Publishers / DC / Superman (1987) / #4
4April 1987
$0.75; 1.00 CAD; 0.40 GBP

Superman #4

DC · April 1987 · on sale 1986-12-16

First appearance: Maggie SawyerFirst appearance: BloodsportFirst appearance: Robert DuBois2 variants
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How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
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Identification plate

Series
Superman (DC, 1987 series)
Issue
#4
Publication date
April 1987
Key date
1987-04-00
On-sale date
1986-12-16
Indicia publisher
DC Comics Inc.
Price
$0.75; 1.00 CAD; 0.40 GBP
Pages
36
Rating
Approved by the Comics Code Authority

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Maggie Sawyer - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Bloodsport - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Robert DuBois - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0Bloodsport... ...He Plays for Keeps!cover1pencils: John Byrne; inks: John ByrneBloodsport First, Robert DuBois First
1Legends Cross-overspromo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: Luke McDonnell, Tom Mandrake, John Byrne; inks: Bill Wray, Tom Mandrake, John Byrne
2Bloodsport!comic story22script: John Byrne; pencils: John Byrne; inks: Karl Kesel; colors: Anthony Tollin; letters: John CostanzaBloodsport First, Robert DuBois First, Clark Kent, Lucy Lane, Lex Luthor, Jimmy Olsen, Maggie Sawyer First, Superman
4We're the Tough We're the Proud We're the All-New Justice Leaguepromo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: Kevin Maguire; inks: Terry AustinBatman, Billy Batson, Black Canary, Blue Beetle, Captain Marvel, Doctor Light, Scott Free, Guy Gardner, Green Lantern, Kimiyo Hoshi, J'Onn J'Onzz, Ted Kord, Dinah Lance, Martian Manhunter
6Now Back from the Dead With a Vengeance!promo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: Gene Colan, Michael Wm. Kaluta; inks: Michael Wm. KalutaJim Corrigan, The Spectre
82 Free Months! of DC Comicspromo (ad from the publisher)1letters: typesetBatman, Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, Clark Kent, Koriand'r, Princess Diana, Starfire, Superman, Bruce Wayne, Wonder Woman
9-letters page2script: Andy Helfer, Mike Carlin; pencils: José Luis García-López

Plus 7 pages of advertisements and other matter across 6 sequences, as published.

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 0.75 USD; barcode 0709893067504
Canadianprice 1.00 CAD; barcode 0709893067504

Where to read it

CollectionYear
Superman: The Man of Steel #3
ISBN 1-4012-0246-2		2004On eBay ›
Superman: The Man of Steel #1
ISBN 978-1-77950-491-3		2020On eBay ›
The Suicide Squad Case Files #1
ISBN 978-1-77951-075-4		2021On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the UPC box: a publisher mark instead of a barcode means direct edition, a barcode means newsstand.
  • Glossy covers of this era show edge chipping easily. Check black edges closely in the photos.
  • Check the staples and centerfold; heavily read anniversary and key issues loosen there first.

Series context

‹ #34 of 231#5 ›

Sources

Found an error in this file? corrections@comicrecord.com