World's Finest Comics ##156
DC Comics • World's Finest Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Edmond Hamilton
Interior Artist
Curt Swan (penciller), George Klein (inker)
Cover Artist
Curt Swan (penciller), George Klein (inker)
Publication Date
March 1966
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (12c cover price)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Federation of Bizarro Idiots' where the Joker manipulates Bizarro-Superman and Bizarro-Batman. Bizarro-Batman attempts to 'help' Batman and Superman in his characteristically backwards way.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good+ (CGC 4.5) to Fine- (CGC 5.5)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks. Significant corner blunting on the bottom right and top left. Minor surface wear and some yellowing/tanning along the edges consistent with its age. Minor staining or dust shadow along the bottom edge. Potential small tears or rounding on the left spine side. Overall good color saturation but flat-looking spine integrity.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30.00 – $60.00; Graded (CGC 5.0 approx): $80.00 – $120.00. High-grade copies (9.0+) can exceed $400.00.
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for mid-grade raw copies (VG/FN) range from $35 to $55. 2024 CGC 7.0 sales average around $165.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless the collector desires encapsulation for preservation. Due to the visible spine damage and corner wear, the grade would likely fall in the 4.0-5.5 range. The cost of grading (CGC fees + shipping) would nearly equal the market value gain.
Notable Features
First Bizarro-Batman (Silver Age version). First appearance of the Bizarro-Joker. Key issue for Bizarro World lore collectors. Iconic Joker cover.
Authentication Notes
The comic exhibits correct 1960s DC 'checkerboard' top border printing, proper color registration for the era, and age-appropriate paper oxidation. Staple placement is correct for the standard two-staple binding used by DC in 1966.