Comedy characters such as Joe Palooka, Mutt 'n Jeff, The Katzenjammer Kids and Little Orphan Annie dominated what has become known to collectors as the 'antediluvian period' of comic books - that is, those published between 1933 and 1937. Funnies on Parade in 1933 established the later standard length of 32 pages and although still consisting of reprints from the Sunday papers, the covers, printed on higher quality paper, were specially drawn to show the material contained within. Famous Funnies of 1934 was aptly named for it marked the first inclusion of science fiction in the shape of Buck Rogers of the 25th Century. The comic and series lasted until issue #218 in 1955.
The 'golden age' of American comic books began in 1938 with the first publication of Action Comics. Five years earlier, teenage writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, had begun to develop a character based on their own experiences and fantasies. It was rejected by every publishing house they submitted it to - until it landed on the desk of M.C. Gaines, who went on the found Mad Magazine. He persuaded National Periodical Publications (later DC Comics) to take a chance on what was to become the single most imitated character of them all: Superman. Action Comics #1 is considered the single most important American comic book and of the quarter of a million printed only a hundred or so remain in any condition. A quite nice one will set you back the cost of a top range sports car and a perfect copy (and only one of those exist) would give you little change from a million dollars.
