Superman ##131
DC Comics • Superman Vol. 1
Writer
Otto Binder
Interior Artist
Wayne Boring
Cover Artist
Curt Swan (pencils), Stan Kaye (inks)
Publication Date
August 1959
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (10 Cent Silver Age Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Trio of Steel!' where an alien named Klydon comes to Earth to find the most powerful Superman. It also features a notable 'imaginary story' titled 'The Second Superman,' featuring a futuristic version of the Man of Steel.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Visible major spine wear with heavy stress lines and potential splitting at staples. Rounded and blunted corners (top right and bottom right). Significant edge wear and yellowing/foxing on the white border areas. Surface soiling and likely multiple color-breaking creases throughout the cover art.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $50 - $85 USD; Graded (CGC 3.0): $120 - $160 USD
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-to-low grade copies range from $40 for Poor/Fair to $250+ for Fine/Very Fine grades. A CGC 3.0 recently sold in the $140 range.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for preservation purposes. The cost of grading plus shipping would likely consume most of the market value gain for a 3.0 copy. A 'press and clean' may improve the appearance but likely won't bump the grade higher than a 4.0 due to existing paper loss and deep creasing.
Notable Features
Early Silver Age Superman issue. Notable for featuring the 'Trio of Steel' (Superman, Superboy, and Superbaby) together via time-travel/alien intervention. Classic Curt Swan cover art. Features a 10-cent cover price and the National Comics Publications (DC) circle logo.
Authentication Notes
Appearance is consistent with 1959 print production. Significant tanning on the edges is typical for the wood-pulp paper used during the Silver Age. No immediate signs of reproduction; staple placement and ink fading appear period-accurate.