Ah, Dan, you've brought a delightful slice of comic book history with this Silver Age gem, the *Action Comics number 274*. Dating back to 1961, when superheroes leapt from magazine stands rather than cinema screens, this issue casts Lois Lane as 'Superwoman,' trading capes and powers with Superman—a quintessential comic narrative twist! Sporting that iconic 10-cent cover price, it spans the flamboyant construction of zippy dialogue and bold aesthetics evocative of its era. While its visible condition grades this copy at "Fair" (boasting heavy edge wear, spine creasing, and some charmingly vintage chipping), this comic resonates with collector charm, whispering tales of the golden days of American superhero lore. In a world morphing as quickly as it, this issue surely hosted more supercharged action than a 10-cent soda bar!
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Item Report
Silver Age Action Comics No. 274 Comic Book
By:Likely Curt Swan (cover artist), DC Comics
Style:Silver Age Comic Book
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink
Age:Circa March 1961
Condition:Fair (heavy edge wear, spine creasing, corner chipping, soiling; not slabbed, no back cover or interior shown)
Value:$25–$60 (for Fair/Good unrestored raw copy; higher grade copies value more)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Cover text: 'Action Comics', 'STILL 10¢', 'SUPERMAN NATIONAL COMICS', 'APPROVED BY THE COMICS CODE AUTHORITY', 'MAR. NO. 274', word bubbles: 'SAVE ME FROM THAT BOMB, LOIS!', 'RELAX, “SUPERMAN”—LET SUPERWOMAN HANDLE THIS EMERGENCY!', 'THE POOR DEAR! WHAT A BLOW TO HIS PRIDE, NOW THAT HE’S JUST AN ORDINARY MAN AND HIS MIGHTY POWERS HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO ME!', and above logo: 'Extra! “SUPERGIRL’S THREE TIME-TRIPS!”', story title: 'Featuring “The REVERSED SUPER-POWERS!”'
Date:2025-06-22 23:42:04.777631
Description:
A U.S. comic book titled 'Action Comics' issue No. 274, published in March 1961 by DC National Comics. The cover features Superman and Superwoman (Lois Lane), with the story titled 'The Reversed Super-Powers!' The cover price is 10 cents, and it bears the Comics Code Authority approval. The artwork is classic of the Silver Age, with bold lines, primary colors, and dramatic dialogue. Visible signs of age and handling include creasing, chipping, small tears, and color loss, particularly along the edges.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A word about fakes.. While Golden and Silver Age comic books are heavily counterfeited and reprinted, this example appears to be an original, unrestored, lower-grade (raw) copy. Original features include the bold 10-cent price, the artwork in line with 1961-era DC output, and correct logo and Comics Code Authority stamp. Visible shelf and handling wear, blunting, chipping, and color break creasing lower desirability, but the issue remains collectible due to character significance and age. The story is notable for featuring Lois Lane as 'Superwoman,' swapping powers with Superman. If back cover and interior pages are original and intact, this would remain an authentic, but low-grade, Silver Age key. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
Only the front cover is provided. Key details: wear/chipping to corners (notably lower right)
heavy creasing along spine
minor tears
surface dirt and color loss visible. No restoration or marks suggesting a reprint version. No back cover or interior images—full condition and page count confirmation not possible.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation provided.
Condition:
Fair (heavy edge wear, spine creasing, corner chipping, soiling; not slabbed, no back cover or interior shown)
Identification Score: 98%
Identification is highly confident given the very clear, readable cover with publisher, date, issue number, and character details matching a known, documented comic.
Authenticity Score: 90%
This copy displays authentic 1960s materials and printing, age-consistent wear and no obvious reprint indicators (such as barcodes, modern indicia, or reprint blurbs). Still, without examining interior pages for completeness and restoration, a slight margin of caution is retained.
Image Memory Note
The image shows the front cover of 'Action Comics No. 274', published March 1961. Main colors: red, blue, yellow. Superman and Lois Lane (as Superwoman) feature prominently, with Superman in blue/red costume and Lois in green/yellow costume, both flying against a red/orange background with an exploding bomb below. Comics Code stamp top right; price: 10¢; issue number: 274; DC logo top left. Noticeable defects include spine creasing, abrasion, chipping at corners (especially lower right), small tears, moderate soiling, and worn edges. Cover text and speech bubbles fully visible; no signatures, date stamps, or extra marks. Back cover and interior pages not shown.
Keywords
Action Comics, Silver Age, Superman, Superwoman, Lois Lane, DC Comics, 1961, American comic book, superhero, United States
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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