| Slot: |
Action Comics 683 |
| Item: |
Action Comics #683 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0942387012
|
Owner Comments
"The Trial of the Jackal"
November, 1992
Roger Stern story
Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier art
Jackson Guice cover
Robin (Tim Drake) appearance.
Doomsday cameo on last page.
"Somewhere else... Doomsday is here!"
I found the second printing of this issue when I was a kid, I had a hard time finding the four Superman titles dated 11/92. This issue also recognizes the passing of Superman co-creator Joe Shuster (1914-1992).
Aside from being apart of the Doomsday storyline and my childhood nostalgia, I really enjoy this cover. The full moon setting and a lycanthropic antagonist: The Jackal, make for a unique and haunting cover seldom seen in Superman books.
eBay BIN: 11/26/2008 - $29.99
Grade Date: 10/01/2008
This issue has a second printing and the last page (Doomsday teaser) is reprinted in The Death of Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Action Comics 684 |
| Item: |
Action Comics #684 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0942387013
|
Owner Comments
"...Doomsday Is Near!"
December, 1992
Roger Stern story
Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier art
Art Thibert cover
Doomsday appearance.
BIN purchase: eBay - 11/30/2008 $29.99
Grade Date: 10/01/2008
This issue has three printings and is reprinted in The Death of Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Action Comics 685 |
| Item: |
Action Comics #685 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0792418015
|
Owner Comments
"Funeral For A Friend - Part 2: Re:Actions"
January, 1993
Roger Stern story
Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier art
Jackson Guice cover
Action Comics #1 tribute cover.
Supergirl (Matrix) and Guardian (Jim Harper) appearance.
Parasite (Rudy Jones) and Toyman (Winslow Schott) cameo.
Jackson Guice pays tribute to Superman co-creator Joe Shuster with this cover. Supergirl and others try to fill the void and help the citizens of Metropolis recover after Doomsday's deadly rampage.
BIN purchase: eBay - 12/19/2007 $28.00
Grade Date: 10/18/2007
This issue has three printings and is reprinted in World Without A Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Action Comics 685 Second Printing |
| Item: |
Action Comics #685 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0290717001
|
Owner Comments
"Funeral For A Friend - Part 2: Re:Actions"
January, 1993
Second Printing
Roger Stern story
Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier art
Jackson Guice cover
Action Comics #1 cover homage.
Supergirl (Matrix) and Guardian (Jim Harper) appearance.
Parasite (Rudy Jones) and Toyman (Winslow Schott) cameo.
Jackson Guice pays tribute to Superman co-creator Joe Shuster with this cover. Supergirl and others try to fill the void and help the citizens of Metropolis recover after Doomsday's deadly rampage.
Purchased raw: 5/8/16 - $2.75
Grade Date: 07/28/2016
I purchased this book raw at Aamazing Fantasy Comics in Littleton, Colorado. I was in the area visiting some childhood friends so I researched shops nearby on the Collectors Society boards. A large collection of high grade DCs had just been acquired and I picked out several books. I submitted this along with Superman #75 Fourth Printing for grading at the 2016 Denver Comic. This book carries a good memory of my visit with childhood friends, going to the Denver Comic Con for the first time, and was also apart of my first submission to yield 9.8 grades. I also think that the red and whit logo variation compliments the cover art on the second printing more so than the dark red and blue logo coloring of the first print.
This issue has three printings and is reprinted in World Without A Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Action Comics 686 |
| Item: |
Action Comics #686 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0153226015
|
Owner Comments
"Funeral for a Friend - Part 6: Who's Buried in Superman's Tomb?"
February, 1993
Roger Stern story, Jackson Guice cover
Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier art
Guardian (Jim Harper) & Supergirl (Matrix) appearance.
This dark, mysterious and eerie cover is my second favorite from "Funeral for a Friend", next to Superman #76. This is an issue I see in almost every comic book shop, con and used book store I've ever been too - or will go to! The conditions are always so-so on the copies I seen in the wild, so, holding this certified example of such a common book in high grade gets me every time.
Won on eBay on 8/14/2008 for $17.51.
Grade Date: 07/25/2008
This issue has a second printing - difficult to find in any condition - and is reprinted in World Without A Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Action Comics 687 Collector's Edition |
| Item: |
Action Comics #687 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0150582012
|
Owner Comments
"Reign of the Supermen! - Born Again"
June, 1993
Collector's Edition
Roger Stern story
Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier art
Die-cut cover.
