Action Comics # 252 Facsimile Edition Cover B Curt Swan Foil Variant 2025 BN

Action Comics #252 is one of the most historically significant issues in DC Comics history, primarily known for the first appearance and origin of Supergirl (Kara Zor-El). Originally published in May 1959, it has seen renewed interest due to multiple Facsimile Edition reprints released between late 2025 and early 2026. 

Key Stories in the Issue 

The comic contains three distinct stories that helped shape the Superman mythos: 

• "The Supergirl from Krypton!": Superman discovers a crashed rocket containing his cousin, Kara Zor-El. She reveals that her home, Argo City, survived Krypton’s destruction for years before being threatened by Kryptonite poisoning. To protect his secret identity, Superman places her in the Midvale Orphanage under the alias Linda Lee.
• "The Menace of Metallo!": This story introduces the first appearance and origin of Metallo (John Corben). Corben is a criminal who, after a near-fatal accident, is transformed into a cyborg with a heart powered by uranium (and later, Kryptonite).
• "Congo Bill Dies at Dawn!": A backup feature where adventurer Congo Bill uses a magic ring to swap minds with a golden gorilla, becoming Congorilla to save an expedition from mutineers. 

Creative Team 

• Writers: Otto Binder (Supergirl) and Robert Bernstein (Metallo/Congorilla).
• Artists: Al Plastino (Supergirl/Metallo) and Howard Sherman (Congorilla).
• Cover Artist: Curt Swan.