Venom ##1
Marvel Comics • Venom Vol. 4 (2018 Series)
Writer
Donny Cates
Interior Artist
Ryan Stegman
Cover Artist
Jae Lee
Publication Date
July 2018
Cover Variant
Jae Lee Virgin Variant (1:500 Retailer Incentive)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Start of the landmark Donny Cates run. Eddie Brock discovers a dark secret about the symbiote's history reaching back centuries. Introduces the concept of Knull, the God of the Symbiotes (cameo/background history).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (9.4)
Condition Details
The comic appears extremely sharp through the polybag. Minor blunting is visible on the bottom right corner. There is a potential minor spine tick near the center, though it may be a reflection on the plastic. Overall excellent gloss and white levels.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $250; Graded (CGC 9.8): $600 - $850
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold between $650 and $900 depending on auction timing. Raw copies in high grade consistently fetch over $200 due to the scarcity of the 1:500 incentive ratio.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended for grading. This is a high-ratio incentive (1 per 500 copies) from a popular run. A 9.8 grade significantly increases liquidity and value. Professional pressing is advised to ensure a 9.8 candidate.
Notable Features
1:500 Retailer Incentive variant; Jae Lee Virgin Cover (no trade dress/titles); First full appearance of Knull (shadow/cameo) occurs in this run; Key modern Venom book.
Authentication Notes
The high-quality cardstock used for this incentive variant is consistent with Marvel's 2018 production. Ink saturation on the black sections of Venom is deep and consistent with legitimate high-ratio variants.