Savage Tales Featuring Conan the Barbarian ##2
Marvel Comics (Curtis Magazines) • Savage Tales Vol. 1
Writer
Roy Thomas
Interior Artist
Barry Windsor-Smith, Marie Severin, Bernie Wrightson
Cover Artist
Barry Windsor-Smith
Publication Date
October 1973
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue features the first part of the legendary 'Red Nails' adaptation, widely considered one of the best Conan stories ever written. It also includes a King Kull backup story titled 'The Shadow Kingdom' and a Darklon the Mystic story by Bernie Wrightson.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; corner blunting particularly on the bottom right; significant surface scuffing and wrinkling on the polybag which may obscure further cover wear; edge wear along the top and right margins; possible slight tanning of paper based on age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50 | Graded (CGC/CBCS 5.0): $75 - $110
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw mid-grade copies range from $35 to $60. High-grade (9.0+) copies fetch $250+, while low-grade copies sell for $15-$20.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this condition unless intended for personal preservation. The costs of grading, shipping, and insurance would likely equal or exceed the market value increase for a 5.0 grade.
Notable Features
Bronze Age magazine format (larger than standard comics); Iconic 'Red Nails' storyline; Barry Windsor-Smith art; Featuring King Kull and Darklon the Mystic.
Authentication Notes
Magazine format with no price/UPC box on lower cover (standard for this series). Black background on top masthead is prone to chipping and color rub, which is present here. Ink saturation appears consistent with 1970s web-fed offset printing.