DC Comics Presents Superman and the Atomic Knights ##57
DC Comics • DC Comics Presents Vol. 1
Writer
Dan Mishkin
Interior Artist
Alex Saviuk
Cover Artist
Gil Kane
Publication Date
May 1983
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (Barcode Box contains 'Where the Action Is!' graphic)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In 'The Great Atomic War of 1986!', Superman is transported into a dystopian future where he teams up with Gardner Grayle and the Atomic Knights. The story is a meta-fictional take on the Atomic Knights' transition from Earth-One to the post-Crisis continuity, exploring the 'Great Atomic War' timeline.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with minor color-breaking ticks. Bottom right corner shows slight blunting/rounding. Minor surface wear on the orange background and some edge wear visible along the right vertical border. Top left corner appears relatively sharp, but overall centering is slightly shifted to the left.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (9.0+): $45 - $75
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-to-high grade typically sell for $8-$12. High-grade CGC 9.6/9.8 copies can fetch $60-$100, but demand is relatively moderate compared to major keys.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless the comic is for a personal PC (Personal Collection). The cost of grading (approx $30-$40 + shipping) exceeds the raw market value of the book. It is a solid candidate for a 'Press and Clean' to remove minor surface indentations, which might bump it to an 8.0.
Notable Features
This issue is significant for featuring the first post-Bronze Age appearance of the Atomic Knights (Gardner Grayle). It also features the iconic 'DC: Where the Action Is!' advertisement in the barcode box, which was common for newsstand/direct distribution during this specific transition era.
Authentication Notes
Standard 1980s DC newsprint stock. The orange cover ink is prone to fading (sun shadows), but this copy retains good saturation. Staple placement appears original and centered for the era.