MARVEL PREMIERE FEATURING THE COMING OF CALEB HAMMER ##54
Marvel Comics • Marvel Premiere Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Mantlo
Interior Artist
Gene Colan
Cover Artist
Herb Trimpe (pencils) and Dan Green (inks)
Publication Date
June 1980
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (15p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the first appearance and origin of Caleb Hammer, a Pinkerton detective and Bible-thumping gunfighter in the Old West. The story follows Hammer as he seeks vengeance against those who wronged him, while grappling with his religious convictions.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible rounding and blunting of the top right and bottom left corners. Significant spine stress including multiple color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Minor color chipping/flaking on the bottom edge. General surface wear and slight cover dulling visible.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15. Graded: $30 - $50 (Note: UK price variants have a niche market and values vary significantly based on demand).
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of this issue range from $4 to $12. Higher grade US editions (9.8) can reach $100+, but mid-grade UK variants typically sell at a lower volume.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The current estimated grade of 5.0 and the relatively low market demand for Caleb Hammer do not justify the grading fees. A pressing might improve the grade slightly by flattening ripples, but the color-breaking spine ticks are permanent flaws.
Notable Features
First appearance of Caleb Hammer. UK Price Variant (15p instead of 40c). Spider-Man 'head' in the UPC corner box (standard for Marvel in 1980). Western genre story within a superhero-dominated anthology series.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980s Marvel newsprint and ink saturation levels. Correct 15p UK price stamp for the June 1980 period. Staple placement appears consistent with factory standards.