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Issue: Superman #53
Publication Date: July 1948
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Disclose Detail
Issues: #53 of 423 Issues (608 Printings)
Title:
Variant: unnamed
Rating: [no rating]
Publisher: FlagDC
Brand: A Superman DC PublicationView Brand Images2
Indicia Publisher: National Comics Publications Inc.
On Sale Date: 05/03/1948
Volume: none
Pages: 52
ISBN: none
UPC/EAN: none
Price: $0.10 USD
Indicia Frequency:
Content Items: 23 (8 stories, 1 cover)
Editor(s):  
Disclose Notes: On-sale date from copyright registration. On-sale date of May 5 in blurb at the end of the Superman story in Action Comics #121.
  Does this data need corrections? Become an editor.
Disclose Format
Publication Type: Comic Book
Color: color
Dimensions: standard Golden Age U.S.; standard Silver Age U.S.; standard Modern Age U.S.
Paper Stock: glossy cover; newsprint interior
Binding: saddle-stitched; squarebound (#183, 187, 193, 197, 202, 207, 212, 217, 222, 227, 245, 252, 272, 278, 284)
Publishing Format: was ongoing series
Format Notes:  
Disclose Reprinted In11
Disclose Reprinted From0
There is currently no data for this Issue being reprinted from anywhere.
Disclose Images1
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Assets1
Indicia
 
 
spacer
Disclose Content Items (23 total)
Disclose Issue Images
The Origin of Superman

Illustration  on  Cover, Front
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagSuperman #53 published July 1948
as The Origin of Superman [Illustration on Cover, Front]
In Content Item: FlagStålmannen #1/1952 published June 1952
as Stålmannen verdens største eventyrhelt [Illustration on Cover, Front]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: A Celebration of 75 Years #[nn] published January 2013
as The Origin of Superman [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
Editorial Advisory Board

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.33
Disclose Notes: Inside front cover.
Disclose
An Open Letter to Superman Fans

Text Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ? [as Lois Lane]
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
First Line: Dear friends: When I told Superman he ought to write to you all himself on his Tenth Anniversary of his first appearance in Action Comics Magazine, he backed away like a scared kitten.
Synopsis: List of Superman's accomplishments in the "real world."
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.67
Disclose Notes: Inside front cover.
Disclose
The Origin of Superman!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Nitro Kale (criminal)
First Line: Who is Superman? Where did he come from? How did he obtain his miraculous powers?
Synopsis: After a prologue which demonstrates Superman's amazing abilities, his origin is recounted. On the scientifically advanced planet of Krypton, Jor-El fails to convince the Council of Five that Krypton is doomed. As Krypton explodes, Jor-El and Lara send their son to Earth, where he is found and adopted by the elderly Kents. As Clark grows to maturity he manifests abilities far beyond that of mortal men. On his deathbed, his father urges Clark to become a powerful force for good as Superman.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagStålmannen #1/1952 published June 1952
as Hvorledes Stålmannen kom til jorden! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThree-Dimension Adventures Superman #[nn] published November 1953
as The Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman from the Thirties to the Seventies #[nn] [Original Edition] published January 1971
as The Origin of Superman! [Story on Interior Page(s)]black and white
In Content Item: FlagThe Best of DC #16 [Direct Sales] published September 1981
as The Origin of Superman! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Superman Stories Ever Told #[nn] published March 1987
as The Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Superman Stories Ever Told #[nn] [First Printing] published May 1987
as The Origin of Superman! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman in the Forties #[nn] published December 2005
as The Origin of Superman [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagSuperman: A Celebration of 75 Years #[nn] published January 2013
as The Origin of Superman! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 10
Disclose Notes: The name John Kent appears on Superman's father's tombstone. This is the only time this name is used. Kryptonians are shown to have x-ray vision.
Disclose
You Run Faster in Keds!

