1973 Superman DC Comic Book Slave of Star Sapphire Vol 35 No 261- Good condition, see photos. Published in February 1973 during the Bronze Age of DC Comics, Superman Vol. 1, #261 (often referred to by collectors through its volume or numbering designation) features the memorable and highly striking storyline titled "Slave of Star Sapphire!" Written by Cary Bates, with pencils by the legendary Curt Swan and inks by Murphy Anderson, the issue is perhaps most famous for its provocative, iconic cover art by Nick Cardy. The cover depicts a striking dominatrix-style visual where a hovering Star Sapphire commands a kneeling Superman to kiss her boot in front of a shocked Metropolis crowd, declaring him her slave. In the story, an unhinged Carol Ferris suffers a psychological break after witnessing Superman subdue a local thug near a tavern. Her hallucinating mind warps the event into a delusion that the Man of Steel has brutally murdered her true love, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). Consumed by a desire for vengeance, she transforms into her villainous alter ego, Star Sapphire, and successfully ambushes Superman. Utilizing her mystical star sapphire gem, she places a hypnotic necklace around his neck, stripping him of his free will and commanding him to destroy the Galaxy Broadcasting building. Ultimately, the Day is saved by Lois Lane, who cleverly utilizes a replica Star Sapphire costume from a research project to issue conflicting orders to Superman, confusing the mind control long enough for him to break free and stop the alien queen's reign of terror.
