John Byrne's Next Men ##21
Dark Horse Comics • Next Men (Legend line)
Writer
John Byrne
Interior Artist
John Byrne
Cover Artist
Mike Mignola
Publication Date
December 1993
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A major key issue featuring the first full color appearance of Hellboy (Anung Un Rama). Hellboy appears in a cameo role within the story, meeting the Next Men. This issue followed his first prototype appearance in Next Men #21's insert and his cameo in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress visible along the left edge. Slight blunting on the bottom left corner. A handwritten price tag "200" is on the plastic bag, not the comic itself. Slight surface gloss disruption visible through the polybag.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $200 - $300 | Graded (9.8): $900 - $1,200
Recent Sales
Raw copies in high grade consistently sell for $180-$250. CGC 9.8 copies have recently reached $1,000+ due to Hellboy's enduring popularity.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended for grading. This is a major key issue with a black cover that shows wear easily. A high grade (9.6+) significantly increases value. A press is recommended to address minor spine ripples.
Notable Features
First full color appearance of Hellboy. Features an iconic Mike Mignola cover. Legend imprint logo. Mature Readers designation on cover.
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing. Note the '23' signature date by Mignola in the art. Paper stock is standard 1990s Dark Horse glossy cover with matte interior pages.