DC Comics Presents: Superman, the Phantom Stranger and the Joker ##72
DC Comics • DC Comics Presents (Vol. 1)
Writer
Paul Kupperberg
Interior Artist
Alex Saviuk
Cover Artist
Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and Dick Giordano
Publication Date
August 1984
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Superman and the Phantom Stranger team up to battle the Joker. The story, titled 'Madness in a Dark Dimension!', involves the Joker gaining mystical powers and trapping Superman in a surreal landscape within a dark dimension.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticks along the left edge. Minor blunting on the top-right and bottom-left corners. Slight color breaking crease near the upper-left corner. Overall good color vibrancy but shows signs of shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 9.8): $120 - $160
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have sold between $12 and $18 on eBay. High-grade graded copies (9.8) vary significantly based on demand.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current state. The cost of grading (approx $30-$40 + shipping) exceeds the market value of a 7.0 grade copy. Only worth grading if a professional press/clean could push it to a 9.6 or higher.
Notable Features
Features a classic meeting between Superman and the Joker, which is relatively rare for the era outside of Justice League titles. Direct Edition (denoted by the 'The New DC' logo in the bottom-left UPC box).
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic. The paper aging (off-white) is consistent with 1980s newsprint stock. Ink saturation and logo placement match known first-edition copies of this issue.