Today, we delve into the vibrant world of Silver Age DC Comics with a close-up on a cherished relic: the Superman No. 167 comic book. This piece, more than just a collection of ink on paper, transports us to the exhilarating era of superheroes, where imaginations soared through colorful panels and daring escapades.
Published circa February 1964, this comic encapsulates the charm and creativity that defined the Silver Age of comics. It's a period renowned for its peculiar blend of whimsical flair and science fiction, as storytellers embraced fantastical narratives to captivate a generation eager for adventure.
The craftsmanship here is classic, with staple-bound newsprint typical of the 1960s era. Pencils and inks by iconic artists like Curt Swan and George Klein lend their hand to the bold imagery and vivid storytelling, with Edmond Hamilton’s words weaving the fabric of suspense and excitement.
Yet, time leaves its mark. Light wear is evident along the spine, mild corner losses whisper tales of countless readings, and age toning pervades its newsprint pages. While these signs of wear could be seen as blemishes, they are in fact testament to a cherished past as they accentuate its authenticity, supported by a near-perfect authenticity score of 98%.
In auction circles, such a piece is a sought-after treasure. Despite its moderate wear, this issue could fetch between $70 and $180 at auction, a reasonable range for a non-CGC graded edition. Thus, Superman No. 167 stands as a beloved artifact of comic book history, a charming reminder of a bygone age of imagination.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Silver Age DC Comics Superman No. 167 Comic Book
By:DC Comics; cover likely by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks); writer Edmond Hamilton
Style:Silver Age Comic Book
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink (staple-bound newsprint typical of 1960s comic books)
Age:circa February 1964
Condition:Very Good (light wear along spine, mild corner loss, moderate age toning, not officially graded)
Value:$70–$180 (depending on condition; raw, not CGC graded)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Front cover: 'SUPERMAN', 'DC', 'NATIONAL COMICS', 'FEB. NO. 167', '12¢', 'APPROVED BY THE COMICS CODE AUTHORITY'. Dialogue: '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!' Box: 'THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MENACE LIKE THIS! BRAINIAC and LUTHOR team up to destroy SUPERMAN!' Back cover: numerous advertisements, most notably for rare coins.
Date:2025-07-25 00:33:59.219355
Description:
This is an American comic book titled 'Superman' published by DC Comics, issue No. 167 from February 1964. The cover, featuring the classic Superman logo, shows Superman trapped in a cage held by Brainiac and Luthor, who are also featured prominently. The comic reflects the Silver Age of comics (mid-1950s to early 1970s), known for its more whimsical and science fiction-driven storylines. Cover art displays the 12-cent price, Comics Code Authority stamp, and speech balloons—hallmarks of the era. The back cover includes advertising typical of period comics.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A desirable Silver Age Superman comic featuring prominent villains (Brainiac and Luthor) teaming up, which adds appeal for collectors. Some cover wear and apparent color loss along the spine and edges, no visible major tears or severe creasing. A classic example of mid-1960s DC art and storytelling.
Individual Images:
The second image (back cover) confirms 1964 vintage advertising for coin collectors
typical font and style for DC of the period. No overt restoration
moderate soiling
and mild corner rounding evident. No major tape or replacement parts noted.
Provenance:
No direct provenance documentation provided; period advertising and consistent materials strongly suggest authenticity.
Condition:
Very Good (light wear along spine, mild corner loss, moderate age toning, not officially graded)
Identification Score: 99%
The issue is easy to identify due to the distinct cover art, issue number, date, and publisher details. All hallmark features of this iconic comic are present and match archive images and references.
Authenticity Score: 98%
The comic exhibits proper vintage newsprint, typical cover coloration, and appropriate aging/yellowing for the era. No evidence of reproduction or facsimile printing. Minor edge wear further supports authenticity.
Image Memory Note
Front cover depicts Superman in a birdcage, flanked by Brainiac (green skin, pink shirt, holding a 'shrinking ray' device) and Luthor (bald, with vial). Issue details: 'SUPERMAN', 'FEB. NO. 167', '12¢', 'APPROVED BY THE COMICS CODE AUTHORITY'. Dialogue balloons above villains. Yellow promo box lower right. Condition: minor spine wear, faint crease lower right, light discoloration/aging typical for newsprint, no large tears. Back cover is a full-page ad for coin collecting, with vintage fonts, bold 'REWARD $11,750.00', and an image of an 1804 Liberty silver dollar. Some general age toning and rounding at bottom right corner. Staple-bound. No signatures, interior not shown.
Keywords
Superman, DC Comics, Silver Age, comic book, Brainiac, Luthor, 1964, United States
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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