Buck Rogers in the 25th Century ##13
Whitman / Western Publishing • Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Writer
Paul S. Newman
Interior Artist
Frank Bolle
Cover Artist
Uncredited (Standard Whitman/Gold Key style)
Publication Date
October 1980
Cover Variant
Regular Whitman Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Based on the popular NBC television series. In this issue titled 'The Punishment Machine', Buck Rogers (portrayed by Gil Gerard) encounters a mysterious space vessel that enforces brutal justice. The story features Wilma Deering and Dr. Elias Huer.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Significant spine stress with color-breaking ticks throughout the left edge; heavy corner blunting on the bottom right; visible creasing on the top right corner near the price; minor surface scuffing and edge wear along the bottom; overall visible shelf wear and age-related toning.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (ungraded): $4.00 - $8.00; Graded (CGC 9.8): $60.00 - $80.00. In this current 4.0 condition, the value is approximately $5.00.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-to-lower grade Whitman Buck Rogers issues range from $3.00 to $10.00 in raw condition. Higher grade copies (NM) occasionally reach $20.00+.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service (approx. $25-$40) significantly exceeds the market value of the comic in its current condition. It is best enjoyed as a reader copy or part of a raw collection.
Notable Features
Whitman logo variant (identifiable by the 'W' in the upper left corner); 50 cent price point; includes photo-likeness of actor Gil Gerard in the cover insert circle; late-series issue for the title before its cancellation at #16.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980 Whitman printing. Paper stock is standard newsprint of the era showing typical oxidation/tanning. Whitman editions were often sold in multipacks at department stores and are common for this title and era.