Last Son of Krypton poster included.
I have memories of this particular issue from my childhood, but I must say the most memorable one is that of seeing it on Seinfeld, from season 5, "The Stall" (1994) when it was first aired. Out of the four Die-cut covers/Collector's Editions, I like this one the best, the green hue along with the classic "S" shield pop in it's simplicity.
Won on eBay on 9/16/2013 for $19.99.
Grade Date: 02/12/2008
This issue has two editions. a newsstand and Collector's Edition. Reprinted in The Return of Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Action Comics 688 |
| Item: |
Action Comics #688 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1056680022
|
Owner Comments
“Reign of the Supermen! – An Eye for an Eye”
Early July, 1993
Roger Stern story
Jackson Guice and Denis Rodier art
Kerry Gammill and Jackson Guice cover
Guy Gardner appearance.
This is another one of those common books, but this 9.8 is a really strong example of the grade., the holder is flawless also. This fresh examples propels the energy of the dark shades of oranges and yellows to the eyes, making this an enjoyable viewing experience in person.
Won on eBay: 1/19/2012 for $19.99
Grade Date: 10/31/2011
Reprinted in The Return of Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Action Comics 691 |
| Item: |
Action Comics #691 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0230981029
|
Owner Comments
“Reign of the Supermen! – Secret Weapon”
September, 1993
Roger Stern story
Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier art
Kerry Gammill & Jackson Guice cover
Won on ComicLink: 7/16/2014 - $27.00
Grade Date: 05/27/2014
Reprinted in The Return of Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Action Comics 692 |
| Item: |
Action Comics #692 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0153228012
|
Owner Comments
"And Who, Disguised as Clark Kent?"
October, 1993
Roger Stern & Karl Kesel story
Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier art
Kerry Gammill & Jackson Guice cover
Doctor Occult appearance.
This was my favorite cover as a kid, I even copied it in my sketch book (I gave him shorter hair in the back). This issue serves as a climax to the whole 'Death and Return of Superman' saga. The return of Clark Kent is celebrated on this cover with a nostalgic take on the classic change of clothes to fight the never ending battle for truth, justice and the American way!
Supernatural detective Doctor Occult (also created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster) appears to help Superman understand the events surrounding his deadly encounter with Doomsday, his experience in the afterlife and resurrection.
This issue is the last in the series where the "direct" edition features art work or a logo instead of UPC code in the white box that newsstand editions show. Every direct edition from now on reads "Direct Sales" next to a UPC code.
Won on eBay: 9/13/2008 - $21.50
Grade Date: 08/25/2008
Reprinted (partially) in The Return of Superman (1993) and (completely) in Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Adventures of Superman 496 |
| Item: |
Adventures of Superman #496 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1024355016
|
Owner Comments
“Truth and Consequences”
November, 1992
Jerry Ordway & Dennis Janke story
Dennis Janke art
Tom Grummett & Dennis Janke cover
Mr. Mxyzptlk & Lex Luthor apperance.
Doomsday cameo on last page.
"Somewhere else... Doomsday is coming!"
Around early 1994, when I discovered the Death and Return of Superman storyline and the world of Superman comics, I started looking for issues prior to Doomsday. I remember the four Superman titles dated November, 1992 with the Doomsday teasers on the last pages were difficult to track down (at least in my area). I even asked my older brother who lived in a different state at the time to check a huge comic shop near him for this particular issue; they had every issue expect this one.
I remember seeing this cover in a price guide magazine around the same time, I became interested in what the story behind the cover was, and the search began. I enjoyed the Mr. Mxyzptlk story from Superman #11 (Nov. 1987), especially the game he played with Superman. In 2003, while home from college, I finally found a copy. After nine years, and several trips to various shops across the country, I finally got to read the story! I still look for this issue out of habit when I go to comic shops and shows, I've only come across a few copies. After 17 years I have a graded copy, I don’t know if I would call this piece a Holy Grail, or if the book is actually that hard to find, but I now have a sense of closure - the 12 year old inside of me is ecstatic.
