SUPERMAN #233 FACSIMILE EDITION...

Copyright DC COMICS

Number 1 Best-Selling Comics Magazine! proclaimed the cover of The Amazing New Adventures Of Superman #233 back in 1970/'71 - and it may even have been true at the time.  However, the huge numeral was really symbolic as it was the first issue in a new direction for the Man Of Steel, though some 'peripheral' changes had already been introduced in previous issues of the title, as well as its companion, Action Comics.  The mag was dated January, but had probably gone on sale around October or thereabouts, as it was (and still is) the custom to pre-date periodicals to give them a longer shelf-life.

Which brings us to the new DC Facsimile Edition of this landmark publication, which was previously released as an individual issue as part of the Millennium series way back in 2000/'01, though it didn't include the original ads and letters page as this latest presentation does.  (Nor did it include the next issue blurb and details at the foot of the last page, which were omitted for some reason.)  Despite the good job DC generally do with their current facsimile comics (and they seem to be getting better), it's a shame they can't be consistent in preserving the archival accuracy for posterity.

For instance, some 'Continued On 2nd Page Following' captions are included, some aren't, and where they're omitted, the art 'replacement' to fill the space they occupied isn't always the best it could be (though sometimes it's perfectly fine).  Some examples follow, with descriptions in footnotes under the panels.  For a clearer look at the smaller images, click to enlarge, then click again for optimum size.

From the original '71 printing, 'continued' box present

From the 2000/'01 Millennium and 2025 Facsimile Editions, 'continued' box removed

Same again.  Shame they forgot to draw in the loop on Superman's belt

For some reason they missed removing the 'continued' box in this panel

The original '71 printing

The 2000/'01 and 2025 printing

Comparing the left-hand side of both pages, it's clear the Millennium/Facsimile version has been

sourced from either a bound volume or published issue with pronounced spine roll, as the top and

bottom lettering has a curve to it and appears to have been retouched in the top caption.  Also, the

space between the floating captions and the panel borders narrows where the spine has curved

  

This is the same comic with a variant cover in the style of a Super Powers figure

And above, the original and the Facsimile side-by-side

******

Bonus: Star Wars #1 Facsimile Edition, which arrived at the same time as the Superman issue.  Just look at that barcode box - far too prominent and ruins the look of the cover, don'tcha think, Crivs?  Go on, somebody agree with me for a change.

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