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Superman #16 cover
Cover: Fred Ray

Superman #16

May 1942 · DC · 0.10 USD
📊 ~50,621 copies sold its debut month
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In "The World's Meanest Man," Superman faces a challenge from an unexpected foe when a plan to build a country resort for underprivileged kids—sponsored by the Daily Planet—runs afoul of a man with a personal vendetta against the newspaper. Written by Jerry Siegel and illustrated by Leo Nowak and John Sikela, with inks by Nowak and Ed Dobrotka, this 1942 issue captures Superman’s commitment to justice amid a conflict rooted in old grudges. The cover by Fred Ray perfectly captures the era’s bold style, a 10-cent glimpse into a classic Superman tale.

Contains 8 stories
The World's Meanest Man
13 pp · Superhero
Superman [Clark Kent]Perry WhiteLois LaneSgt. CaseyCharlie Grayson (villain, introduction)

In a 1942 tale of civic duty and hidden grudges, Superman steps in when a plan to build a country resort for underprivileged kids sparks conflict with a man who holds a deep-seated resentment toward the Daily Planet. With Lois Lane and Clark Kent involved in the outreach, and Perry White backing the project, the Man of Steel must confront Charlie Grayson—a newcomer with a personal vendetta—before the dream for the resort collapses.

Untitled Humor story
1 pp · Humor
Terror from the Stars
12 pp · Superhero
Superman [Clark Kent]Perry WhiteLois LaneProfessor Derman (death)Mr. WarrenStan EmersonTom Nelson (villain, introduction)Abou Sabut (villain, introduction, death)

When a series of seemingly impossible predictions come true, Superman steps in to investigate the strange case of Professor Derman’s eerie forecasts—only to find a conspiracy brewing in the shadows, with a new villain and a mysterious figure from beyond the stars pulling the strings. With Lois Lane and Perry White caught in the crossfire, Clark Kent must uncover the truth behind the celestial hoax before Metropolis is plunged into chaos.

Untitled Humor story
1 pp · Humor
Case of the Runaway Skyscrapers!
13 pp · Superhero
Superman [Clark Kent]Lois LanePerry WhiteMister Sinister (villain, introduction)

When a mysterious villain known as Mister Sinister begins teleporting skyscrapers—including the Daily Planet—into the Fourth Dimension for profit, Superman must race to stop the chaos before the city collapses. With Lois Lane and Perry White caught in the crossfire, the Man of Steel faces his most bizarre challenge yet: defending Metropolis from a criminal who doesn’t just steal buildings—he steals reality itself.

Untitled Humor story
0.44 pp · Humor
Untitled Humor story
2 pp · Humor
Grandpa Peters
Racket on Delivery!
13 pp · Superhero
Superman [Clark Kent]Lois LaneMr. Golden (shop keeper)Slats Morgan (villain, introduction)Vernon Hale (villain, introduction)

When Lois Lane and Clark Kent expose a web of extortion targeting delivery drivers in Metropolis, their investigation puts them directly in the crosshairs of two new villains—Slats Morgan and Vernon Hale—whose criminal operation threatens to derail both their careers and their lives. With the city’s streets under siege and the truth at risk, Superman must step in before the pressure becomes too much to bear.

ComicBooks.com Value

Our Model is In Beta
Raw (Good) $334
CGC 9.2 · 3 in census $7,747
CGC 9.0 · 6 in census $5,263
CGC 8.5 · 6 in census $3,154
CGC 8.0 · 5 in census $3,035
CGC 7.5 · 11 in census $2,244
CGC 7.0 · 7 in census $1,815
Show all 19 grades
CGC 6.5 · 11 in census $1,350
CGC 6.0 · 6 in census $1,350
CGC 5.5 · 10 in census $1,211
CGC 5.0 · 10 in census $1,009
CGC 4.5 · 15 in census $861
CGC 4.0 · 7 in census $861
CGC 3.5 · 9 in census $861
CGC 3.0 · 15 in census $593
CGC 2.5 · 6 in census $512*
CGC 2.0 · 7 in census $448
CGC 1.5 · 2 in census $335*
CGC 1.0 · 6 in census $272
CGC 0.5 · 6 in census $239
* estimate — limited direct-sales data at this grade
Our model’s value — refined as new sales data arrives · CGC census counts shown where available

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CGC 6 $1,700 1 listing CGC $4,000 1 listing
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Full credits

artist, inker Leo Nowak
cover pencils, inks Fred Ray

Reprints

Reprinted in The Superman Archives #4 (1994), The Superman Chronicles #9 (2011), Superman: The Golden Age Omnibus #3 (2017), Superman: The Golden Age #5 (2020)

Key issues in Superman

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