Original cover art from Action Comics #309

The story of Action Comics #309 has been told here before, see "The Sad Story of Action Comics #309", it is just coincidental that the original cover art from the issue recently came up for auction. the original cover art features original pen and ink art by noted Silver Age Superman comic book artist Curt Swan for the Feb., 1964 issue of "Action Comics" #309 published by DC Comics. 

The cover art has been inked by Sheldon Moldoff. The cover features Superman greeting a long line comprised of his alter-ego Clark Kent (w/whom he shakes hands), Lois Lane, Daily Planet newspaper editor (and Clark Kent's boss) Perry White, Supergirl, Batman, Robin, Superman's pal Jimmy Olsen, Clark Kent's ex-flame Lana Lang, Legion of Super-Heroes members Saturn Girl, Element Lad and Chameleon Boy and Police Chief Parker. Clark Kent's former mermaid girlfriend Lori Lemaris is seen in a tank on the line. the issue is important from not only a comic book standpoint but also historical significance because  The issue President John F. Kennedy disguises himself as Clark Kent (as seen on cover), helping Superman retain his secret identity. The the issue hit stands just one week after Kennedy's assassination in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.  DC was unable to recall the issue, the publication and distribution process was too far along.

Cover includes the "Action Comics" title paste-over as well as "Comics Code Authority" seal. It also contains the issue number paste-overs and word balloon connected to title paste-over, as well as some sign text below title paste-overs.


The original cover art Sold for an unbelievable $112,015. I guess the historical significance was not lost on collectors. This is a historically significant piece of comic book history.

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The Sad Story of Action Comics #309

Strange coincidences happen all the time both when dealing with comics and real life, the story of Action Comics #309 crosses over between the two worlds.

Back in the 1960's many of Supermans issues including Action Comics had covers that, instead of showing fight scenes from the issue,  showed some type of née to solve mystery. The cover of Action Comics #309 showed Superman shaking hands with his alter ego, Clark Kent. Prospective buyer were supposed to see this cover on the newsstand and want to see why.

The Superman story in this issue has Superman being asked by a television show to meet with former/current friends including Clark Kent. In order to pull this off Superman asks for help from a very powerful friend. President John F. Kennedy agrees to help the Man of Steel, so he dresses up as Clark Kent. He agrees to keep Superman's secret identity secret.

The sad part of this story is that this issue hit newsstands days after President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22,1963. In those days comics began shipping throughout the country weeks before they hit newsstands making it to late in the process for DC to recall the issue.

Only about 35 copies of Action Comics #309 have been graded by CGC, the highest being a 9.8. You can add a copy to your collection for less then $10 ungraded and a couple of hundred high grade.

If nothing else this issue would be a fantastic conversation piece. It does have a historical back story.

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