Superman ##423
DC Comics • Superman Vol. 1
Writer
Alan Moore
Interior Artist
Curt Swan and George Pérez
Cover Artist
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson (swanderson)
Publication Date
September 1986
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (with UPC)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of the legendary 'Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?' story arc. This serves as the final story for the Silver Age/Bronze Age Superman before the John Byrne 'Man of Steel' reboot. Includes appearances by Bizarro, Brainiac-Luthor, and the Legion of Super-Heroes.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress ticks visible along the left edge, particularly one near the top left corner above the DC logo. Minor corner blunting on the bottom right. Slight surface scuffing visible on the plastic polybag which may or may not affect the underlying cover. Overall flat with vibrant colors.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $35 - $60; Graded (9.0): $75 - $90; Graded (9.8): $250+
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar VF+ condition have recently sold between $40 and $55 on eBay. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies routinely fetch over $250 due to the Moore/Swan pedigree.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or higher after a professional clean and press. As a 9.0, the cost of grading and shipping may exceed the profit margin, but it is a highly desirable 'key' issue for collectors due to the storyline.
Notable Features
Historic 'Last Issue' of the original Superman volume. Features the iconic 'swanderson' cover art. Considered one of the greatest Superman stories ever told. First part of the pre-Crisis finale.
Authentication Notes
Standard 1986 DC print stock. The barcode (UPC) indicates it is a Direct Edition; newsstand editions from this era sometimes carry higher premiums in high grades, but the Direct Edition is the standard for this issue. Print quality and registration appear consistent with authentic DC 1980s production.