Spawn ##1
Image Comics • Spawn Vol. 1
Writer
Todd McFarlane
Interior Artist
Todd McFarlane
Cover Artist
Todd McFarlane
Publication Date
May 1992
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Spawn (Al Simmons). Also features the first appearances of Malebolgia, Sam Burke, Twitch Williams, and Wanda Blake. This issue launched the Image Comics revolution of the 1990s.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress/ticks visible near the top and bottom staples. Slight blunting to the upper right and lower right corners. The cover gloss appears excellent through the bag, but minor 'bag ripples' suggest it has been stored for long periods. Color remains vibrant with no visible tanning.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50 | Graded (9.0): $60 - $80 | Graded (9.8): $180 - $220
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar condition consistently sell for $35-$45 on eBay. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have stabilized around $200 after a peak during the movie announcement cycles.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if it can achieve a 9.8 after a professional clean and press. As a 9.0, the cost of grading may exceed the added market value. Recommend keeping raw unless it is a personal grail.
Notable Features
Key Issue: First appearance of Spawn. Features a poster intact inside. Noticeable for being one of the highest-printed independent comics of all time, affecting long-term scarcity but maintaining high demand due to iconic status.
Authentication Notes
First printing confirmed by the $1.95 cover price and May date. Later printings (2nd-4th) have different colored logos or additional indices. Paper stock is standard 90s gloss.