SUPERMAN #233 AT 55: NEAL ADAMS’ Classic Cover Art Up for Auction
AN ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT: Already going for hundreds of thousands of dollars… Superman #233 was released Nov. 5, 1970 — 55 years ago. It’s one of the great comics of the Bronze Age, boasting one of the most iconic images of the Man of Steel ever, by the late Neal Adams. Adams always said he hated the cover — here’s why — but that’s not stopping the heavy bidding for the original art, now up for sale through Heritage Auctions. Dig the official (though edited down) description: Neal Adams Superman #233 Cover Original Art (DC, 1971). One of the most enduring images in comics history, Neal Adams’ cover of Superman bursting his Kryptonite chains is instantly recognizable even to non-comic fans. DC has kept it in near-constant circulation, plastered on posters, T-shirts, mugs, and yes, even trash cans. It served as a visual billboard for editor Julius Schwartz’s 1971 soft reboot, ushering the Man of Steel into the Bronze Age with a more human tone. If the message somehow needed clarity, Denny O’Neil’s lead story spelled it out: “Superman Breaks Loose,” with Earth’s Kryptonite transmuted into iron removing the traditional invulnerability of Superman. DC even framed the issue like a fresh start, complete with “The Amazing New Adventures of…” and a big “Number 1… ” across the top. Ink over graphite on Sparta Bristol board with an image area of 10″ x 15″. A reproduction acetate overlay with printed logo, masthead, and cover blurb, each painted on the reverse, is taped to the top margin. The page exhibits minor restoration, including cleaning, color touch-ups, and ink touch-ups in the top left image area. The Comics Code Authority stamp is not the usual pasted-up stat, rather it was inked directly to the page in the top right (an ingenious touch by Adams, since otherwise the effect lines would not have been able to pass through it). The board is toned, with heavier toning on the edges, slight rippling/waviness down the page from the cleaning process, smudging, whiteout corrections, edge creasing, and handling wear. Glass-front framed to 15.5″ x 20.25″. Presents in Very Good condition. — So, how much will it go for? As I write this, it’s at $287,500, including buyer’s premium — with 16 days to go. Follow the bidding here. For comparison’s sake, Adams’ equally famous Batman #251 cover...
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