SUPERBOY #No. 189
DC Comics • Superboy Vol. 1
Writer
Leo Dorfman
Interior Artist
Bob Brown
Cover Artist
Nick Cardy
Publication Date
August 1972
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (20 cent price point)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the lead story 'Curse of the Hangman's Noose', where Superboy deals with a spectral entity and the apparent death of Jonathan Kent. Also includes a backup story featuring 'The Runaway Superbaby'. This issue is part of the Bronze Age run of Superboy.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; heavy corner rounding and blunting, specifically top left and bottom right; visible edge wear and minor chipping along the left spine; light surface soiling and minor creasing on the right-side cover; paper aging common for Bronze Age stock.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 4.0): $35 - $50
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-low grade range have sold between $8 and $15. High-grade (9.0+) copies fetch significantly more, often exceeding $100.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading services, shipping, and insurance would likely exceed the final market value of the book in this condition (estimated 4.0). It is best kept as a 'reader copy' in a bag and board.
Notable Features
Nick Cardy cover art; Bronze Age 20-cent price variant; features Ma and Pa Kent; no major first appearances or key deaths making it a 'common' issue for the run.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic original 1972 printing. Standard newsprint interior with legitimate DC logo and Comics Code Authority seal of the era. Staple placement and ink saturation are consistent with period production.