DC Comics Presents ##27
DC Comics • DC Comics Presents Vol. 1
Writer
Len Wein
Interior Artist
Jim Starlin
Cover Artist
Jim Starlin
Publication Date
November 1980
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue features 'The Key That Unlocked Chaos!' starring Superman and Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz). J'onn J'onzz is under the control of the villainous Mongul, resulting in a confrontation between the two heroes. Also contains a Congorilla backup story.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and ticks. Significant corner blunting, especially bottom right and top right. Notable price sticker residue or circular stamp/sticker in the top right corner area. General shelf wear and some color loss along the spine. Slight yellowing of cover edges.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50 | Graded (estimated 5.0): $60 - $80
Recent Sales
High-grade (9.8) copies of this key issue sell for $800-$1,000+. Mid-grade raw copies consistently sell in the $25-$45 range on secondary markets.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this condition. The cost of grading (shipping + fees) would likely exceed the market value increase. It is better kept as a raw collector's copy due to the visible wear and the sticker/stamp on the cover.
Notable Features
First appearance of Mongul. This is a significant Bronze Age key issue due to the introduction of a major DC villain who would go on to be a primary antagonist for Superman and the Justice League. Features a notable UPC barcode typical of newsstand distribution.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1980 newsstand copy. The paper aging, ink saturation, and Ben-Day dot patterns visible in the artwork are consistent with original printing methods of that era.