Silver Age Superman Comic Book – 'Superman' #167 (DC, February 1964) – Brainiac & Luthor Cover
LANGUAGE UNLOCK
Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Dan, you've brought me on quite the journey back in time with this formidable copy of "Superman number 167" from the auspicious February of 1964. This Silver Age gem, featuring the ever-scheming Brainiac and Lex Luthor, exudes comic book nostalgia with its bold red and yellow Superman logo and the ever-reassuring Comics Code Authority stamp. The condition is proudly Very Good (visible edge wear and a touch of softening in those corners speak to its age), although it's not officially graded. The righteous ads for coin rewards and muscle-building courses only add to its nostalgic charm. It almost makes you yearn for an era when villains were predictably dastardly but thoroughly entertaining. Now there's a treasure capable of rattling more than a few daily planets!
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Silver Age Superman Comic Book – 'Superman' #167 (DC, February 1964) – Brainiac & Luthor Cover
By:Published by DC Comics; main cover art attributed to Curt Swan (penciler) and George Klein (inker), editor Mort Weisinger
Style:Silver Age Superhero Comic
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, colored inks, staple binding
Age:Circa February 1964
Condition:Very Good (VG) (visible edge wear, spine wear, lower left corner softening, stain at lower back cover, not officially graded)
Value:$80–$250 (depending on actual condition – raw, not graded or slabbed)
This is Superman #167, published by DC Comics in February 1964 during the Silver Age of comics. The cover prominently features Brainiac and Lex Luthor debating over who should kill Superman, who is depicted shrunken and powerless inside a cage. The book’s cover price is 12¢, typical for this era. Interior and back cover advertisements are consistent with early 1960s printings. Iconic Superman logo in bold red and yellow, Comics Code Authority stamp at upper right. Issue features a team-up between Brainiac and Lex Luthor in the plot.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A word about fakes... Reprints and restoration are common pitfalls in this category, but based on the ad content, copyright line, cover price, and natural signs of wear, this issue appears to be an authentic example of Superman #167 from the Silver Age. The condition is decent for its age, with visible wear along the spine, corners, and slight staining/edge discolorations, but displays solid eye appeal. No obvious evidence of restoration or major trimming, and interior ad content matches originals, not modern reprints. Issue is a key villain team-up (Brainiac and Luthor) which enhances value. Recommend storage in a comic bag/board and possible professional grading to maximize value. Truth, justice, and condition!
Individual Images:
Back cover displays a 1964 coin reward ad – period correct. The interior shows ads for bodybuilding courses and dinosaur books
INC.' further confirms authenticity. Visible wear includes lower-right corner stain (interior)
spine and corner rubs
edge tanning
and light surface soiling. No clear evidence of restoration or missing pages from images shown.
Provenance:
No explicit provenance or previous ownership documentation provided; all information derived from visible publication data and images.
Condition:
Very Good (VG) (visible edge wear, spine wear, lower left corner softening, stain at lower back cover, not officially graded)
Identification Score: 99%
The front cover and advertisements match well-documented details for Superman #167 (published Feb 1964), including price, indicia, storyline, and period advertisements. High certainty due to clear, named title, issue number, and supporting interior and back matter.
Authenticity Score: 92%
This appears to be an original, unrestored 1964 issue. Evidence supporting authenticity includes era-appropriate cover price (12¢), indicia date (1963 copyright in interior), and period-specific advertising. The degree of wear is consistent with natural aging. There is no sign of modern reprinting or overt restoration, but final confirmation would require in-person inspection of paper quality, odor, and staple rusting. Score slightly below perfect due to the possibility of undisclosed color touch or minor restoration, though none immediately obvious.
Image Memory Note
The comic book is 'Superman' #167 (Feb. 1964), cover price 12¢, DC National Comics. Cover shows Brainiac (green-skinned, with circuitry headpiece, in magenta attire) holding a shrinking ray, Superman shrunken in a cage, Lex Luthor (bald, pink shirt) holding blue serum in a test tube. Speech bubbles: Brainiac: 'LUTHOR, I SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO KILL SUPERMAN! I MADE HIM TINY WITH MY SHRINKING RAY!'; Luthor: 'NO, BRAINIAC! I SHOULD HAVE THE HONOR. I TOOK AWAY HIS SUPER-POWERS WITH THIS SERUM!'. Yellow box at lower right: 'THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MENACE LIKE THIS! BRAINIAC and LUTHOR team up to destroy SUPERMAN!'. Back cover: 1964 coin catalog ad (Best Values Co., Newark, NJ), offering 'REWARD $11,750' for rare coins. Interior pages: Ads for 'World of Dinosaurs' ($1.95), 'American Body Building Club, ABC', and a variety of illustrated offers. Lower right edge of interior page shows faint water stain/bleed. Overall wear includes edge tanning, soft corners, spine stress, and soiling. No writing, scribbles, or torn out coupons observed. Staple placement and oxidation not clear in images. Sufficient details to confirm issue and authenticity, with no modern reprint marks.
Keywords
Superman, Silver Age comic, DC Comics, 1964, Brainiac, Lex Luthor, superhero, U.S., collectible comic, comic book
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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