Item Report
Bronze Age DC Treasury Edition 'Superman vs. Muhammad Ali' Comic Book
By: Cover and interior art by Neal Adams; written by Dennis O'Neil (with Adams); published by DC Comics
Style: Bronze Age American Superhero Comic, Treasury Edition
Origin: United States
Materials: Paper, ink (offset printing)
Age: circa 1978
Condition: Very Good (moderate cover/edge wear and discoloration; not officially graded, presumed raw copy)
Value: $100 - $225 (raw, ungraded, depending on condition)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Cover art signed 'Adams.' Publication mark: '$2.50 C-56 32180 ALL NEW COLLECTORS' EDITION.' DC star logo on the upper left. Interior artist and writer credits visible on inside pages. No personal inscriptions or store stamps detected.
Date: 2025-06-20 08:06:58.456212
Description:
An original 1978 DC Comics Treasury Edition comic book, titled 'Superman vs. Muhammad Ali.' This oversize collector’s edition features iconic cover artwork by Neal Adams, showcasing a boxing match between Superman and the legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. The memorable cover also includes celebrities and comic characters in the crowd, with wraparound art. Interior pages feature full-color artwork and the story is written by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams. The cover price is marked $2.50 (C-56, 32180), and oversized dimensions (approximately 10" x 13"). This edition is recognized as a classic crossover event in comic and sports memorabilia history.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is an authentic 1978 'Superman vs. Muhammad Ali' DC Treasury Edition comic, recognized as a significant collector's item due to its cultural crossover appeal. The copy appears to be complete, with visible moderate wear including minor corner, edge, and surface discoloration. Not officially graded but likely in 'Very Good' to 'Fine' condition based on the images. Value is diminished versus Near Mint copies, but still desirable to collectors.
Individual Images:
- The close-up images reveal minor blunting and shelf wear on the corners (especially top left)
- some light surface spotting/soiling likely from age
- and typical edge fraying for oversized comics of this era. There is no obvious tearing
- large creases
- or defacing; the cover gloss and colors remain well-preserved. All the interior page art appears intact
- printing registration looks clean
- and the book seems complete. Notable is the sharpness of Neal Adams's signature on the cover and high detail in the crowd scenes
- attesting to the edition's authenticity. No 'facsimile' or 'reprint' indications are present.
Provenance:
No explicit provenance documentation included with the images. Physical authenticity supported by visible aging and correct features.
Condition:
Very Good (moderate cover/edge wear and discoloration; not officially graded, presumed raw copy)
Identification Score: 100%
The large size, distinctive cover art, clear publication details, and interior stylistic elements unmistakably identify this as the 1978 DC 'Superman vs. Muhammad Ali' Treasury Edition. Iconic crossover and known print details further confirm the identification.
Authenticity Score: 90%
All visible aspects, such as the wraparound cover, vintage DC logo, publication date, and specific $2.50 price, match an original 1978 release. Moderate aging and appropriate materials are apparent. No reprint markings detected. Authenticity is highly likely, though full certification would require physical inspection.
Image Memory Note
Front cover: Features Superman boxing Muhammad Ali in a ring; crowd includes DC and real-world celebrities in color. Title reads: 'SUPERMAN vs. MUHAMMAD ALI' and 'THE FIGHT TO SAVE EARTH FROM STAR-WARRIORS.' Large DC blue circle/stars logo top left. $2.50 price, 'ALL NEW COLLECTORS' EDITION,' C-56, 32180 at top right. Signature 'Adams' visible on lower left corner. Minor surface discoloration and edge wear, particularly at corners. Back cover: Crowd scene, with the earth and a UFO-like ship above. Photorealistic depictions of celebrities. Inside page: Title match setup—left, Muhammad Ali, right, Superman; stylized boxing intros and planet scene below. Interior colors look clean. Detail image (bottom right front cover): Focus on two comic-style celebrities' faces (likely to be real personalities), fine inking. No staples or spine detached visible, suggesting solid binding. Last images: DC logo is lightly soiled; price corner has minimal edge wear. No major rips, tears, stamps, or markings. No evidence of restoration.
Keywords
comic book, Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, Neal Adams, Bronze Age, DC Comics, Treasury Edition, sports crossover, 1978, United States, collectible
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