Auction Name: 2025 November 19 - 23 Comic Art Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 94001

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/7438*94001

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.
Neal Adams' impact was seismic. His modern realism and cinematic staging yanked superheroes out of Silver Age stiffness into a believable present. He reinvigorated Batman, Deadman, Green Lantern/Green Arrow, and X-Men, partnering with O'Neil to steer Batman from TV camp back to a darker detective and to tackle drugs, racism, and social justice in GL/GA. Off the page, Adams fought for creator rights, pushing for original art returns and helping secure credit and pensions for Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This is an all-time classic cover by a legendary artist -- one that helped launch the Bronze Age, has been reproduced countless times, and is deeply woven into pop culture. Few images loom larger.
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.


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