Superman (1939) #53

DC 1939–1986 series Vol. 1 Cover date Jul 1948

EditionsStandard / direct Canadian price variant UK pence

Fair market value

Grade	CGC slab	Raw
9.8 NM/M	$480 $408–$552	$210 $179–$242
9.6 NM+	$374 $318–$431	$168 $143–$193
9.4 NM	$292 $248–$336	$134 $114–$155
9.2 NM-	$228 $194–$262	$108 $91.39–$124
9.0 VF/NM	$178 $151–$204	$86.02 $73.12–$98.92
8.5 VF+	$139 $118–$159	$68.81 $58.49–$79.13
8.0 VF	$108 $91.89–$124	$55.05 $46.79–$63.31
7.0 FN/VF	$84.31 $71.66–$96.96	$44.04 $37.43–$50.65
6.0 FN	$65.77 $55.90–$75.64	$35.23 $29.95–$40.51
5.0 VG/FN	$51.30 $43.61–$58.99	$28.19 $23.96–$32.42
4.0 VG	$40.01 $34.01–$46.01	$22.55 $19.17–$25.93
2.0 GD	$31.21 $26.53–$35.89	$18.04 $15.33–$20.75
Raw, ungraded	—	$65.00 $55.25–$74.75

Value history

grailworth's fair market value: what a copy at each grade is worth today, from this issue's market and how value moves with grade across every comic we track. Bold: our firmest values. ^*Rough: a looser estimate. +$: worth grading, a raw copy at that grade gains this much slabbed by CGC, after the fee and shipping. Pick a grade for its value history and the most to pay for a raw copy you'd send to CGC.

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About this issue

Superman #53 (1939) is issue #53 of DC's Superman (1939–1986), with a cover date of July 1948. Written by Phil Berube, Henry Boltinoff, Don C. Cameron and others and drawn by Phil Berube, Henry Boltinoff, Wayne Boring and others.

Creators

Writers: Phil Berube, Henry Boltinoff, Don C. Cameron, Bill Finger, Lit-Win, Al Schwartz
Pencillers: Phil Berube, Henry Boltinoff, Wayne Boring, Lit-Win, Al Plastino
Inkers: Phil Berube, Henry Boltinoff, Stan Kaye, Lit-Win, Al Plastino
Letterer: Henry Boltinoff
Cover artists: Wayne Boring, Stan Kaye

Characters

The stories

“The Origin of Superman!”

After a prologue which demonstrates Superman's amazing abilities, his origin is recounted. On the scientifically advanced planet of Krypton, Jor-El fails to convince the Council of Five that Krypton is doomed. As Krypton explodes, Jor-El and Lara send their son to Earth, where he is found and adopted by the elderly Kents. As Clark grows to maturity he manifests abilities far beyond that of mortal men. On his deathbed, his father urges Clark to become a powerful force for good as Superman.

“The Oracle from Metropolis!”

Professor Grog accidentally sends Superman and mechanic Mike Mooney back to ancient Egypt. The cynical Mooney tries to come up with ways to make money off of the Delphic Oracle, but Superman teaches him not to scoff at things he doesn't understand.

Shorty is excited that he made the baseball team until he discovers that he was made the bat boy.

Daffy catches up with a streetcar as it reaches its final stop.

Credits, characters and story details from the Grand Comics Database, CC BY-SA 4.0.