Superboy Vol. 1, Issue #72: Life on Krypton!
Comic Book, Print on Wood-pulp Paper • Cover art by Curt Swan (penciller) and Stan Kaye (inker); Published by DC Comics.
Style & Movement
Silver Age American Comic Art / Pop Culture Illustration
Medium & Technique
Four-color offset lithography (CMYK) using Ben-Day dots; hand-drawn line art and lettering.
Creation Period
March 1959
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10.25 x 6.75 inches; Portrait format, saddle-stitched pamphlet.
Subject Description
The cover depicts a narrative scene from Krypton's past. Jor-El is shown placing the super-dog Krypto into a test rocket while a distraught Lara holds a crying young Kal-El (Superboy). The composition uses dynamic diagonal lines via the rocket to create tension and melodrama, characteristic of 1950s sci-fi aesthetics.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair (approx. CGC Grade 2.0 - 3.0); significant wear and structural integrity issues are visible.
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 - $75.00 USD (based on raw condition and recent sales of mid-low grade copies).
Auction Estimate
$30.00 - $60.00 USD
Provenance History
Mass-market retail distribution; evidence of long-term private ownership without professional archival storage. Contains DC National Comics 'Approved by the Comics Code Authority' seal.
Art Historical Significance
A significant issue in the Superboy mythos, as it provides an early expansion of the Kryptonian backstory and features Krypto the Superdog. Architecturally, it represents the 'Silver Age' transition where Curt Swan became the definitive Superman artist for decades.
Notable Features
Includes the 'Comics Code Authority' stamp, which reflects the mid-century censorship standards in American media. The cover price of 10 cents is reflective of the era's economy.
Condition Issues
Heavy spine roll, multiple color-breaking creases, significant edge chipping, blunted corners, and minor staining/soiling on the front cover. Papers show signs of oxidation (browning/tanning).
Conservation Recommendations
Place in an acid-free mylar sleeve with an alkaline-buffered backing board. Store in a cool, dry, dark environment to prevent further paper acidification and UV fading.