Showcase #22 (1959, First Silver Age Green Lantern)
The Ring That Launched a Universe
In the September-October 1959 issue of Showcase #22, DC Comics introduced a test pilot named Hal Jordan who received a powerful ring from a dying alien. That single story reinvented the Green Lantern concept for a new generation and became one of the most important comic book debuts of the Silver Age. Created by writer John Broome and artist Gil Kane under editor Julius Schwartz, this issue transformed a dormant Golden Age property into a science fiction franchise that would spawn an entire intergalactic mythology.
Showcase #22 is not just the first appearance of Hal Jordan. It is the origin story of the Green Lantern Corps concept as modern readers know it, the introduction of the power ring's vulnerability to yellow, and the beginning of a character who would become central to the DC Universe for over six decades.
Historical Context
The Silver Age of Comics is generally considered to have begun with Showcase #4 in 1956, which introduced Barry Allen as the new Flash. That issue proved there was a market for reimagined superhero concepts, and DC's editorial team began systematically reviving Golden Age properties with fresh takes.
The original Green Lantern, Alan Scott, had debuted in All-American Comics #16 in 1940. His power came from a magical lantern and ring with a vulnerability to wood. By the mid-1950s, superhero comics had fallen out of favor, and Alan Scott's adventures had ended.
Julius Schwartz, the editor who had successfully relaunched the Flash, turned his attention to Green Lantern. Rather than simply updating Alan Scott, Schwartz commissioned an entirely new character with a science fiction origin. John Broome crafted Hal Jordan as a fearless test pilot at Ferris Aircraft who inherits a power ring from Abin Sur, a dying member of an intergalactic peacekeeping force. Gil Kane designed the now-classic costume with its green and black color scheme and the distinctive domino mask.
The decision to make the power ring's weakness yellow instead of wood reflected the shift from fantasy to science fiction that defined Silver Age storytelling. Everything about the new Green Lantern was designed to appeal to a more sophisticated readership.
What Makes This Issue Special
First Appearances
Hal Jordan as Green Lantern
Abin Sur, the dying alien who passes on the ring
The Power Ring and Power Battery in their Silver Age form
Carol Ferris, Hal Jordan's love interest and boss at Ferris Aircraft
The Guardians of the Universe (referenced but not shown)
Pieface (Thomas Kalmaku), Hal's Inuit mechanic friend
The Story: SOS Green Lantern
The origin story follows test pilot Hal Jordan as he is transported by a green beam to the crash site of an alien spacecraft. Inside, Abin Sur, a member of the Green Lantern Corps, is dying. He explains that his ring selected Jordan as his successor based on his honesty and fearlessness. Jordan accepts the ring and lantern, takes the oath, and becomes Earth's Green Lantern.
The story also establishes the ring's rules: it must be recharged every 24 hours using the power battery, and it is powerless against anything colored yellow. These foundational rules would drive Green Lantern storylines for decades.
Condition Grading Guide
| Grade | CGC Range | Key Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Near Mint | 9.0 - 9.8 | Minimal wear, bright colors, sharp corners, flat spine |
| Very Fine | 7.0 - 8.5 | Minor wear, slight spine stress, colors remain vivid |
| Fine | 5.0 - 6.5 | Moderate wear, possible small creases, color dulling |
| Very Good | 3.5 - 4.5 | Significant wear, creases, possible small tears |
| Good | 1.8 - 3.0 | Heavy wear, multiple creases, possible tape or pieces missing |
| Fair/Poor | 0.5 - 1.5 | Major damage, pages may be missing, heavy restoration |
What Drives Value
Page quality matters enormously for Silver Age books. Off-white to white pages command premiums over cream or tan pages. Brittleness from acid content in 1950s paper stock is a common concern.
Color vibrancy on the cover significantly affects eye appeal. The green-dominated cover art by Gil Kane should show bright, unfaded greens. Sun-faded or water-damaged copies lose substantial value.
Structural integrity includes spine condition, staple attachment, and absence of pieces cut or torn from the book. Coupons clipped from interior pages reduce grade and value.
