Squadron Supreme ##1
Marvel Comics • Squadron Supreme Vol. 1 (1985 Limited Series)
Writer
Mark Gruenwald
Interior Artist
Bob Hall
Cover Artist
Bob Hall and John Beatty
Publication Date
September 1985
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spider-Man head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The start of Mark Gruenwald’s ground-breaking 12-issue limited series. Following a global catastrophe, the Squadron Supreme—Marvel's analogs for the Justice League—decide to take over the world to create a utopia, exploring the theme of absolute power. Key members include Hyperion, Nighthawk, and Power Princess.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible rounding and blunting on the top right corner. Softness at the bottom right corner. Minor spine stress/ticks visible along the left edge. Slight color rubbing/wear near the top edge of the cover. Surface wear consistent with a mid-to-high grade raw copy.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 9.8): $120 - $150; This specific mid-grade raw copy: $12 - $15.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for raw mid-grade (FN/VF) copies range from $10 to $18. High-grade NM copies reach $25-$35 raw. CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $130 range.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current condition. The cost of grading (typically $40+) exceeds the market value of a 7.0 grade copy. Highly recommended for personal collection in a bag and board.
Notable Features
First issue of the 1985 limited series. This is a Direct Edition copy (as indicated by the Spider-Man logo in the UPC box). Significant as one of the first deconstructionist superhero stories, predating and influencing 'Watchmen'.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980s Marvel production. Paper stock appears to be the standard newsprint/Baxter paper hybrid transition period for Marvel; staples appear original and correctly placed. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting.