Ah, Dan, what a treasure you've dusted off! The Silver Age Superman number 167 comic book is a delightful window into 1964, a time when superheroes shared the headlines with rock 'n' roll and space races. The conspiring duo of Brainiac and Lex Luthor, caged whispers of a shrunken Superman beneath a 12¢ banner, is quintessential DC drama at its finest. In "Very Good" condition (graced with lighter spine wear and a mischievous lower-right cover crease), this comic charmingly retains its authenticity with ads that promise everything from body-building to coin jackpots. One might say it's the comic counterpart of a Space Age cocktail party—still clinking with charm and adventure!
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Silver Age Superman No. 167 Comic Book
By:DC Comics (likely cover by Curt Swan, writer Edmond Hamilton, penciller Curt Swan, inker George Klein, writer Cary Bates)
Style:Silver Age American Superhero Comic
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink
Age:1964
Condition:Very Good (light spine wear, some soiling, tiny lower right cover crease, not officially graded, back cover shows some aging and handling marks)
Value:$80–$180 (raw, in 'very good' to 'fine' condition); CGC-graded 8.0+ could fetch $400+
An original copy of Superman No. 167, published by DC (National Periodical Publications) in February 1964. The cover art features Superman in a bird cage, with villains Brainiac and Luthor conspiring against him. The speech bubbles and graphics are typical of the Silver Age of comics. This issue is significant for teaming up two of Superman’s arch-enemies. The comic carries a 12¢ cover price and is approved by the Comics Code Authority. Interior and back cover feature period-specific advertisements.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A desirable and collectible Silver Age Superman comic featuring the iconic team-up of Brainiac and Lex Luthor. Issue No. 167 was published at the height of superhero popularity, with bright, classic cover art and story content highly sought after by collectors. Condition appears to be mid-grade (visible minor spine wear, creases, moderate soiling). There is no visible restoration, and the colors are strong. Value is mainly determined by grade and market demand, with prices peaking for slabbed, high-grade examples. A word about fakes.. Genuine Silver Age DC comics are frequently reprinted, though this appears to be an authentic period-printed copy due to paper aging, visible cover ads, interior and back matter, and 12¢ price. Always verify for restoration or facsimile editions. Super-powered appraisal courtesy of Comics Lass.
Individual Images:
Detail images show the back cover with a coin advertisement and period pricing
interior ads for mail-order books and bodybuilding
both confirming originality and period publication. No evidence of major restoration or trimming. Corner wear and slight page discoloration are evident. Edge of cover shows some wear
but staples and cover attachment appear intact. Small stain/possible water spot lower left back cover.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation provided; standard copy from private/unknown collection.
Condition:
Very Good (light spine wear, some soiling, tiny lower right cover crease, not officially graded, back cover shows some aging and handling marks)
Identification Score: 99%
The clarity of the title, issue number, publication date, and cover art are all consistent with original Superman No. 167, a well-documented Silver Age issue. Supporting interior and back matter further confirm its identity.
Authenticity Score: 85%
This appears authentic due to aging of paper, period-accurate advertisements, and correct cover price. No signs of modern reprint or restoration are evident in the images. However, without examining for color touch and trimming in person, a small deduction is prudent.
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