Won on eBay: 2/6/2011 - $49.00
Grade Date: 12/23/2010
This issue has a second printing and the last page (Doomsday teaser) is reprinted in The Death of Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Adventures of Superman 496 Second Printing |
| Item: |
Adventures of Superman #496 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0297768001
|
Owner Comments
“Truth and Consequences”
November, 1992
Second Printing
Jerry Ordway & Dennis Janke story
Dennis Janke art
Tom Grummett & Dennis Janke cover
Mr. Mxyzptlk & Lex Luthor apperance.
Doomsday cameo on last page.
Grade Date: 11/14/2016
I did not know of this second printing until I purchased my 9.8 first printing in 2011. In twenty years I have only found a few raw copies of the first printing in the wild, I have yet to see a raw second printing. The teaser issues, cover dated November 1992, have always been on a pedestal for me, and this second printing is almost something of a grail for me.
|
| Slot: |
Adventures of Superman 497 |
| Item: |
Adventures of Superman #497 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0227226001
|
Owner Comments
"Under Fire"
December, 1992
Jerry Ordway story
Tom Grummett & Doug Hazlewood cover and art
Justice League America & Doomsday appearance.
Won on eBay: 5/4/2014 - $45.00
Grade Date: 03/07/2014
This issue has three printings and is reprinted in The Death of Superman (1993) and Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013).
|
| Slot: |
Adventures of Superman 498 |
| Item: |
Adventures of Superman #498 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0315840001
|
Owner Comments
"Funeral For A Friend - Part 1: Death of a Legend"
January, 1993
Jerry Ordway story
Tom Grummett & Doug Hazlewood
cover & art
"Funeral for a Friend" begins.
Supergirl appearance.
Purchased raw: 4/8/17 - $7.50
Grade Date: 05/04/2017
Aamazing Fantasy Comics in Littleton, Colorado is a great place I discovered thanks the Collectors Society Messages Boards. I make a point to stop in whenever I have to go to Denver, Colorado. My third visit brought my way a beautiful copy of Adventures #498. My very first visit to Aamazing was were I found my copies of Action Comics #685 2nd printing and Superman #75 4th printing that would become successful 9.8 submissions at Denver Comic Con 2016. Fining this book in April, 2017 was also apart of my Birthday weekend spent with great friends. I not only have the nostalgia of this storyline with this piece, I also have a memento of a fun weekend.
|
| Slot: |
Justice League America 69 Second Printing |
| Item: |
Justice League America #69 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0218419014
|
Owner Comments
"Down for the Count"
December, 1992
Second Printing
Dan Jurgens story & cover
Dan Jurgens & Rick Burchett art
Doomsday appearance.
""Trouble" isn't the word, Superman! I'm telling you right now -- it's like doomsday is here!"
-- Booster Gold
Won on eBay: 11/20/2014 - $26.00
Grade Date: 09/16/2013
This issue has four printings and is reprinted in the The Death of Superman (1993) trade paperback and the Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus (2013). This issue is also reprinted in Superman & Justice League America Vol. 2 (2016).
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| Slot: |
Justice League America 70 |
| Item: |
Justice League America #70 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0932645027
|
Owner Comments
"Funeral For A Friend: Grieving"
January, 1993
Dan Jurgens story
Dan Jurgens & Rick Burchett cover & art
"Funeral for a Friend" storyline begins.
Second, third and fourth printings have no outer cover.
Golden State copy.
The first 5 pages of this issue are set right after Superman #75, and continued in Adventures of Superman #498, the aftermath of Superman's death. The rest of the issue focuses on the arrival of most of the heroes of the DC Universe at the Justice League headquarters, as the events in Adventures of Superman #498 are unfolding. As a result of Doomsday's rampage, Blue Beetle is comatose and Booster Gold is powerless, leaving the future of the League uncertain.
"People who were alive in 1963 can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing the day John Kennedy was shot. And even though it was much longer ago, the same can be said of the day F.D.R. died. Today is one of those days. For this is the day that a Superman has died."
Won on eBay: 9/30/2013 - $29.99
Grade Date: 06/04/2009
Justice League America #70 has four printings. This issue was not reprinted in World Without A Superman (1993) or any other Death and Return of Superman collections until 2016. This issue was finally reprinted in Superman & Justice League America Vol. 2 (2016) and Superman: Funeral for a Friend, 2016 edition.
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