Item Report
Silver Age Action Comics #222 Superman Comic Book
By: DC National Comics (Writer: unknown, Cover likely by Wayne Boring or Al Plastino)
Style: Silver Age American Superhero Comic
Origin: United States
Materials: Paper, ink
Age: 1956 (November)
Condition: Good (visible edge wear, top chipping, minor creases, not slabbed; no back cover/interior shown)
Value: $85 - $225 (raw, depending on condition; slabbed higher in NM)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Cover text includes: 'Action Comics', 'No. 222', 'Nov.', 'National Comics', 10¢ price, 'Details and Entry Blank for Giant 5000 Prize Contest!', Comics Code Authority stamp. Speech bubbles read: 'Now to switch to my secret identity of Clark Kent!' and 'Now to switch to my other identity as Superman!'.
Date: 2025-06-29 05:19:18.805371
Description:
An original issue of Action Comics #222, published by DC National Comics in November 1956, featuring Superman. The cover features the iconic split-identity scene, with Clark Kent and Superman both preparing to change identities, reflecting the story about a duplicate Superman. Cover text includes 'In this issue: Details and Entry Blank for Giant 5000 Prize Contest!,' and the Comics Code Authority stamp. This comic is a Silver Age title with bright coloring and classic character artwork, with visible edge wear, tears, and some creasing.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A strong example of mid-1950s Silver Age Superman comics, with vibrant cover art and collectible appeal due to the classic 'duplicate Superman' storyline. Visible wear, chipping at top, spine stress, and minor tears impact condition, but this issue remains desirable to collectors. Not a key (no first appearance/key event), yet still valued for the era and iconic character. 'A word about fakes..': Counterfeit Silver Age comics are uncommon, though modern reprints and facsimiles should always be ruled out—this appears genuine, with correct era paper aging and design. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
- Only the front cover is shown. Notable features include chipping at the top edge of the cover (above 'Superman')
- creasing at upper left and lower right
- spine wear along the entire length
- and some discoloration consistent with age. The Comics Code stamp is intact. No back cover or interior pages are shown; further evaluation needed for complete assessment. The artwork is clean with strong mid-century coloring.
Provenance:
N/A
Condition:
Good (visible edge wear, top chipping, minor creases, not slabbed; no back cover/interior shown)
Identification Score: 99%
Nearly all details, including title, issue number (222), publisher, price (10¢), and cover story correspond with the known 1956 Action Comics #222 issue. Cover and content leave little doubt about identification.
Authenticity Score: 90%
This copy shows correct aging, design, and printing methods for a 1956 issue. Paper toning, wear, and Comics Code stamp align with period standards. No evidence of modern reprinting in visible elements, but microscopic check for restoration or trimming is advised for high-value sales.
Image Memory Note
The image shows the front cover only of Action Comics #222 (published Nov. 1956 by DC National Comics), featuring Superman. Distinctive yellow, green, and red design, central door dividing Superman and Clark Kent each transforming. Left speech bubble: 'Now to switch to my secret identity of Clark Kent!'; right speech bubble: 'Now to switch to my other identity as Superman!'. Top copy includes 'Details and Entry Blank for Giant 5000 Prize Contest!' and Comics Code Authority box. Issue number and price: No. 222, 10¢, Nov. DC's Superman National Comics logo at top left. Upper edge has paper chipping/tears, spine has visible stress/wear, cover has creases and some corner loss. Lower left shows a trash can and building. Entire back cover and interior pages are not visible.
Keywords
Action Comics, Superman, Silver Age, DC Comics, superhero, comic book, 1956, USA
Comparables (Similar Items)
No archived comparables matched this report yet.
Share: