The Unknown Soldier ##256
DC Comics • The Unknown Soldier Vol. 1
Writer
Robert Kanigher
Interior Artist
Dick Ayers
Cover Artist
Joe Kubert
Publication Date
October 1981
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition - identified by the UPC strike-through/absence of newsstand barcode in specific format)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The story 'The Adolf Hitler of London' follows the Unknown Soldier as he works to prevent an assassination plot or infiltration involving a Hitler lookalike during WWII. It also features a 'Captain Fear' backup story.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks. Slight corner blunting on the bottom left corner near the barcode. Minor surface wear and edge softening. Overall gloss appears decent but shows age-appropriate shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15; Graded (9.8): $60 - $85
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in mid-to-high grade have sold for approximately $8-$12. High-grade slabbed copies (9.8) typically hover under $100.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading/shipping likely exceed the fair market value of the book in this condition. It is a solid collector's copy but not a high-value investment piece.
Notable Features
Features an iconic Joe Kubert cover. Includes backup stories for 'Captain Fear' and 'Dateline: Frontline'. It is not a major key issue but is a classic example of Bronze Age DC war comics.
Authentication Notes
The book shows correct color registration and paper aging for 1981 newsprint. The staples appear original. No signs of restoration or counterfeiting are visible in the image.