MARVEL PREMIERE FEATURING BLACK PANTHER ##53
Marvel Comics • Marvel Premiere Vol. 1
Writer
Ed Hannigan
Interior Artist
Jerry Bingham and Gene Day
Cover Artist
Jerry Bingham and Terry Austin
Publication Date
April 1980
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features Black Panther in 'The Rage of the Soul-Strangler!'. T'Challa investigates a series of mysterious deaths in the American South involving the Soul-Strangler and his Ku Klux Klan-inspired iconography. Key appearance of Black Panther in his classic 70s/80s era.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress ticks, minor blunting on the bottom right corner, visible edge wear along the top, and some surface scuffing characteristic of black covers. The book appears mostly flat but shows moderate handling wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (UK Variant): $10 - $20; Graded 9.0+: $60 - $90 (Note: UK variants can sometimes command a slight premium or discount depending on collector preference compared to US cents versions).
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies range between $8 and $15. High-grade slabbed copies (9.6-9.8) generally sell for $120-$180 for the US edition, with UK variants trailing slightly behind in volume.
Grading Recommendation
Generally not recommended for professional grading unless it is a sentimental copy or if closer inspection suggests a 9.6 or higher. The cost of grading would likely exceed the current market value of a mid-grade copy.
Notable Features
UK 12p Price Variant. Part of the 'Marvel All-Colour Comics' branding for the United Kingdom. Notable for its social commentary themes common in this era of Marvel Premiere. Features Spider-Man in the bottom left corner UPC box (Corner Box art).
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic based on the 12p UK price stamp which is consistent with Marvel's international distribution in 1980. Ink saturation and paper aging are consistent with the period.