EVOLUTION OF A COMIC...

First there's the ashcan edition, just to secure the copyright...

Cover of the ashcan edition of Action Comics

Then the real cover of the actual first issue is drawn, before a copy is sent for colouring...

The original cover artwork for Action Comics #1
by Joe Shuster

Then the actual issue is printed...

The printed result - for only 10 cents

Then it goes on sale...

Where's the Tardis when you need it? (Action Comics #1 at bottom-middle
of photograph.)

Result? History in the making.