Superman: The Man of Steel #21 Value Guide

This 1993 issue is a cornerstone of the 'Funeral for a Friend' storyline, capturing the global mourning period following the iconic 'Death of Superman' event. It is highly collectible for its role in bridging the gap between Superman's demise and the eventual 'Reign of the Supermen' saga.

What affects the value of Superman: The Man of Steel #21?

• Physical condition of the paper and ink, specifically looking for spine stress or corner blunting.
• The presence of the original white pages versus yellowing or foxing due to age.
• Market demand for 'Death of Superman' era keys which typically trade between $7 and $8.
• Professional grading from services like CGC or CBCS which can provide a premium over raw copies.

How to Identify Superman: The Man of Steel #21?

• Verify the cover art by Jon Bogdanove featuring the 'Funeral for a Friend' banner across the top.
• Check for the DC Universe logo and the issue number 21 prominently displayed on the front cover.
• Confirm the 1993 publication date and the presence of the 'Superman: The Man of Steel' title header.
• Look for the specific interior credits for artist Jon Bogdanove and writer Louise Simonson.

History of Superman: The Man of Steel #21

Superman: The Man of Steel #21 is a pivotal issue in the 'Funeral for a Friend' storyline, which immediately followed 'The Death of Superman' event in the early 1990s. This storyline explores the world's reaction to Superman's demise and introduces various characters vying to fill his void, setting the stage for the 'Reign of the Supermen.' These issues were highly anticipated and sold extremely well, becoming a significant part of DC Comics history and a touchstone for many comic book readers.