Action Comics ##225
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Finger
Interior Artist
Wayne Boring
Cover Artist
Wayne Boring
Publication Date
February 1957
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The lead story, 'The Death of Superman!', features a robot double of Superman attempting to convince the world the real Man of Steel has perished. It explores early Silver Age concepts of Superman robots and the secret identity dynamic with Lois Lane, Perry White, and Jimmy Olsen.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible edge wear and minor chipping along the top and right margins. Significant color-breaking vertical crease/scratch on the lower-right near the character's face. Rounded corners. Minor spine stress. Some yellowing and light foxing visible on the yellow background surfaces.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $250; Graded (CGC 5.0): $350 - $450
Recent Sales
Recent mid-grade copies (4.0-6.0) have sold between $180 and $550 depending on specific slab data and eye appeal. Sales for this issue are generally steady as a Silver Age Superman-title key-lite.
Grading Recommendation
Moderate recommendation. While not a major key like #242 (Brainiac) or #252 (Supergirl), Silver Age Action Comics in mid-to-high grade levels retain value well. A professional clean and press could improve the grade from a 5.0 toward a 6.0 by addressing non-color-breaking surface grime.
Notable Features
Features an early Silver Age 'imaginary-style' death story (predating the more famous issue #149), 10-cent original price point, and the classic DC 'Lollipop' logo. Features the first appearance of a specific advanced Superman Robot.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1957 original. The newsprint aging, ink saturation in the CC logo, and standard semi-gloss cover stock of the era are consistent with copies from this period.