Adventure Comics #No. 271
DC Comics • Adventure Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Jerry Siegel
Interior Artist
Al Plastino
Cover Artist
Curt Swan and Stan Kaye
Publication Date
April 1960
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First full appearance and origin of the silver age Lex Luthor. The story, titled 'How Luthor Met Superboy!', reveals the origin of the enmity between the two characters and how Luthor lost his hair due to a lab fire.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color breaking, minor corner blunting, small impact ding/crease on the right edge of the bubble, light foxing/soiling on the back cover or edges may be present, and slight surface wear. The staples show minor oxidation.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $600 - $850; Graded (CGC 5.0): $1,100 - $1,400
Recent Sales
High grade (9.0+) sales have exceeded $10,000. Mid-grade copies like this typically sell between $700 and $1,200 depending on eye appeal and specific flaws.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, highly recommended. This is a major Silver Age key. Professional pressing could potentially bump the grade to a 5.5 or 6.0, significantly increasing liquid value.
Notable Features
Major Silver Age key issue. Origin of Lex Luthor and explanation for his hair loss. 10 cent cover price. Features Superboy (Kal-El).
Authentication Notes
All indicators suggest authenticity including the 10-cent cover price, National Comics logo style, and correct paper aging for 1960 DC production.