MARVEL PREMIERE FEATURING BLACK PANTHER ##51
Marvel Comics • Marvel Premiere Vol. 1
Writer
Ed Hannigan
Interior Artist
Jerry Bingham & Gene Day
Cover Artist
Jerry Bingham (Pencils) & Rudy Nebres (Inks)
Publication Date
December 1979
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The storyline is titled 'Deathquest!' and finds T'Challa (Black Panther) navigating a mystery in New York City involving the Ku Klux Klan and the Soul-Strangler. This issue represents a period where Marvel was trying to find a new solo direction for the character after the cancellation of his self-titled series.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and rounding of the bottom right and top right corners; noticeable vertical crease or 'roll' along the spine; a black marker 'slash' through the UPC area which indicates it may have been remaindered or marked by a merchant; surface wear and minor soiling visible on the white border areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (estimated mid-grade): $40 - $60. Note: UK price variants sometimes command a small premium to specific collectors but are generally valued similarly to US cents copies in the general market.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies (VG to FINE) range from $8 to $20. High-grade 9.8 copies of this issue typically sell for $150+ due to the black cover's tendency to show wear.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service (approx $25-$40 + shipping) would likely exceed the raw market value of the book in this specific condition (~4.0). It is better suited for a protective bag and board for personal collection.
Notable Features
Features Black Panther front and center; UK Price Variant (12p); Notable for the 'slash' through the barcode which is a common mark for 'remaindered' stock or newsstand returns of that era.
Authentication Notes
The book appears to be an authentic 1979 Marvel publication. The paper aging (yellowing on the edges), the specific 12p UK price stamp, and the type of ink saturation for the period are consistent with original copies.