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Action Comics #24 cover
Cover: Joe Shuster & Paul Cassidy

Action Comics #24

May 1940 · DC · 0.10 USD
📊 ~39,620 copies sold its debut month
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In "Carnahan's Heir," Tex answers a desperate call from editor Dick Dangello after three reporters vanish on the mysterious Isle of Akra. With the island’s reclusive scientist claiming to have invented invisibility, Tex arrives to find himself trapped—and confronted by a man whose middle section has vanished into thin air. The story unfolds with a creeping sense of dread as Tex and his companions uncover the truth behind the missing reporters, guided only by the elusive, invisible Inspector Burke. Written by Ken Fitch and illustrated by Bernard Baily, with a striking cover by Joe Shuster and Paul Cassidy, this 1940 classic blends pulp intrigue with early superhero mystery in a tale that’s as grounded in its setting as it is daring in its premise.

Contains 7 stories
Carnahan's Heir
13 pp · Superhero
Rufus CarnahanPeter CarnahanJenkinsJake Brent (villain)Benny Farrel

In "Carnahan's Heir," the Man of Tomorrow answers the final plea of a dying millionaire, tasked with guiding his wayward son—a reckless gambler and spendthrift whose only strength is in his father’s name. With quiet determination, Superman steps into a world of privilege and failure, where redemption isn’t handed down, but earned.

Spring Training
6 pp · Adventure, Sports
"Fog" WallaceJoe DonlinJim Shaw
Escape from the Island
4 pp · Adventure, Historical
Captain Ruff (villain)

In "Escape from the Island," Jon finds himself stranded on a remote isle after fleeing a pirate ship, only to discover a hidden treasure trove beneath the jungle floor. With Captain Ruff returning and danger closing in, Jon must use his wits and the island’s secrets to turn the tide.

The Stolen Gold
6 pp · Adventure, Aviation

When the Three Aces return from a mission in Mexico and land in Arizona, they're swiftly arrested on suspicion of gold robbery—only one, Gunner, manages to escape. He takes to the skies, racing toward a remote ranch where the stolen gold has been hidden, but the truth behind the theft remains tangled in mystery.

The Invisible Steam
10 pp · Adventure
Dick DangelloInspector Burke

In "The Invisible Steam," Tex answers a desperate call from Dick Dangello, editor of the Daily Press, after three reporters vanish on the Isle of Akra. Investigating the island’s mysterious scientist, Tex finds himself trapped when the man unleashes a cloud of gas that renders Gargantua invisible from the waist down—only to encounter the unseen Inspector Burke, a man who’s been missing since the reporters disappeared.

Revolution in Verdania, Part 2
6 pp · Adventure
Lieutenant DiazPresident Valdez

In "Revolution in Verdania, Part 2," Clip races to rescue President Valdez after learning he’s been taken by revolutionists in the South American nation of Verdania. With Diaz’s help, Clip flies to Punta del Sol, only to be captured—just as he and the president are reunited. Now trapped together, the trio must find a way to escape before the Revolutionary General strikes again.

The Magician Murder
11 pp · Adventure, Fantasy
Etta NolanChalo, the Gypsy MagicianLotus BlossomJohn Dokarthe three Witches of Endor

ComicBooks.com Value

Our Model is In Beta
Raw (Good) $566
CGC 9.4 · 1 in census $17,615*
CGC 9.2 · 1 in census $11,306*
CGC 9.0 · 2 in census $7,846*
CGC 8.5 · 4 in census $5,478*
CGC 8.0 · 1 in census $4,121
CGC 7.5 · 1 in census $4,121
Show all 20 grades
CGC 7.0 · 2 in census $3,257
CGC 6.5 · 4 in census $2,404*
CGC 6.0 · 4 in census $2,080*
CGC 5.5 · 2 in census $1,748*
CGC 5.0 · 4 in census $1,674
CGC 4.5 · 4 in census $1,402
CGC 4.0 · 9 in census $1,232*
CGC 3.5 · 10 in census $1,098
CGC 3.0 · 6 in census $993
CGC 2.5 · 3 in census $788*
CGC 2.0 · 4 in census $659
CGC 1.5 · 7 in census $515*
CGC 1.0 · 5 in census $430*
CGC 0.5 · 2 in census $338*
* estimate — limited direct-sales data at this grade
Our model’s value — refined as new sales data arrives · CGC census counts shown where available
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Cast · 13 characters

Full credits

writer Ken Fitch
artist, inker, letterer Bernard Baily
cover pencils Joe Shuster
cover inks Paul Cassidy

Reprints

Reprinted in Superman in Action Comics #1 (1993), Superman: The Action Comics Archives #2 (1998), The Superman Chronicles #3 (2007), Superman: The Golden Age Omnibus #1 (2013), Superman: The Golden Age #2 (2017), DC Finest: Superman: The First Superhero #[nn] (2025)

Key issues in Action Comics

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