ADVENTURE COMICS #NO. 283
DC Comics (National Comics Publications, Inc.) • Adventure Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Robert Bernstein
Interior Artist
George Papp
Cover Artist
Curt Swan (pencils); Stan Kaye (inks)
Publication Date
April 1961
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features Superboy in 'The Phantom Superboy.' This issue is historically significant for the first appearance of General Zod (Dru-Zod), a major Superman antagonist. It also features the first appearance and origin of the Phantom Zone, the containment dimension for Kryptonian criminals.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible name written in ink on the top cover margin ("Don Baker"). Significant spine stress with color-breaking ticks. Corner rounding and blunting, especially at the bottom right. Minor chipping on the right edge. Slight yellowing/tanning consistent with age. Price sticker on the bag (not the book itself, but indicates seller perceived value).
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $200 - $350 | Graded (4.0): $400 - $550
Recent Sales
CGC 4.0 copies have recently sold between $425 and $525. Lower grade copies (2.0-3.0) range from $150 to $275. Mid-to-high grade copies ($1,000+) are rare and highly sought after.
Grading Recommendation
Potentially worth grading despite the 'name on cover' (a common Silver Age occurrence that slightly lowers grade but not desirability for keys). A professional clean and press could improve appearance and potentially bump the grade to a 4.5/5.0. Given this is a Major Silver Age DC Key, grading is recommended to preserve and verify authenticity.
Notable Features
Major Silver Age Key: 1st Appearance of General Zod; 1st Appearance of the Phantom Zone. 10 cent cover price.
Authentication Notes
The ink absorption on the cover and paper tanning appear consistent with 1960s DC stock. No immediate signs of professional restoration visible from the photo, though internal inspection would be required to confirm the absence of color touch or tape.