Restoration is a complex topic. Professional restoration can improve appearance but must be disclosed. CGC uses a purple label to indicate restored books, which trade at significant discounts to unrestored copies.
Market Values
| CGC Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | $80,000 - $120,000 |
| 8.0 (VF) | $45,000 - $65,000 |
| 7.0 (FN/VF) | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| 6.0 (FN) | $15,000 - $22,000 |
| 5.0 (VG/FN) | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| 4.0 (VG) | $7,000 - $10,000 |
| 3.0 (GD/VG) | $4,500 - $7,000 |
| 2.0 (GD) | $3,000 - $4,500 |
| 1.0 (FR) | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| 0.5 (PR) | $800 - $1,500 |
These values reflect unrestored copies (CGC blue label). Restored copies (purple label) typically trade at 30-60% of unrestored values depending on the extent of restoration. Raw (ungraded) copies trade at discounts to equivalent CGC-graded copies due to uncertainty about true condition.
The Showcase Try-Out Format
Showcase was DC's testing ground for new and revived concepts. Characters who performed well in Showcase would receive their own ongoing series. Green Lantern appeared in Showcase #22, #23, and #24 before graduating to his own title, Green Lantern vol. 2, in August 1960.
This try-out format means Showcase #22 holds a unique position. It is not just a first appearance but the moment DC literally gambled on whether Green Lantern could sustain audience interest. The positive response led to one of the longest-running franchises in comics.
The Creative Team
Julius Schwartz (editor) was the architect of the Silver Age. His systematic approach to reviving Golden Age heroes created the template that Marvel would later follow. His insistence on science fiction underpinnings rather than pure fantasy gave DC's Silver Age books a distinctive flavor.
John Broome (writer) crafted the mythology that would define Green Lantern for generations. The concept of an intergalactic police force, the power ring's specific rules, and the character dynamics between Hal, Carol, and Pieface all originated in Broome's scripts.
Gil Kane (artist) designed one of the most recognizable costumes in comics. His dynamic, kinetic art style brought energy to the ring constructs and space-faring adventures. Kane would continue drawing Green Lantern for years and become one of the most influential artists in the medium.
Collecting Context
Showcase #22 exists in the upper tier of Silver Age key issues but below the absolute pinnacle occupied by books like Amazing Fantasy #15 and Brave and the Bold #28. It competes in the market with other major DC Silver Age keys including Showcase #4 (first Silver Age Flash) and The Flash #123 (Flash of Two Worlds).
For Green Lantern collectors, Showcase #22 is the undisputed cornerstone. No Green Lantern collection is considered complete without it, and the book serves as the anchor point for the entire Silver Age Green Lantern run.
Buying Tips
- Buy graded when possible. For a book of this value, CGC or CBCS certification provides crucial authentication and grade verification.
- Check for restoration. Many surviving copies have been restored at some point. Purple-label (restored) copies trade at significant discounts.
- Evaluate page quality. Request interior page photos before purchasing raw copies. Brittle or brown pages indicate lower long-term stability.
- Consider eye appeal. Two books at the same grade can look very different. Bright cover colors and clean presentation justify premium pricing.
- Verify the census. Check CGC census data for population reports at each grade. Knowing how many copies exist at a given grade helps evaluate pricing.
- Budget realistically. Even low-grade copies of Showcase #22 command four-figure prices. Set your budget before shopping to avoid emotional overspending.
Legacy
Hal Jordan went on to become a founding member of the Justice League of America, a central figure in numerous DC crossover events, and the template for an entire Corps of ring-wielding heroes. The Green Lantern mythology expanded to include thousands of Corps members, multiple human Green Lanterns, and a cosmic scope that rivals anything in comics.
All of it traces back to this single issue. Showcase #22 is the seed from which an entire universe of emerald willpower grew. For collectors, it represents not just a rare comic book but a pivotal moment in the medium's evolution from simple adventure stories to the complex, interconnected universes that define superhero comics today.
Related Items
Have This Item?
Our AI appraisal tool is coming soon. Upload photos, get instant identification and valuation.
Get Appraisal