Tales of the Teen Titans ##44
DC Comics • Tales of the Teen Titans Vol. 1
Writer
Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
George Perez
Cover Artist
George Perez
Publication Date
July 1984
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 3 of 'The Judas Contract' storyline. This is a major key issue featuring the first appearance of Dick Grayson as Nightwing. It also features the origin of Deathstroke the Terminator (Slade Wilson) and ادامه critical developments in the betrayal of the team by Terra.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Significant spine wear with multiple color-breaking spine ticks and white stress marks along the length of the spine. Notable wear along the left edge. Bottom left corner shows blunting and light creasing. Minor surface abrasions on the black ink portions of the cover. Centering reveals slight alignment shift to the left.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $40 - $60 | Graded (4.0): $70 - $90
Recent Sales
Recent RAW copies in mid-grade (5.0-6.0) have sold for $75-$90. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies routinely sell for $600-$800 due to key status. Low-grade copies (3.0-4.0) sell in the $35-$50 range.
Grading Recommendation
Currently not recommended for professional grading. The visible spine stress and edge wear would likely cap the grade at a 4.0-5.0. Given the grading fees and the current market value for this specific condition, it is better kept as a raw collector's copy. A 'press and clean' would not fix the color-breaking spine ticks.
Notable Features
First appearance of Dick Grayson as Nightwing. Origin of Deathstroke. Iconic George Perez cover. Part of 'The Judas Contract' arc, widely considered the most famous Teen Titans story.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980s DC Direct Edition. Visible 'The New DC' marketing box and lack of barcode (replaced by the slogan box) confirms it is a direct market copy. Paper aging and ink absorption are consistent with 1984 production standards.