Hardware ##1
DC Comics/Milestone Media • Hardware Vol. 1
Writer
Dwayne McDuffie
Interior Artist
Denys Cowan
Cover Artist
Denys Cowan and Jimmy Palmiotti
Publication Date
April 1993
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Collector's Edition was bagged with a poster)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Curtis Metcalf as Hardware. Disillusioned with his mentor, Edwin Alva, genius inventor Metcalf creates a high-tech suit of armor to wage a one-man war against Alva's corrupt empire.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0) to Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Visible price stickers on the polybag/cover may leave residue or surface damage. Minor spine stress marks and slight corner wear. General shelf wear consistent with age and storage in a standard bag/board.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15. Graded (9.8): $75 - $100.
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales range from $3 to $12 depending on condition. 9.8 graded copies have sold between $80 and $110 in the last 12 months.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading unless you are confident it will achieve a 9.8. The cost of grading exceeds the value of a mid-to-high grade raw copy.
Notable Features
First appearance of Hardware; First appearance of Edwin Alva; Key issue marking the debut of the Milestone Media universe published through DC Comics.
Authentication Notes
First printing features a high-gloss cover. No signs of counterfeit issues; standard 1990s DC/Milestone production quality with distinct trade dress.