Gunsmoke ##21 (10228-004)
Gold Key Comics • Gunsmoke (Gold Key Series)
Writer
Unknown
Interior Artist
Giovanni Ticci (pencils/inks)
Cover Artist
Photo Cover
Publication Date
April 1970
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Television tie-in comic featuring the cast of the long-running Western series. This issue contains two main stories: 'The Decoy' and 'The Long Way Home.' It features Marshall Matt Dillon, Festus Haggen, and Doc Adams. The cover highlights a plot where Matt Dillon is tricked into putting Festus in danger.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
The book presents very well with bright red dress. Visible flaws include light spine stress (3-4 small ticks), minor blunting on the top right corner, and some light edge wear. Significant surface gloss remains, but there appears to be a slight bend/non-color-breaking wave on the left side of the spine from storage. Staples appear clean.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $25 - $45; Graded (CGC 7.5): $75 - $110
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for mid-to-high grade raw copies of late-era Gold Key Gunsmoke range from $20 to $50 depending on buyer demand. High-grade slabbed copies show limited recent turnover.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal sentimental reasons. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading plus shipping and fees often exceeds the market value for non-key Gold Key photo covers in this condition range.
Notable Features
Features a photo montage cover of James Arness, Ken Curtis, and Milburn Stone. Contains 'Gold Key Comics Club' page and ads typical of the era. No UPC (standard for this series).
Authentication Notes
First printing verified by the 15-cent price point and the '10228-004' product code found on the top left. No signs of reproduction or restoration are visible in the photo.