Superman #No. 167
DC Comics • Superman Vol. 1
Writer
Edmond Hamilton (Part I), Leo Dorfman (Part II)
Interior Artist
Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks)
Cover Artist
Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks)
Publication Date
February 1964
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Story title: 'The Team of Luthor and Brainiac'. This issue features the first time Lex Luthor and Brainiac join forces to destroy Superman. It is a major milestone in Superman's Silver Age mythology as it retroactively establishes Brainiac as a high-level android/computer creation of the Coluans rather than just an organic alien.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and minor color break along the spine edge. Light corner blunting at the top and bottom left. Slight tanning visible on the outer edge of the cover. Minor surface soiling or dust shadowing on the white background. Centering is slightly off to the left.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $35 - $60; Graded (CGC 6.0): $120 - $160
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies (5.0-7.0) range from $45 to $110 depending on eye appeal. High-grade (9.0+) copies have reached $300+ in auction settings.
Grading Recommendation
Optional. This is a significant Silver Age key (Brainiac origin), but the current grade of Fine (6.0) means the cost of grading and shipping may consume a large portion of the value. A professional press could potentially bump it to a 6.5 or 7.0.
Notable Features
Retcon origin of Brainiac. First team-up of Luthor and Brainiac. Iconic Silver Age cover art by Curt Swan. 12 cent cover price.
Authentication Notes
The item appears authentic based on the correct 'National Periodical Publications' DC logo of the era, the matte paper stock typical of 1960s comics, and the Ben-Day dot printing pattern visible in the color gradients.