the more ‘common’ core & uncommon variants are ranging in the $7 to $10 range, with the more scarce ‘rare, epic & legendary’ variants going from $12 to $300 floors.  Certainly easier to consider, right?

Premiums then add value to assets with low mint numbers, or those with numerical significance (release years, fancy mints & so forth). “Mint #2” for instance, is currently listed at $1000 USD in the Candy aftermarket, or mint #100 (of 100 'Legendary' variants) is listed for $700, so you can quickly see there are high valuations that do sell to the right buyers.

THE PHYSICAL VS. DIGITAL COLLECTIBLE DEBATE FLIES ON

As I continuously state, digital platforms like Candy Digital AND VeVe are not trying to replace physical books - they’re expanding the playing field. For newer fans, digital assets like these offer entry points into the legacy of Superman in a way that connects readers well beyond just those awesome flicks from the 70s & 80s.

Where of course, “this particular writer” will never stray from Christopher Reeves as the BESTESTEST SUPERMAN EVER.  Though Kirk Alyn is a pretty close second…!!

For you seasoned collectors, it’s a way to engage with classic content in new formats that DON'T DEGRADE or lose value no matter how many times you open & read 'em. What a SUPER easy way to enhance your collection if you do own one of these print versions! (No crypto, no 'web3' or payment issues...just sign up, select your asset & use a credit card to complete your purchase.)

Imagine for a moment, the JOY when your teenage son or daughter decides to read that digital copy with you, which now belongs in your family, where nobody yells out "DON'T TOUCH!"

From personal experience, this is a SUPER MOMENT all on its own!!!


LET'S BAG & BOARD THIS BLOG UP

Bringing Action Comics #23 to Candy Digital, DC helps future-proof its legacy, ensuring the next generation of collectors can experience these landmark moments that defined Superman, while capturing additional market support in conjunction with the releases of new films fans can enjoy.

Please note this is just ONE of MANY Superman & DC Titles available, including the ICONIC SUPERMAN #1 (where the 'legendary variant covers have sold for almost $10,000 each) , or BATMAN #1 (where mint #1940 just sold for $2500 USD), clearly indicating a vibrant community is amassing, using real dollars to acquire these for fractions of what their physical counterparts current sell for.

So give the site a try, let the nostalgia sink in and enjoy the opportunity to be EARLY again, as many current collectors are doing.

Could you imagine being one of those buyers back in 1940 who were wise (lucky?) enough to see the future and HOLD ONTO those books, or grabbing one many years ago before these current values hit, now passing the memories onto your next generation? Imagine the foresight (and heh heh, KAHUNAS) to go after these limited available edition numbers while the bulk of the marke still debates the legitimacy of the space?

Whether you’re a lifelong Superman enthusiast or a digital-native fan just discovering (or digitally stacking) the classics, this is another GOLDEN AGE asset now available to new collectors worth paying attention to.

Thanks for Reading!