Lex Luthor first appeared in Action Comics #23, published by DC in 1940. That places it in the Gold Age.
Why this issue matters
Introduced as a red-haired mad scientist rather than the bald businessman he'd become, Luthor is the accepted first appearance according to DC itself, though a strong case has been made for the earlier Superman #4.
Key facts
Action Comics #23
- Character: Lex Luthor
- Publisher: DC
- Cover year: 1940
- Era: Gold Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Go deeper
Other first appearances from 1940
- Hawkman (Carter Hall) Flash Comics #1, 1940
- Clayface (Karlo) Detective Comics #40, 1940
- Green Lantern (Alan Scott) All-American Comics #16, 1940
- Flash (Jay Garrick) Flash Comics #1, 1940
- Catwoman Batman #1, 1940
- Joker Batman #1, 1940
More DC firsts from the Gold Age
- Black Canary Flash Comics #86, 1947
- Scarecrow World's Finest Comics #3, 1941
- Solomon Grundy All-American Comics #61, 1944
- Superman Action Comics #1, 1938
- Batman Detective Comics #27, 1939
- Wonder Woman All Star Comics #8, 1941
- Aquaman More Fun Comics #73, 1941
- Green Arrow More Fun Comics #73, 1941
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.