Action Comics #1
In this landmark 2001 issue, Alan Moore and Christian Heiß deliver a poignant, character-driven tale as Lois Lane recounts a pivotal moment in Superman’s history—when the Man of Steel, besieged by Brainiac (in Luthor’s body), the Kryptonite Man, and the Legion of Super-Villains, uncovers the true architect behind the assault. Curt Swan’s iconic art, refined by Murphy Anderson’s inks and vibrant colors by Gene D’Angelo and Tom McCraw, brings emotional weight to a story where Superman’s greatest victory comes at a terrible cost, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions. The cover by Swan and Anderson captures the tension of that fateful moment, while the quiet final scene with Lois, Jordy, and baby Jonathan offers a tender contrast to the chaos within.
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
Lois continues to relate how when Superman was holed up in the Fortress with his closest friends, being attacked by Brainiac (having taken over Luthor's body), the Kryptonite Man, and the Legion of Super-Villains, he realized who the mastermind behind it all was, and called on Mr. Mxyzptlk to show himself. Just as Superman sent Mxyzptlk into the Phantom Zone, Mxy fled to his own dimension, tearing himself apart. Having taken a life, Superman exposed himself to gold kryptonite and retired. The interview over, Lois, her husband Jordy, and their infant son Jonathan settle in for a quiet evening.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).