The Man of Steel #No. 3
DC Comics • The Man of Steel Vol. 1
Writer
John Byrne
Interior Artist
John Byrne (Pencils); Dick Giordano (Inks)
Cover Artist
John Byrne
Publication Date
November 1986
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (UPC in box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The first post-Crisis on Infinite Earths meeting between Superman and Batman. Superman travels to Gotham City to arrest Batman, but the two are forced to work together to take down Magpie. This issue redefines their relationship as a wary partnership based on mutual respect rather than the 'best friends' dynamic of the Silver Age.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks. Bottom right corner shows minor blunting. Edge wear along the bottom. Some surface scuffing visible on the black ink areas of Batman's cape and the right margin. Bag/poly sleeve may be hiding further micro-stress.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10; Graded (CGC 7.5): $35 - $45; Graded (CGC 9.8): $125 - $150.
Recent Sales
Raw Near Mint copies generally sell for $10. High grade CGC 9.8 copies routinely sell in the $140 range. Condition in image suggests a mid-to-high grade reader copy.
Grading Recommendation
Not worth professional grading in current condition. The estimated grade of 7.5 to 8.0 would not yield a significant financial return over the cost of the grading fees. Grading is only recommended for copies that appear to be Near Mint (9.8 candidates).
Notable Features
First meeting of Superman and Batman in the Post-Crisis DC Universe. First appearance of Magpie (Margaret Pye). Significant key issue in the Modern Age Superman origin story. Features 'Face-To-Face With The Dark Knight!' tagline.
Authentication Notes
Authentic issue. Features the correct 75 cent cover price and standard comic paper stock for 1986. The barcode (UPC) is present in the lower left, indicating a direct market distribution copy.