Item Report
Silver Age Action Comics #274 March 1961 Comic Book
By: DC Comics; likely cover by Curt Swan and Stan Kaye; story by Otto Binder (standard for this period)
Style: Silver Age American Comic Book
Origin: USA
Materials: Paper, ink (stapled newsprint comic book)
Age: Circa 1961
Condition: Fair (heavy edge/spine wear, creases, color loss, and soiling; not officially graded, unslabbed, back cover and interior not shown)
Value: $60–$120 (depending on condition; auction liquidation for a low to mid-grade raw copy)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Front cover printed text: 'Action Comics', 'Featuring The Reversed Super-Powers!', 'Still 10¢', 'Mar. No. 274', DC logo, various speech bubbles (Save me from that bomb, Lois!, etc.), Comics Code Authority seal.
Date: 2025-06-29 04:38:30.092920
Description:
An original Silver Age comic book: Action Comics Issue #274, published by DC Comics, March 1961. The cover features Superman and Lois Lane, with the story 'The Reversed Super-Powers!' highlighted. The art is classic early 1960s style, with bold primary colors and defined inking. The cover price is 10 cents, and the issue is approved by the Comics Code Authority. This issue is sought after by collectors for its early depiction of superpower reversal and the appearance of Superwoman (Lois Lane with Superman's powers).
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a genuine Silver Age issue of Action Comics #274. It has collector interest due to its cover story involving Lois Lane assuming Superman's powers (as Superwoman). The condition is worn, with visible spine stress, corner and edge wear, creases, and soiling, which all impact value but it is of authentic period origin. A word about fakes... while forged comics and reprints do exist, this particular issue does not match the hallmarks of a modern reproduction, but buyers should always cross-check for restoration or facsimile editions. Slabbing (professional grading) would maximize value for higher-grade copies. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
- No additional images provided. Main image shows heavy wear: dings
- creasing and soiling along spine
- corners
- and bottom edge. Loss of surface color at several points
- especially lower left and along the spine. Cover misalignment and tears on lower and right edges.
Provenance:
No provenance paperwork or identifying prior ownership shown.
Condition:
Fair (heavy edge/spine wear, creases, color loss, and soiling; not officially graded, unslabbed, back cover and interior not shown)
Identification Score: 100%
The comic is easily identified by its title (Action Comics), issue number (#274), date (March 1961), and price (10¢), along with recognizable DC branding and typical period design.
Authenticity Score: 80%
This appears to be an authentic 1961 Silver Age comic. Although the wear is consistent with age and there are no obvious reprint markings (e.g., barcodes, modern logos), the lack of interior and back cover images means I cannot rule out an expertly faked or restored copy, so the score is not 100%.
Image Memory Note
The comic features Superman in blue/red costume and Lois Lane (as 'Superwoman') in a green costume, flying above an exploding bomb. Key text includes: 'Action Comics', 'Mar. No. 274', 'Still 10¢', 'Extra! Supergirl's Three Time-Trips!', 'Featuring The Reversed Super-Powers!', 'Approved by the Comics Code Authority', and the DC logo ('SUPERMAN NATIONAL COMICS'). Dialogue*: 'Save me from that bomb, Lois!', 'Relax, Superman -- let Superwoman handle this emergency!', 'The poor dear! What a blow to his pride, now that he's just an ordinary man and his mighty powers have been transferred to ME!' The wear is visible along the spine, at corners (creased and frayed), and edges (notably lower left and right). There are surface abrasions and loss of color near the explosion and around margins.
Keywords
Action Comics, #274, Silver Age, Superman, Lois Lane, Superwoman, DC Comics, March 1961, American comic, collectible, superhero, USA
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