DC's Action Comics has been recognized by Guinness World records as the longest-running superhero comic book series. Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee were presented with a certificate today in a ceremony before the opening of Comic-Con International in San Diego.

Debuting in 1938 with the issue that introduced the world to Superman, and to superheroes as we now know them, Action Comics commemorated its 1000th issue in April.

“The release of Action Comics #1000 was a watershed moment for fans of comic books, entertainment and popular culture at large,” DiDio said in a statement. “It’s both exciting and humbling to be recognized by Guinness World Records for this achievement and we’re grateful for the legions of fans that have supported Superman and Action Comics for the last 80 years.”

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Although DC's namesake title, Detective Comics, debuted a year earlier, and was recognized in 2009 by Guinness as the longest-running comic book periodical, Action Comics has released more issues, as it was published weekly for nearly a year, beginning in 1988.

“Action Comics and Superman laid the foundation of the superhero genre and are cornerstones of American pop culture history,” said Michael Furnari, Guinness World Records official adjudicator. “This Guinness World Records title is a fitting tribute to Action Comics’ lasting impact on the superhero genre and comic books as a whole.”