Black Panther ##1
Marvel Comics • Black Panther Vol. 1
Writer
Jack Kirby
Interior Artist
Jack Kirby
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby
Publication Date
January 1977
Cover Variant
Regular (Newsstand Edition with UPC)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This is the first issue of T'Challa's first self-titled solo series. The 'King Solomon’s Frog!' storyline involves Black Panther assisting Princess Zanda and the Collector in a quest for a time-traveling artifact. Jack Kirby returned to Marvel to write and illustrate this run.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks on the left edge. Slight blunting on the bottom-right corner. Minimal surface wear on the lower half of the cover. Appears relatively flat with good color retention.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $80 - $120; Graded (CGC 7.5): $175 - $225; Graded (if 9.0+): $350 - $500+
Recent Sales
Recent 7.5 - 8.0 graded copies have sold between $180 and $250. High-grade 9.8 copies can exceed $2,500.
Grading Recommendation
Recommended if the owner intends to sell or preserve. Professional pressing and cleaning could potentially elevate the grade to an 8.0 or 8.5 by minimizing non-color breaking spine stresses.
Notable Features
Bronze Age Key. First issue of the first solo Black Panther series. Features the first appearance of Princess Zanda and the Collectors. Iconic Jack Kirby cover and interior art. Newsstand edition identified by the UPC barcode in the lower-left corner.
Authentication Notes
The comic exhibits correct newsstand barcode characteristics, 30-cent price point for the 1977 era, and standard Marvel aging/paper stock consistency for the mid-70s. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting are visible.