Heritage Auctions :: * Current 7438 Signature Comic Art Auction November 19 -23, 2025

Superman #233 (DC, 1971)

Artist: Neal Adams (All)

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Artwork Details

Title:	Superman #233 (DC, 1971)
Artist:	Neal Adams (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	Auction (2025 Nov 19-23)
Views:	117
Likes on CAF:	3 4
Comments:	0
Added to Site:	11/14/2025
Comic Art Archive:

Description

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.

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