Suicide Squad ##1
DC Comics • Suicide Squad Vol. 1
Writer
John Ostrander
Interior Artist
Luke McDonnell
Cover Artist
Howard Chaykin
Publication Date
May 1987
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (Barcode visible in top right box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of the Modern Age Suicide Squad (Task Force X). Amanda Waller forms a team of incarcerated super-villains to perform high-risk missions for the US government. The team includes Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Rick Flag, Bronze Tiger, Enchantress, Nightshade, Mindboggler, and Plastique.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress marks/ticks, some beginning to break color (highly visible against black cover). Minor corner blunting on top and bottom left. Slight edge wear along the left spine. Cover gloss appears preserved but the black background is very sensitive to handling wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (CGC 7.0 - 8.0): $60 - $85; (CGC 9.8 can reach $400+)
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in Mid-High grade range from $25 to $60. 9.8 graded copies have seen a price increase due to cinematic interest but mid-grade copies remain relatively affordable.
Grading Recommendation
Generally not recommended for professional grading unless the comic is in 9.6+ condition. Given the visible spine ticks and edge wear on the black cover, the grade would likely fall below the 'investment grade' threshold. Pressing might improve the flatness but will not fix the color-breaking spine stress.
Notable Features
Major Key: First appearance of the modern Suicide Squad. First appearance of Rick Flag Jr. in the modern era. Features the iconic 'These 8 people...' Howard Chaykin cover. Newsstand edition identified by the UPC barcode in the top right corner box.
Authentication Notes
The item appears authentic. The paper stock, logo style, and color saturation are consistent with DC Comics' late 80s production. No signs of restoration or facsimile reprinting are visible from the image provided.