Superman ##167
DC Comics • Superman Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates (story idea), Edmond Hamilton (script)
Interior Artist
Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks)
Cover Artist
Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks)
Publication Date
February 1964
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Direct)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A landmark Silver Age issue featuring the first ever team-up between Lex Luthor and Brainiac. The story explains the origin of Brainiac as a computer-intelligence created by the Coluans and depicts the villains competing over who has the right to kill a captured, shrunken Superman.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks on left edge; minor corner blunting on top right and bottom right; slight surface wear/scuffing on white areas; possible slight tanning of the page edges visible at the top; overall good structural integrity but displays typical mid-grade characteristics.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $60 - $90 | Graded (6.0): $120 - $160
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies fluctuate between $50 and $100 depending on eye appeal. High grade (9.0+) copies can reach $500+.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth professional grading if the owner believes it would press out to a 7.5 or higher. In current 6.0 condition, the cost of CGC grading/shipping may negate the raw value profit. A clean and press could improve the score.
Notable Features
First Lex Luthor and Brainiac team-up. Retcon/Expansion of Brainiac's origin (revealed as an android/computer). Classic Silver Age cover art by Curt Swan.
Authentication Notes
The 12-cent cover price, aged paper stock visible at edges, and specific color dot patterns (Ben-Day dots) consistent with 1960s DC printing indicate this is an authentic original copy.