DC Comics Presents Superman & The Phantom Zone Criminals ##97
DC Comics • DC Comics Presents Vol. 1
Writer
Steve Gerber
Interior Artist
Rick Veitch and Bob Smith
Cover Artist
Eduardo Barreto
Publication Date
September 1986
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This is the final issue of the 'DC Comics Presents' series. Titled 'The Final Chapter,' it serves as an 'Untold Tale of the Pre-Crisis Universe,' wrapping up Pre-Crisis continuity for Superman and the Phantom Zone criminals (General Zod, Faora, and Jax-Ur) before the John Byrne reboot (The Man of Steel).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Minor blunting on the bottom right corner. Slight surface wear and indentation on the cover gloss. A vertical stress line appears on the left side of the character art.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (estimated 7.0): $35 - $50
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition typically sell between $8 and $12 on platforms like eBay. High-grade (9.8) slabs can reach over $100.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading, shipping, and handling would likely exceed the final market value of a mid-grade copy. Excellent for a personal collection or as a reader copy.
Notable Features
Final issue of the series. Features an appearance by the Phantom Zone criminals. Includes a 'History of the DC Universe' promotional blurb on the bottom left. Direct Edition (indicated by the DC logo in the UPC box).
Authentication Notes
The comic displays authentic 1980s DC printing characteristics, including the standard cover stock gloss, matte newsprint interior pages, and period-correct staple placement. No signs of restoration or counterfeiting are present.