John Carter, Warlord of Mars ##28
Marvel Comics • John Carter, Warlord of Mars (Vol. 1)
Writer
Peter B. Gillis
Interior Artist
Larry Hama
Cover Artist
Dave Cockrum
Publication Date
October 1979
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In this issue, titled 'Guardians of the Lost City!', John Carter continues his adventures on Barsoom. The story involves the exploration of ancient ruins and a confrontation with the purple-skinned humanoid guardians depicted on the cover. This is near the end of the Marvel run for the character.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Minor corner blunting on the bottom right. Slight surface wear/scuffing on the yellow background. The bottom left edge shows some minor shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10; Graded (CGC 9.0+): $35 - $60. Note: UK variants can sometimes command a small premium from specialist collectors but generally track with US values for mid-grade copies.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of this issue range from $3 to $8. High-grade (NM 9.4+) copies occasionally reach $25-$30.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading fees plus shipping would exceed the market value of the comic in its current estimated condition (approx. 6.0). Better kept in a bag and board for personal collection.
Notable Features
Features the 12p UK price variant, distinguished by the '12p' price box instead of the US '40c' price box. Also features a barcode 'UPC' which was uncommon on some UK Pence variants of that era. Cover art is by legendary X-Men artist Dave Cockrum.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Marvel UK price variant. Paper stock shows age-appropriate light tanning on the interior edges. Ink density and registration align with 1979 Marvel printing standards.