Sonic the Hedgehog #No. 61
Archie Comics • Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Adventure Series)
Writer
Ken Penders
Interior Artist
Steven Butler
Cover Artist
Spatz & Eklund
Publication Date
August 1998
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (UPC barcode present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 2 of 'Danger in Downunda.' Sonic and Tails travel to Downunda (the Sonic version of Australia) to help the Downunda Freedom Fighters retrieve the mystic Master Emerald and face off against the villains of the region.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0) to Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticks visible; color-breaking crease near the bottom right and top right corner; significant shelf wear; possible light staining or dirt on the cover; price sticker attached to the front cover which may cause damage or residue upon removal.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (9.8): $150 - $200
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-grade typically sell for under $15. High-grade (CGC 9.8) copies have reached values between $140 and $210 due to nostalgic demand for the Archie run.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current condition. The visible wear, creases, and the price sticker on the cover significantly lower the grade. It would likely return a 4.0 to 5.0, making the cost of grading higher than the book's value.
Notable Features
Includes appearance of the Downunda Freedom Fighters and the Crocbot. Notable for being part of the long-running Archie Sonic series which is currently seeing increased collector interest.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears to be an authentic 1998 Archie Direct Edition. The print quality, logo fonts, and aging of the paper stock are consistent with original production from this era.