MARVEL FEATURE PRESENTS THE THING AND IRON MAN ##12
Marvel Comics • Marvel Feature Vol. 1
Writer
Mike Friedrich
Interior Artist
Jim Starlin
Cover Artist
Jim Starlin
Publication Date
November 1973
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Direct/Newsstand Distribution Format pre-dates UPC barcodes)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The Thing and Iron Man team up to face the Blood Brothers. This issue is a continuation of the early Thanos/Cosmic saga established in Iron Man #55 and Captain Marvel #25-33. Features the second appearance of the Blood Brothers.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and rounding of the bottom left corner; visible edge wear along the bottom and right margins; slight surface scuffing and minor yellowing of the white background areas/cover tan; possible vertical crease near the right edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $25; Graded (CGC 5.0): $45 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies fluctuate between $12 and $30. Higher grade copies (9.0+) see a significant jump due to Thanos-related interest.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading at this current condition. The cost of grading fees and shipping would likely exceed the market value of a 5.0 copy. Only worth grading if it were in the 9.2+ range.
Notable Features
Second appearance of the Blood Brothers; early Bronze Age Jim Starlin art; connection to the Thanos storyline; no UPC barcode as per standard 1973 distribution.
Authentication Notes
The comic exhibits correct 20-cent price marking, period-accurate Ben-Day dots in the coloring, and authentic paper aging/patina consistent with 1970s Marvel stock. Staple placement appears original.