Action Comics #222 November 1956 Superman Comic Book
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Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Dan, thank you for presenting this charming piece of comic book history! The Action Comics number 222 from November 1956 takes us straight into the heart of the Silver Age with its delightfully convoluted plot involving a cosmic accident and duplicate Supermen. Condition-wise, it stands in "Good" light (with visible spine wear, a chipped top left corner, and some creasing), and, alas, it's not officially graded or slabbed. This comic vividly echoes mid-1950s superhero culture, embodying both the artful covers of Curt Swan and the narrative quirks that established Superman as a cornerstone of comic lore. It may not be worth quite the weight of Kryptonite, but it’s certainly a colorful relic of Americana.
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Item Report
Action Comics #222 November 1956 Superman Comic Book
By:Likely Curt Swan (cover artist), DC Comics
Style:Silver Age American Superhero Comic
Origin:USA
Materials:Paper, ink (comic book)
Age:Circa November 1956
Condition:Good (extra spine wear, top left corner chip, creasing/folds, not officially graded or slabbed)
Value:$60–$175 (depending on condition; low auction estimate for a mid-grade unslabbed copy)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Front cover: 'Action Comics', 'No. 222', 'Nov.', '10¢', 'Giant 5000 Prize Contest', Comics Code Authority seal, 'Superman National Comics', speech bubbles. No signatures or interior writing visible.
Date:2025-06-29 05:47:53.990755
Description:
This is an original copy of Action Comics issue #222, published in November 1956 by DC Comics. The iconic cover features Superman and his alter-ego, Clark Kent, splitting off in two, each declaring their intent to switch identities. The storyline inside grapples with the theme of a duplicate Superman caused by a cosmic accident. The cover price is 10 cents, and the comic is approved by the Comics Code Authority. The series is a foundational title for superhero comics, and this issue is notable for its classic Silver Age era artwork and story, reflecting the mid-1950s comic book culture and Superman mythos.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a genuine mid-1950s Silver Age Superman comic, notable for its colorful and imaginative cover featuring a plot twist involving a duplicate Superman. The comic shows some cover wear: visible creasing, chipping, and minor paper loss at the edges and especially at the upper left and right corners. There's discoloration, some soiling along the spine, and the comic is unslabbed (not professionally graded or encapsulated). Collectors value this era for its classic art and iconic superhero storytelling. Its value is modest unless found in very fine or near mint condition, but it remains a collectible piece for fans of Superman and DC history. A word about fakes: While high-end superhero comics are sometimes counterfeited or reprinted without clear marking, this example appears consistent with the printing and materials of the era. For investment or high-tier resale, professional grading (CGC or CBCS) is recommended. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
Signs of spine wear (creases
minor tears)
color loss at spine fold
slight paper loss at top left and right edges
some edge discoloration. Staples lightly rusted; no major tears on front cover; corners rounded. Upper right corner has a chip and slight dog-ear. No interior or back cover images provided.
Provenance:
No provenance documents or sales receipts provided.
Condition:
Good (extra spine wear, top left corner chip, creasing/folds, not officially graded or slabbed)
Identification Score: 98%
Based on the clear title, publication number (#222), and cover date (Nov.), this comic is confidently identified as Action Comics #222, a well-documented Silver Age Superman issue.
Authenticity Score: 75%
The comic displays authentic aging, 1950s-appropriate Comics Code Authority stamp, and period-accurate art and production. However, as the comic is unslabbed and images of the interior, back cover, and indicia are missing, and because there are some well-made reprints in circulation, I apply a cautiously optimistic score, erring on the side of safety for unslabbed comic assessments.
Image Memory Note
Primary image details: Comic book titled 'Action Comics', issue #222, cover-dated November, price 10 cents, published by DC Comics ('Superman National Comics'). Speech bubbles read: left figure: 'NOW TO SWITCH TO MY SECRET IDENTITY OF CLARK KENT!'; right figure: 'NOW TO SWITCH TO MY OTHER IDENTITY AS SUPERMAN!'. Upper cover: 'In this issue: DETAILS and ENTRY BLANK for Giant 5000 Prize Contest!'. Upper right: 'APPROVED BY THE COMICS CODE AUTHORITY'. Main blurb: 'WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A COSMIC ACCIDENT CREATES A DUPLICATE SUPERMAN?'. Artwork depicts Superman and Clark Kent both opening shirt/jacket to reveal the Superman insignia. Notable flaws: spine creasing, top left corner tear, small chip out upper right corner, general edge wear, faint soiling/discoloration mostly along the spine, rounded corners. No handwriting or maker's mark beyond standard comic publisher labels.
Keywords
Action Comics, Superman, Silver Age, comic book, DC Comics, 1950s, superhero, #222, Clark Kent, USA
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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