Item Report
Silver Age DC Comics Superman Issue No. 167
By: DC Comics; artists of this era include Curt Swan (art) and Curt Swan & George Klein (cover), story by Edmond Hamilton
Style: Silver Age American Superhero Comic
Origin: United States
Materials: Paper, ink
Age: Circa 1964
Condition: Very Good (light creasing and minor discoloration, appears unslabbed not officially graded)
Value: $100 – $250 (typical unslabbed, moderate grade condition; higher if graded VF or better)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Front cover displays: 'SUPERMAN', 'FEB. NO. 167', '12¢', 'Approved by the Comics Code Authority', DC logo, and 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!' and caption box: 'THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MENACE LIKE THIS! BRAINIAC and LUTHOR team up to destroy SUPERMAN!'
Date: 2025-06-29 04:45:32.058486
Description:
This is an original copy of 'Superman' No. 167, published by DC Comics in February 1964. The cover features Superman miniaturized and trapped in a birdcage by Brainiac and Lex Luthor, who are depicted discussing who deserves the right to kill Superman. It is a classic Silver Age comic, notable for the villainous team-up. The cover price is 12¢, and it displays the Comics Code Authority seal. The art is typical of the era with bold lines and vibrant colors. The condition shows minor creasing and light discoloration along the spine and edges.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A word about fakes.. The market for Silver Age key issues like this is strong, but beware of modern reprints and any signs of restoration. This issue, Superman #167, is desirable for the Brainiac/Luthor team-up and its recognizable classic cover. This particular copy appears to be complete but shows some wear, typical of comics that were not professionally graded or slabbed. The absence of significant tears or staining, but visible creasing and slight edge yellowing, points to a 'Very Good' to 'Fine' collectible level for seasoned and casual collectors alike. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
- Only a front cover image is provided. There is noticeable creasing along the left spine
- slight rounding of corners
- and yellowing/discoloration at the bottom right edge. No evidence of major tears or color breaks on the primary image. Absence of back cover or interior images means possible hidden flaws cannot be ruled out.
Provenance:
None provided (presumed private collection, no visible provenance stickers or notes)
Condition:
Very Good (light creasing and minor discoloration, appears unslabbed not officially graded)
Identification Score: 99%
The title, issue number, and date are clearly readable and match known records for Superman #167, a widely catalogued and visually distinctive Silver Age comic.
Authenticity Score: 85%
The comic appears consistent with authentic Silver Age DC publications, showing typical materials, print style, era pricing (12¢), and publisher details. There is no visible indication of reprint markings, but authenticity cannot be 100% certified without interior inspection or professional grading.
Image Memory Note
The item is a comic book titled 'SUPERMAN' with prominent yellow/red masthead and issue number 167, dated February, cover price 12¢. Cover art shows Brainiac (green-skinned, pink shirt, with shrinking ray) and Lex Luthor (bald, holding vial) with Superman miniaturized and trapped in a birdcage; comics code authority seal in upper right. Visible text: '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!', 'THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MENACE LIKE THIS! BRAINIAC and LUTHOR team up to destroy SUPERMAN!' Minor creasing by the spine, slightly rounded lower right corner, some yellowing at the bottom of the front cover. No visible major tears, stains, or pen marks. No interior or back cover image provided.
Keywords
Superman, Silver Age, DC Comics, comic book, Luthor, Brainiac, February 1964, United States, superhero, collectible
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