Superman: The Man of Steel ##22
DC Comics • Superman: The Man of Steel Vol. 1
Writer
Louise Simonson
Interior Artist
Jon Bogdanove
Cover Artist
Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke
Publication Date
June 1993
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (includes bonus poster starburst)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 13 of the 'Reign of the Supermen!' storyline. This issue features the first full appearance of John Henry Irons as Steel (in armor). Following the death of Superman, Irons takes up the mantle to stop the gang wars in Metropolis.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Heavy wear visible: significant color-breaking spine stress, blunted/scuffed corners, heavy edge wear/scuffing along the top and right margins, surface dirt, and a visible horizontal scuff/indentation near the top left logo.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $1.00 - $3.00 | Graded (9.8): $40.00 - $60.00
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar condition typically sell for under $5 in bulk lots. 9.8 graded copies have recently fluctuated between $45 and $65.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The low market value of this issue does not justify the grading fees, and the current condition (roughly 4.0) would result in a value less than the cost of the slab.
Notable Features
First full appearance of Steel (John Henry Irons). Iconic cover by Bogdanove. Part of the 'Death and Return of Superman' saga. Contains a bound-in 'Man of Steel' poster.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1993 DC direct edition. Standard glossy paper cover and newsprint interior. Presence of the 'Reign of the Supermen' triangle numbering (1993/13) and direct edition bar-code-less area confirm its origin.