Sword of the Atom Special ##1
DC Comics • Sword of the Atom Special Vol. 1
Writer
Jan Strnad
Interior Artist
Gil Kane
Cover Artist
Gil Kane
Publication Date
1984
Cover Variant
Regular (UK Price Variant)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A continuation of the Sword of the Atom limited series. Ray Palmer (The Atom) remains in the Amazon jungle with the Katarthan people. Following the death of Princess Laethwen's father, Ray helps defend the tribe against a group of human mercenaries searching for gold. The story concludes the 'Barbarian' era of The Atom.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible rounding and blunting on all four corners. Significant spine stress with color-breaking ticks. The left edge shows moderate wear and minor chipping. There is a noticeable vertical crease on the upper right side near the price circle. General surface wear and light foxing visible on the white border areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8 | Graded (9.8): $60 - $80
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales for this issue typically fall between $2 and $10 depending on condition. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold for approximately $75.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading, shipping, and handling would likely exceed the final market value of a mid-grade copy. Professional pressing might improve it slightly, but the color-breaking spine ticks are permanent.
Notable Features
Features the UK price variant (35p) alongside the US price ($1.25) in the top right roundel. Significant for featuring Gil Kane's late-career artwork on a character he co-created in the Silver Age.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980s DC production. Features the standard 'DC Bullet' logo of the era. The paper stock appears to be the standard newsprint used in 1984, showing expected light tanning around the edges of the white border.