Silver Age DC Superman Comic Book – Superman #167 (February 1964) Cover
LANGUAGE UNLOCK
Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Introducing the Silver Age DC Superman Comic Book — a relic from the mid-1960s known as Superman #167, its February cover artwork presenting an iconic clash. This vibrant tableau captivates collectors and enthusiasts with a miniaturized Superman ensnared by his arch-nemeses Brainiac and Lex Luthor, amid a backdrop of mid-century Americana and superhero lore.
In historical terms, this artifact hails from a period often celebrated for its daring narratives and bold artistry. Released in 1964 under the esteemed DC Comics banner, this era was pivotal in shaping the superhero aesthetic — a time where comics branded with the 12-cent price and the Comics Code Authority stamp heralded engaging tales of heroism and villainy.
Crafted from traditional materials of the comic arts — paper and ink — this piece is attributed to the creativity of Curt Swan and Edmond Hamilton. Its paper, aging gracefully, alongside finely detailed ink work, suggests a hand-rendered touch true to its Silver Age pedigree.
Condition is crucial, and here, the comic offers an engaging study. It bears signs of its storied past — gentle wear along its edges, a touch of discoloration, and a spine that maintains integrity despite its years. Unsanctioned preservation has left it unslabbed, affecting its collectible standing, yet its narrative allure remains strong.
Ultimately, authenticity of this piece is substantial, with an 85% rating reflecting its original character, barring further interior examination. Its market value is pegged between $80 and $225, with condition playing a vital role. Thus, this comic remains a prized pursuit for those drawn to the allure of Silver Age storytelling, where villains loom large and heroes shine bright. Thank you for exploring this cornerstone of comic book history.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Silver Age DC Superman Comic Book – Superman #167 (February 1964) Cover
By:Curt Swan (artist), Edmond Hamilton (writer), DC Comics
Style:Silver Age American Superhero Comic
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink
Age:1964 (February)
Condition:Very Good (some edge/corner wear, slight discoloration, spine intact, not slabbed, no back or interior page visible)
Value:$80–$225 (Depending on condition; auction average for unslabbed, mid-grade)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Front cover text: 'SUPERMAN', 'DC NATIONAL COMICS', 'FEB. NO. 167', 'APPROVED BY THE COMICS CODE AUTHORITY', price 12¢, and speech bubbles: 'LUTHOR, I SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO KILL SUPERMAN! I MADE HIM TINY WITH MY SHRINKING RAY!', 'NO, BRAINIAC! I SHOULD HAVE THE HONOR. I TOOK AWAY HIS SUPER-POWERS WITH THIS SERUM!'. Bottom yellow box: 'THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MENACE LIKE THIS! BRAINIAC and LUTHOR team up to destroy SUPERMAN!'. Back cover: 'REWARD $11,750.00 FOR THIS COIN! $500,000.00 SEARCH FOR RARE COINS!... 1964', various advert texts as described.
Date:2025-07-25 00:44:48.107460
Description:
An authentic Silver Age comic book, Superman #167, published by DC Comics in February 1964. The illustrated cover features Superman shrunk and caged, confronted by his two infamous foes: Brainiac (green-skinned, holding a shrinking ray) and Lex Luthor (bald, holding a test tube). Superman is center-stage, inside a birdcage hanging from above. The story involves Brainiac and Luthor teaming up to destroy Superman, as indicated by the cover text and speech bubbles. The comic carries a 12-cent cover price and the Comics Code Authority stamp. The back cover is a reward/advertisement for rare coins, typical of the 1960s era comics. The comic is a key collectible, combining well-known villains and early Silver Age appeal.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is an original copy of Superman #167 (Feb 1964), a notable Silver Age issue featuring the team-up of Lex Luthor and Brainiac. The comic is desirable for its classic villain pairing and represents mid-1960s DC superhero storytelling. The visible condition includes some edge wear, light soiling/discoloration, especially along lower and side borders. Spine appears intact with some minor blunting at corners. Not slabbed; collectible but not near mint. Condition impacts value significantly, but this issue remains quite desirable. Best suited for collectors interested in Silver Age Superman or villain-centric storylines. A word about fakes: Reprinted and facsimile editions exist—buyers must look for original pricing, publisher data, and printing characteristics. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
The second image provides a clear view of the back cover
featuring a 1964 coin reward advertisement
authentic to Silver Age DC comics. There is some minor staining and rounding evident at the bottom-right corner. No major tears
markings
or restoration visible on front or back. The spine shows natural age-consistent wear
with no splitting. No images of the inside or back cover interior were provided
so page quality
completeness
or evidence of restoration cannot be confirmed.
Provenance:
No direct provenance or sales documentation is seen; authenticity is presumed based on visible features alone.
Condition:
Very Good (some edge/corner wear, slight discoloration, spine intact, not slabbed, no back or interior page visible)
Identification Score: 99%
The front cover has distinctive and well-known artwork, complete publication details (issue number, date, Comics Code stamp, 12¢ price), and recognizable DC branding. These are corroborated by the era-appropriate coin advert on the back. Only minimal doubt is warranted due to the prevalence of facsimile editions—yet this item matches original Silver Age characteristics.
Authenticity Score: 85%
The comic exhibits telltale traits of an original, including proper aging, correct ad content, spine wear, and paper color (not artificially white). Printing and publisher marks fit the 1964 issue. No immediate evidence of reproduction, but the authenticity score is reserved since verification of interior pages and binding was not provided, and high-quality reprints do exist.
Image Memory Note
The comic book is Superman #167 (February 1964), Silver Age DC, 12-cent cover price, Comics Code stamp, features Lex Luthor (bald, lab coat, holding flask/test tube) and Brainiac (green skin, purple shirt, mechanical head implants, holding ray gun). Superman is depicted miniaturized and caged in the center. The speech bubbles and yellow blurb emphasize a Brainiac-Luthor team-up against Superman. The front cover has general soiling (especially lower left/right), mild wear along spine and corners, slight round at lower front right. Spine intact with minor stress lines. Back cover is a 1964 rare coin reward ad, typical of Silver Age comics—advert text in black/blue/red, includes spaces for catalog order info. No signatures or writing visible. No major tears, rips or color loss noted from images provided; staple placement consistent with era. No evidence of restoration. Interior pages not visible, thus full completeness/quality unknown.
Keywords
Superman, DC Comics, Silver Age, superhero comic, Lex Luthor, Brainiac, 1960s, collectible, United States
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
Share: