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Man of Silver and Bronze

Set Type: Action Comics #301-#500
Owner: Brandon Shepherd
Last Modified: 4/3/2026
Views: 2124

Current Standings

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Rank:	1
Score:	10130
Leading by:	2049
Points to Higher Rank:	1075

Set Description:

In the late 2000s I set a goal to collect Action Comics issues 400 through 499 (1971-1979) in 9.8 grade, with white page preservation and perfect, or as close to as possible, cover alignment. My goal has since expanded to include any example I can afford from the 300 numbered issues (1963-1971) with the same criteria (obtaining 9.8 examples alone without regard to cover centering or page quality is difficult enough). I have invested many years in building this set, which have come with some heartbreaking auction losses, spending more than I should have on some books and selling other books along the way to make certain purchases possible.

Honestly, I have not read many Superman or Action Comics issues from this era, I just enjoy the cover art. The first half of the 1970s with 15 to 25-cent cover prices and 52 and 100 Page Giants is my favorite era of Action Comics to collect. Many of these covers were still exaggerated like their Silver Age counterparts, focusing more on simplicity, emphasizing figure drawing and action against a minimal background (love those yellow covers!). The Bizzaros, multiple colors of kryptonite, aliens with large heads, split covers and even Supergirl went away (to Adventure Comics). The title header was also enlarged, going back to the title’s Golden Age look. Action Comics also featured rotating backup stories during this era, eventually shortening Superman's stories, which became multipart from issue to issue, but Superman was always the lead in Action Comics.

Nick Cardy’s (Aquaman, Teen Titans) cover run from the early ‘70s is what started me on pursuing my collecting theme dedicated to Action Comics. Starting with issue 409, Cardy contributed 36 covers to the run. Some of my favorite Cardy covers are those showing Superman in everyday life (covers 422, 425 and 428). Some of my other favorite Cardy covers include those with guest appearances from other members of the DC Universe, like cover 443, with Superman opening a giant copy of Action Comics to let out heroes like Batman, Green Lantern and Hawkman to name a few.

I have been fortunate in acquiring several pedigree pieces over the years for my collection, including several pieces from the Rocky Mountain pedigree, many of which I was able to bid on and win when they were brought to the market for the first time by ComicLink in 2010 and 2011.

Pedigree Examples

John G. Fantucchio
Massachusetts (Mass. Copy)
Oakland
Pacific Coast
Rocky Mountain
Suscha News
Twin Cities
Western Penn
Winnipeg

The Crown of Jewels - each in 9.8 grade
#360 (March/April 1968) - 80 Page Giant
#437 (July 1974) - 100 Page Giant
#443 (January 1975) - 100 Page Giant
#398 (March 1971) - Pacific Coast pedigree

Recommended References

75 Years of DC Comics: The Art Of Modern Mythmaking by Paul Levitz, 2010.
Action Comics: 80 Years of Superman the Deluxe Edition by Various, 2018.
The Krypton Companion, edited by Michael Eury, 2006.
Superman in Action Comics: Volume 2, Featuring the Complete Covers of the Second 25 Years, 1994.

The gallery tab shows only items with images. Click the thumbnails to enlarge.

Slot:	Action Comics 360
Item:	Action Comics 360 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0962503016

Owner Comments
"The Unknown Supergirl"
Cover Date: March/April 1968
Published: January 9, 1968

Curt Swan and George Klein cover

80 Page Giant (G 45).

Grade Date: 06/29/2017
Acquired: 11/10/2017 - 1 of 2 in 9.8 when purchased.

This 9.8 from 1968 is gorgeous in hand. This issue is the second of four 80 Page Giants in the Action Comics title during the 1960s, each devoted to Supergirl (see Action Comics #334, 347 and 373). The childlike innocence of this board game themed cover goes straight to my collector's heart. The vibrant colors of the blue and purple background blend well with the green and yellow Supergirl title header, a real to pleasure to my eye. This piece is structurally solid and clean, both the back cover and page edges are still white. The square bound 'Giant' format is notorious for defects, making this the crown jewel of my collection.

Slot:	Action Comics 371
Item:	Action Comics 371 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0065511011

Owner Comments
"The President of Steel!"
Cover Date: January 1969
On-Sale Date: 11/21/1968

Otto Binder and Leo Dorfman stories
Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenberger art
Curt Swan and Neal Adams cover

Grade Date: 02/17/2003
Acquired: 04/06/2015 - 1 of 2 in 9.8 when purchased.

I enjoy the notion of Superman doubling as the President of the United States, I also like the view of the capital building in the background. This issue would have been published and distributed during the last days of Lyndon Johnson's presidency. Neal Admas and Curt Swan did several covers together on Action Comics, usually Swan's style was more prevalent, but it's hard to distinguish between both artists' signature style on this cover. Not only is this a fantastic cover but it is also a solid piece housed in a vintage CGC holder.

Slot:	Action Comics 374
Item:	Action Comics 374 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0962503020

Owner Comments
"Alias Super-Thief!"
Supergirl Backup Story: "No Mercy for Supergirl!"
Cover Date: March 1969
Published: January 28, 1969

Otto Binder and Leo Dorfman stories
Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenberger art
Neal Adams cover

Grade Date: 06/29/2017
Acquired: 11/10/2017 - 1 of 3 in 9.8 when purchased.

A 9.8 Neal Adams cover from the Silver Age just doesn't get any better! The cover is true to the Silver Age era of comics. This piece also has exceptional cover gloss.

Slot:	Action Comics 375
Item:	Action Comics 375
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	1213330013

Owner Comments
"The Big Forget!"
Cover Date: April 1969
On-Sale Date: 02/27/1969

Otto Binder and Leo Dorfman stories
Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenbergeart
Curt Swan and Carmine Infantino cover

Fact File #4: Sargon the Sorceror.

Grade Date: 08/19/2014
Acquired: 09/09/2014 - 1 of 1 in 9.8 grade when purchased.

This piece was my first 12-cent cover in 9.8 grade. I'm pleased with the structure of this book; very flat, tight spine, and page edges that are still white. All and all a very fresh piece with tremendous eye appeal. The dark background makes this issue in particular difficult to obtain in high grade. The cover is typical of the Silver Age and right out of the original Star Trek T.V. show of the era.

Slot:	Action Comics 384
Item:	Action Comics 384 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0147801028

Owner Comments
“The Forbidden Costume!”
Cover Date: January 1970
On-Sale Date: 11/26/1969

Cary Bates and Jim Shooter stories
Curt Swan and Win Mortimer art
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson cover

Legion of Super-Heroes backup story.
“Lament for a Legionnaire!”

Grade Date: 01/07/2008
Acquired: 03/06/2018 - 1 of 2 in 9.8 when purchased.

Slot:	Action Comics 389
Item:	Action Comics 389 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0048585006

Owner Comments
"The Kid Who Struck Out Superman!"
Cover Date: June 1970
On-Sale Date: 04/30/1970

Cary Bates and Leo Dorfman stories
Curt Swan and Win Mortimer art
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson cover

Rogues Gallery by Murphy Anderson.

"The Mystery Legionnaire!"
Writer: Cary Bates
Penciler: Win Mortimer
Inker: Jack Abel

Grade Date: 08/26/2002
Acquired: 04/05/2015 - 1 of 5 in 9.8 when purchased.

I've always liked this cover, true Americana. This book is very sharp, with vibrant colors - the inks on the title logo look as if they are still drying. This newsstand fresh piece exemplifies everything my Action Comics run is all about: great covers from before my time with superb preservation. I first tried unsuccessfully for another 9.8 example of this issue on ComicLink in 2013, the final bid was $405, my max bid was $300. A few years later I got the Oakland copy on ComicConnect for only $175.

Slot:	Action Comics 393
Item:	Action Comics 393 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	1626628001

Owner Comments
“Superman Meets Super-Houdini!”
Cover Date: October 1970
On-Sale Date: 08/27/1970

Leo Dorfman story, Curt Swan cover,
Curt Swan, Murphy Anderson,
Ross Andru and Mike Esposito art

1 page "Superman Scrapbook" featurette.

Grade Date: 02/05/2019
Acquired: 02/06/2019 - 1 of 4 in 9.8 when purchased.

Slot:	Action Comics 395
Item:	Action Comics 395 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0966753007

Owner Comments
"The Secrets of Superman's Fortress"
Cover Date: December 1970
On-Sale Date: 10/29/1970

Leo Dorfman story
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson art
Curt Swan and Dick Giordano cover

Cover layout by Carmine Infantino.

Grade Date: 09/28/2010
Acquired: 12/01/2014 - 1 of 2 in 9.8 when purchased.

When it comes to Silver/Bronze Age pedigrees, Rocky Mountain is my pedigree. This piece was auctioned off on ComicLink in January 2011. I placed a bid of $400 and lost by $25. This book was picked up by Greg Reece of Reece's Rare Comics, where it was listed on his site for $700. Almost four years after the ComicLink auction, this special piece appeared on eBay. I didn't let anyone stop me and I won the auction for a great price. Whenever I pull the book for viewing I still think to myself, "This is finally mine!"

Slot:	Action Comics 397
Item:	Action Comics 397 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0915492003

Owner Comments
“The Secret of the Wheel-Chair Superman!”
Cover Date: February 1971
On-Sale Date: 12/31/1970

Leo Dorfman story
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson art
Carmine Infantino, Murphy Anderson cover

1971 calendar pin-up.
Robot cover.
"Untold Tales of the Fortress" story - “The Super-Captive of the Sea!”

Grade Date: 09/29/2011
Acquired: 03/11/2018 - 1 of 3 in 9.8 when purchased.

