X-Men Alpha ##1
Marvel Comics • X-Men Alpha (Age of Apocalypse)
Writer
Scott Lobdell, Mark Waid
Interior Artist
Roger Cruz, Steve Epting
Cover Artist
Joe Madureira
Publication Date
February 1995
Cover Variant
Regular (Foil Wrapped/Chromium-wrapped effects)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The beginning of the 'Age of Apocalypse' storyline. After Legion accidentally kills his father Professor X in the past, a new timeline is created where Apocalypse rules North America and Magneto leads the X-Men.
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 right corner. Very minor surface scuffing on the chromium finish, which is common for this issue type.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (9.8): $60 - $85
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $10 on secondary markets. 9.8 graded copies have seen a slight uptick due to '90s nostalgia but remain accessible.
Grading Recommendation
Not generally worth grading unless it is a guaranteed 9.8. Mid-grade copies barely cover the cost of grading. A 'Press' could help flatten spine ticks to aim for a higher grade.
Notable Features
Wraparound chromium cover. First appearance of the Age of Apocalypse reality. Features key alt-versions of Magneto, Wolverine (Weapon X), and Rogue.
Authentication Notes
Authentic '90s era high-gloss chromium cardstock. The 'Feb 1' date stamp and Marvel 'M' logo in the top left are correctly aligned with mid-90s production standards.