Savage Tales ##1
Marvel Comics (Curtis Magazines) • Savage Tales Vol. 1
Writer
Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway, Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Barry Windsor-Smith, Gray Morrow, John Buscema
Cover Artist
John Buscema
Publication Date
May 1971
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the 1st appearance of the Man-Thing (Ted Sallis). Also contains the story 'The Frost-Giant's Daughter' featuring Conan the Barbarian, adapted from Robert E. Howard's work. The issue includes stories featuring Ka-Zar and Black Brother.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine wear with several stress lines (some color-breaking). Significant corner blunting on top left and right. Color rubbing/fading on the black background. Significant cover marring due to a large adhesive price sticker on the 'SA' of the title. General surface wear and edge fraying visible.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $250 - $350 | Graded (5.0): $450 - $550
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (9.0+) have reached $1,500-$2,000. Mid-grade copies (5.0-6.0) typically range from $300 to $600 depending on the presence of the price sticker or tape.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading only after professional removal of the price sticker. The sticker is the primary detractor. If the residue can be cleaned, it may reach a 5.5-6.0. Without removal, it serves as a major defect.
Notable Features
Major Key: 1st appearance and origin of Man-Thing. First publication of 'The Frost-Giant's Daughter'. This is a magazine-sized comic published under Marvel's Curtis Magazines imprint for more mature content.
Authentication Notes
Appears authentic. Correct 50-cent cover price for 1971. Typical paper tanning for this era is visible at the edges. No immediate signs of restoration, though the sticker is a significant non-original addition.