The Demon ##1
DC Comics • The Demon Vol. 1
Writer
Jack Kirby
Interior Artist
Jack Kirby
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby
Publication Date
September 1972
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance and origin of Etrigan the Demon and Jason Blood. Story titled 'Unleash the Beast' follows Jason Blood, a knight in King Arthur's court who is bonded to a demon from hell by Merlin.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Extensive spine stress and color-breaking ticks throughout the left edge; significant corner blunting at top and bottom left; visible edge wear and minor chipping along the bottom and right borders; some surface scuffing and minor creasing on the face of the cover; overall yellowish tint to edges suggesting oxidation.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $60 - $85 | Graded (4.0): $120 - $150
Recent Sales
High-grade 9.0+ copies sell for $500+; mid-grade raw copies like this typically sell between $50 and $90 depending on localized demand; recent CGC 4.0 sales varied between $120 and $145.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current condition as fees would consume most of the value gain. Best kept raw as a collector's reader copy. A 'Press and Clean' might improve it to a 5.0, but significant spine damage is permanent.
Notable Features
Bronze Age Key Issue; First appearance of Etrigan the Demon; First appearance of Jason Blood, Merlin, Morgaine le Fey, and Randu Singh; Created, written, and illustrated by Jack 'King' Kirby after his move to DC.
Authentication Notes
The cover displays authentic period-specific 20-cent price point and DC 'Circular' logo; matte paper stock reflects the early 1970s printing standards; ink absorption and dot patterns on the logo are consistent with original 1972 production.