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
First Line: Frank Leahy, famous coach says -- "You run faster in Keds!"
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement for U. S. Keds.
Disclose
Captain Tootsie Traps the Circus Culprit

Advertisement (Comic Format)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: informational, superhero
First Line: Captain Tootsie, someone's been monkeying around with our equipment!
Synopsis: Captain Tootsie uses fluorescent powder and ultraviolet light to find the saboteur of trapeze ropes.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement for Tootsie Pops and Tootsie Rolls.
Disclose
The Oracle from Metropolis!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Professor Grog; Mike Mooney; Agamemnon; the Delphic Oracle; Denoxes
First Line: How many fish are in the sea? How high is up? How deep is the ocean?
Synopsis: Professor Grog accidentally sends Superman and mechanic Mike Mooney back to ancient Egypt. The cynical Mooney tries to come up with ways to make money off of the Delphic Oracle, but Superman teaches him not to scoff at things he doesn't understand.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 10
Disclose Notes: time-travel story
Disclose
Get Your Free Movie Star Pictures

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
First Line: Nothing like it!
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement for Schwinn-Built Bicycles, offering photographs of movie stars as premiums.
Disclose
Won - By a Whisper!

Advertisement (Comic Format)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: sports
First Line: With the big track meet coming up, no wonder the Blues had the "blues".
Synopsis: Jim wins the track meet thanks to his "P-F" Canvas Shoes.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement for "P-F" Canvas Shoes from B.F. Goodrich and Hood Rubber Co.
Disclose
[untitled]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: humorous
First Line: Tryouts for the Baseball Team today at the Stadium
Synopsis: Shorty is excited that he made the baseball team until he discovers that he was made the bat boy.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose
[untitled]

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset; ?
Subject Matter
First Line: Look Kids! Get Your Own Scale Model of the History Making Freedom Train!
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement for Kellogg's Variety, featuring a model Freedom Train premium.
Disclose
[untitled]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: humorous
First Line: Puff! Puff!
Synopsis: Daffy catches up with a streetcar as it reaches its final stop.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.67
Disclose
Superman's Secret Message

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Feature(s): Supermen of America
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.33
Disclose Notes: House ad for Supermen of America club. Secret message translates to: "Work a victory garden this summer and help the world food shortage".
Disclose
The Tiniest Things in the World

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: informational, non-fiction
First Line: In a newly built laboratory, a scientist is performing an experiment.
Synopsis: Information about atoms and atomic radiation.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose
Show Time

Advertisement (Comic Format)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: childrens
First Line: Hiya Pete -- let's go down to the corner and hang around!
Synopsis: Pete and his friend are recruited to act in a show.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement from Popsicle, Fudgsicle & Creamsicle.
Disclose
[untitled]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: humorous
Feature(s): Mister Grumble
Character(s): Mr. Grumble; Mrs. Grumble
First Line: Grrr - I'm hungry as a bear this morning.
Synopsis: Mrs. Grumble ensure she can have a breakfast conversation with Mr. Grumble.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
Rounding Up the Rustlers

Advertisement (Comic Format)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
First Line: While vacationing out west, deputy U.S. Royal and the boys of the Elm City Bike Club are enjoying the sights, when suddenly...
Synopsis: U.S. Royal puts a stop to a rustling racket.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement for bike tires from United States Rubber Company.
Disclose
A Job for Superhombre!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Don Camero; Estrellita; The Eye [El Ojo]; Mike the Clip; Horseface; the TNT Kid; Muggsy; Duke; Miss Tweek; Glass Jaw Grogan; One-Ear Eddie; Snapper
First Line: When gaucho costumes set the style for Metropolis mobsters, there's more than a rumba rhythm behind it...
Synopsis: The Eye takes all the criminals in Metropolis to South America to set up a giant piracy operation, using the home of an old friend of Lois' as a front.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 13
Disclose Notes: Don Camerro is named after writer Don Cameron.
Disclose
[untitled]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: humorous
First Line: Housewares? Two aisles over?
Synopsis: Homer ensures he is buying the correct rolling pin.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.5
Disclose
[untitled]

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
First Line: Hi-Kids! Get This Cracker Jack Magic Pencil
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 0.5
Disclose Notes: Advertisement from The Cracker Jack Co. featuring the Cracker Jack Magic Pencil as a premium and promoting the new Cracker Jack Skirt (now in stores).
Disclose
How Much Do You Really Know About Baseball?

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
First Line: This will surprise you!
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement for Thom McAn shoe stores with a certificate for a "big photo of ace hurler Bobby Feller".
Disclose
New Handbook and New Air Rifle Catalog Ready

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
First Line: It's sensational! It's colossal!
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Inside back cover. Advertisement for catalog from Daisy Manufacturing Company.
Disclose
Taste Treat to Share...

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ? (painting)
Inker(s): ? (painting)
Colorist(s): ? (painting)
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
First Line: What a treat to taste!
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Back cover. Advertisement for Milky Way candy bars.

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