SUPERMAN #204

Cover shows sharp corners, strong glossy surface, and no visible spine ticks or stress lines in this photo. Colors appear vibrant with no fading or staining, and the book is protected in a plastic sleeve which may introduce minor glare. No creases or tears are visible on the front cover. Interior pages and back cover were not assessed, so grade is estimated conservatively from this single image.

Superman #204 (DC Comics, June 2004) launches "For Tomorrow," the twelve-part storyline written by Brian Azzarello with art by Jim Lee and inks by Scott Williams. The arc marked Lee's high-profile arrival on the Superman title following his work on Batman: Hush, and the story's meditation on Superman's failure to prevent a global catastrophe drew significant attention within the direct market at the time of release. The issue carries no first appearance, origin, or death of note, but is recognized among collectors as the opening salvo of a widely read and frequently reprinted modern Superman storyline.

Market data reflects the book's status as a mass-produced modern title: certified population figures exceed 2,600 graded copies, with the overwhelming majority already in the 9.6-9.8 range, indicating a print run that was heavily preserved from release. Demand is driven almost entirely by Jim Lee's cover and interior art rather than narrative significance, keeping values compressed across the grading spectrum outside of pristine slabs. The modest but consistent 9.8 FMV, supported by a large sales sample, shows the book trades as a stable if unspectacular Jim Lee commodity rather than a speculative key.

This is a title for completists of Jim Lee's output, Superman For Tomorrow readers, and dealers stocking bulk modern inventory rather than investment-grade buyers. Raw copies in low and mid grade have negligible individual value and typically move in bulk lots or dollar bins, while CGC 9.8 copies see steady turnover as affordable Lee-art slabs. Long-term appreciation potential is limited given the enormous surviving population, though the book remains a reliable low-cost entry point into modern Superman collecting.