Today, we explore a captivating piece from the annals of comic book history — Superman #167, a classic from the Silver Age of American comics, published in February 1964. This issue invites us into a dramatic narrative, with Superman ensnared by two of his archenemies, Brainiac and Lex Luthor, and serves as a vivid canvas of period artwork and thrilling storytelling. One of the great attractions of this edition is its cultural and collector significance. A piece of the vibrant 1960s superhero wave, it embodies the charismatic confrontation that defined much of Superman's mythos — the convergence of Brainiac's intellectual might and Luthor's unrelenting ambition. Created by the celebrated DC Comics team, with Curt Swan's iconic penciling and George Klein's inking, this comic stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of its age. Despite the visual creasing, edge blunting, and the eloquent veneer of aging, the piece retains a particular allure. Such wear details, typical of a 'Good to Very Good' condition, contribute both character and authenticity, positioning this comic as an honest representation from the era. Notably, the comic reaches an authenticity score of 85%, supported by the features of period-appropriate advertisements and stamps that assure its age — alongside a reasonable auction estimate ranging between $40 and $125, depending on condition. The narrative of Superman #167 continues to enchant us with its nostalgia and vibrant storytelling, serving as a window to the past while maintaining its place in the heart of a discerning collector.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Silver Age Superman #167 DC Comic Book
By:DC Comics; cover commonly credited to Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks), writer Cary Bates
Style:Silver Age American Comic Book
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink
Age:Circa February 1964
Condition:Good to Very Good (visible edge wear, color break creases, light yellowing, moderate surface soiling, unslabbed raw copy, front and back covers present, not professionally graded)
Value:$40–$125 (depending on condition, unslabbed raw copy; higher for professionally graded higher-grade examples)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Cover: 'SUPERMAN' logo, DC National Comics logo, 12¢ price, 'FEB NO. 167', 'Approved by the Comics Code Authority'; 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!'; Yellow box: 'THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MENACE LIKE THIS! BRAINIAC and LUTHOR team up to destroy SUPERMAN!' Reverse: 'REWARD $11,750.00', '1964', 'Best Values Co.' etc.
Date:2025-07-25 00:29:39.825725
Description:
A vintage DC comic, Superman #167, published in February 1964. The cover features Superman trapped in a birdcage by Brainiac and Lex Luthor, with both villains debating who deserves to destroy him. Key characteristics: classic Silver Age DC artwork, 12-cent cover price, dramatic villain team-up premise. The cover blurb reads, 'There has never been a MENACE like this! Brainiac and Luthor team up to destroy Superman!' This issue is notable for its classic antagonist pairing and vibrant period colors, and for being an authentic example of early 1960s mainstream superhero publishing.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is an original copy of Superman #167, released in early 1964 during the Silver Age of comics. The comic features a memorable team-up between Superman's arch-enemies Brainiac and Lex Luthor, which is a strong draw for collectors. Condition appears to be in the 'Good to Very Good' range based on visible wear, some creasing and discoloration around edges, and a non-glossy cover. Both front and rear covers are shown, confirming some age-appropriate yellowing, light staining, and edge blunting but no major tears or missing sections. This is a sought-after issue but is not a key 'first appearance'; its value primarily resides in its age, cover art, and villain pairing. A word about fakes: Modern reprints (such as those from DC's 'Facsimile Edition' or from more recent trade paperbacks) can look similar, but this copy displays era-appropriate aging, a 12-cent price, and period advertisements. Always verify with interior indicia and avoid 'restored' or fake-aged comics attempting to mimic Silver Age originals. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
Back cover included: 'Reward' coin advertisement with heavy emphasis on 1964 dating
color aging
and some soiling/staining at the bottom right and left edge. No evidence of large tears or major structural flaws; spine appears intact but with expected blunting. Corners rounded
more apparent on the lower right. No interior page images
so cannot fully confirm absence of writing
missing pages
or interior tears.
Provenance:
No direct provenance provided; assumed from private collection or market resale.
Condition:
Good to Very Good (visible edge wear, color break creases, light yellowing, moderate surface soiling, unslabbed raw copy, front and back covers present, not professionally graded)
Identification Score: 98%
Identification is highly confident due to the clear display of the title, issue number (167), date (Feb), price (12 cents), publisher (DC), and period artwork and typography. Front and back covers are present with easily recognizable period-advertising content.
Authenticity Score: 85%
The visible aging, yellowing, classic ad content, and absence of 'modern reprint' flags strongly suggest authenticity as a 1964 Silver Age original. While I do not see the interior indicia, the combination of the 12-cent cover price, the Comics Code Authority stamp, period-typical colors, and paper wear reduction the likelihood it is a recent reprint. As always, in-hand evaluation of paper quality, interior printing, and staple rusting would further confirm authenticity.
Image Memory Note
The primary image shows the front cover of Superman #167 (DC, Feb 1964, 12¢), featuring Superman, Brainiac, and Lex Luthor. Superman is depicted as shrunken and trapped in a birdcage suspended between the two villains. Brainiac, colored green with mechanical nodes on his head, holds a shrink ray and claims he made Superman small. Luthor, bald and in profile, holds a test tube and claims to have taken Superman's powers. Speech bubbles read: 'Luthor, I should have the right to kill Superman! I made him tiny with my shrinking ray!' and 'No, Brainiac! I should have the honor. I took away his super-powers with this serum!' Bold yellow text box: 'There has never been a menace like this! Brainiac and Luthor team up to destroy Superman!' The DC and Comics Code Authority logos are present. The back cover is a coin-collecting advertisement, prominently featuring 'REWARD $11,750.00', offers for valuable coins, references to a '1964 catalogue', and mailing instructions. Visible wear includes cover creasing, edge blunting, and some discoloration/soiling on both front and rear covers, most evident at corners and lower edges. No writing, scribbles, or missing chunks observed on covers. No interior or spine images provided.
Keywords
Superman, Silver Age, DC Comics, Brainiac, Lex Luthor, comic book, superhero, 1960s, United States
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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