Conan the Barbarian Starring in Savage Tales ##1
Marvel Comics (Curtis Magazines) • Savage Tales Vol. 1
Writer
Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway, Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Barry Windsor-Smith, John Buscema, Gray Morrow
Cover Artist
Barry Windsor-Smith
Publication Date
May 1971
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of the premier black-and-white Marvel magazine format. Features Conan the Barbarian in 'The Frost Giant's Daughter.' Includes the first appearance and origin of Man-Thing (Ted Sallis), predating his first color comic appearance. Also features Ka-Zar and Black Brother stories.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and localized color-breaking ticks; significant blunting on the bottom right corner; some surface wear and scuffing visible on the dark areas of the cover; slight edge wear along the top; the bag/poly is wrinkled making some surface assessment difficult, but the book appears structurally sound with slightly aged paper tones.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $350 - $450; Graded (6.0): $450 - $550; Graded (9.0+): $1,500+
Recent Sales
Solid mid-grade copies have consistently sold between $350 and $475 in recent months; high-grade 9.2-9.6 copies command a significant premium ($1,000-$2,500).
Grading Recommendation
Yes, worth grading. This is a significant Marvel key. Even as a mid-grade candidate (6.0-7.0), a slab ensures protection and market liquidity. A professional press and clean could potentially raise the grade to a 7.0 by flattening non-color breaking dimples.
Notable Features
Major Key Issue; 1st Appearance of Man-Thing; 1st Conan magazine; Barry Windsor-Smith cover and interior art; 50-cent cover price; Magazine size (Standard comic bags will not fit).
Authentication Notes
The paper stock for this issue is a heavier magazine-gloss cover with newsprint-style interiors; however, the interiors are less acidic than standard 1971 comics. Authentic copies have a specific 'aged' scent and the 50 cent price is printed, not stamped.