Item Report
Silver Age DC Comics Superman #167
By: DC Comics (likely Curt Swan cover artist, Edmond Hamilton writer, per era/DC records)
Style: Silver Age American Superhero Comic
Origin: United States
Materials: Paper, ink (comic book printing)
Age: 1964
Condition: Very Good (visible spine/edge wear, age toning, no official grading or slab)
Value: $100 – $250 (depending on grade; much higher if in certified high grade condition)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Front cover includes DC logo, Comics Code Authority stamp, price '12¢', issue & date info (Feb. No. 167), speech bubbles: '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!' Bottom caption: 'There has never been a menace like this! Brainiac and Luthor team up to destroy Superman!'
Date: 2025-06-29 21:34:20.907898
Description:
This is Superman issue #167 published by DC Comics in February 1964. The front cover features Superman shrunken in a cage with Brainiac and Lex Luthor, two of his most iconic villains, arguing over who should destroy him. The book is a classic example of Silver Age superhero comics, with bold cover art and narrative-driven dialogue bubbles. The back cover advertises a 1964 coin catalog, typical of the period's comic book marketing.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A desirable issue from the Silver Age, featuring Brainiac and Lex Luthor teaming up against Superman, which enhances its collectible status. The visible cover wear (creased edges, some corner soiling, off-white pages) points to a mid-range collectible grade. Complete and unrestored, this book would appeal to Superman and classic DC collectors. A word about fakes... Comic book counterfeiting is rare but incomplete or restored books sometimes surface, so always verify originality when possible.
Individual Images:
- Back cover showing typical coin ad of the era
- light toning and foxing on edges
- small creases lower right front
- cover attached
- no major tears visible. Front image offers crisp colors; corners worn but intact.
Provenance:
None provided (no provenance material present in images)
Condition:
Very Good (visible spine/edge wear, age toning, no official grading or slab)
Identification Score: 99%
The issue number (#167), publication date (Feb.), publisher ('DC' and Comics Code Authority logo), and iconic characters (Superman, Brainiac, Lex Luthor) clearly identify this as Superman #167 from 1964. Back cover ad style and price confirm the period.
Authenticity Score: 85%
The comic shows period-appropriate cover design, price, vintage ad, paper aging, and staple placement. No visible signs of restoration or reprint. Minor surface wear aligns with a genuine 1960s copy.
Image Memory Note
Front: Comic book depicts cover of Superman #167 (DC Comics, Feb. 1964), featuring Brainiac (green-skinned, pink shirt, ray gun) on left, Lex Luthor (bald, holding test tube) on right, and Superman shrunken inside a birdcage, center. Cover speech: '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!' Banner: 'Superman' in bold yellow/red. Comics Code Authority box, 12¢ price, and DC/National Comics logo (pink circle). Condition: moderate spine and corner wear, some edge discoloration, lower right edge creasing. Back: Coin ad from 1964 with large '$11,750' reward headline, list of coins wanted, small image of 1804 Liberty silver dollar. General age toning, no missing pieces, cover attached, moderate edge foxing and corner rounding.
Keywords
Superman #167, DC Comics, Silver Age, 1964 comic, Brainiac, Lex Luthor, comic book, superhero, United States
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