Superman is in despair in this cover published in the twilight of the Silver Age. What a "vintage" comic book vibe with the defunct robots in the closet and the futuristic cityscape on the left. Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson are great together, and having the Twin Cites copy of this issue is a plus. Speaking of the Twin Cities collection, this piece does not have the distracting distributor markings bleeding through the top or back cover (still visible on the top page edges) like so many other examples from the collection.

Slot:	Action Comics 398
Item:	Action Comics 398 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0147839011

Owner Comments
“The Pied-Piper of Steel!"
Cover Date: March 1971
On-Sale Date: 01/28/1971

Leo Dorfman story
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson art
Neal Adams and Dick Giordano cover

Supergirl appearance.
"Untold Tales of the Fortress" story - “Spawn of the Unknown”

Grade Date: 01/07/2008
Acquired: 03/06/2018 - 1 of 2 in 9.8 when purchased.

I first noticed this pedigree piece on the CGC website gallery in 2008. A terrific Neal Adams cover from THE Silver Age pedigree with perfect cover registration and white pages, I had to have it. I wondered for several years if this book would ever come up for sale, or if it would remain locked away in a private collection, or worse yet, end up lost or damaged. I added “Action Comics #398 CGC 9.8 Pacific Coast” to several want lists online, I even put out a WTB posting on the CGC boards. I didn't just want any copy of this issue in 9.8 grade, I wanted the Pacific Coast copy. I also searched the other Action Comics sets in the CGC Registry for this piece and no one had it.

In December 2017 a ComicLink preview listed this piece along with two other Action Comics examples from the Pacific Coast pedigree, scheduled for auction in March of 2018. After a decade of dreaming I finally got my chance. In the end, the realized price was much less than I expected. Of course the condition of the book is phenomenal, a real treat to reward a decade of dreaming.

Slot:	Action Comics 399
Item:	Action Comics 399 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0069478009

Owner Comments
"Superman, You're Dead... Dead... Dead"
Cover Date: April 1971
On-Sale Date: 02/25/1971

Leo Dorfman story
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson art
Neal Adams and Dick Giordano cover

Superbaby story.

Grade Date: 08/13/2003
Acquired: 09/14/2014 - 1 of 4 in 9.8 when purchased.

I first saw this piece in another registry set, where I admired and coveted it for years. When this piece came up for sale I did not hesitate. This is not only one of my top pieces, this is also one of my favorite Neal Adams covers in Action Comics. The condition of this piece is amazing, the colors are vibrant, the pages and edges are still white and the front and back cover are also very clean. I’m still grateful to have this piece in my collection.

Slot:	Action Comics 400
Item:	Action Comics 400
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	1001271002

Owner Comments
"My Son... Is He Man or Beast?"
Cover Date: May 1971
On-Sale Date: 03/30/1971

Leo Dorfman story
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson art
Neal Adams and Dick Giordano cover

"Untold Tales of Kandor" story.
Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) and Brainiac appearance.

Grade Date: 02/22/2010
Acquired: 08/28/2012 - 1 of 3 in 9.8 when purchased.

I first tried for this special piece in 2010 on ComicLink, there were only 2 copies certified in 9.8 grade then. I daydreamed about this piece for weeks, but the book ended up realizing $750 - my bid was only $550! This book reappeared on ComicLink again in 2012. I got a second chance and won for $400, I actually got a tear in my right eye. I had the holder updated in 2018.

Slot:	Action Comics 403
Item:	Action Comics 403 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	2010337020

Owner Comments
“Attack of the Micro-Murderer”
Cover Date: August 1971
Published: June 29, 1971

Cary Bates and Leo Dorfman stories
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson art
Carmine Infantino, Murphy Anderson cover

Grade Date: 04/19/2019
Acquired: 5/28/2019 - 1 of 3 in 9.8 when purchased.

I love the period clothing on the people waiting in line on this cover.

Slot:	Action Comics 404
Item:	Action Comics 404 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0966752015

Owner Comments
"Kneel to Your Conqueror, Superman!"
Cover Date: September 1971
On-Sale Date: 07/29/1971

Leo Dorfman story
Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson art
Neal Adams and Dick Giordano cover

Bondage cover.

Grade Date: 09/28/2010
Acquired: 11/15/2011 - 1 of 4 in 9.8 when purchased.

I first bid on this special piece in the January 2011 ComicLink Featured Auction, I did not win. In the November 2011 ComicLink Featured Auction this book reappeared and fate smiled on me! This beautiful book was also my oldest 9.8 for a time. Love those yellow covers!

Slot:	Action Comics 410
Item:	Action Comics 410 Universal
Grade:	CGC
Cert #:	0966752010

Owner Comments
"The Satanic Son of Superman!"
Cover Date: March 1972
On-Sale Date: 01/27/1972

Cary Bates story, Nick Cardy Cover
Curt Swan, John Calnan and Murphy Anderson art

Grade Date: 09/28/2010
Acquired: 01/18/2011 - 1 of 7 in 9.8 when purchased.

I love the freshness of this piece, with its vibrant coloring and sharp edges. I love the Rocky Mountain collection, I love early '70s books and I love Nick Cardy covers!