Marvel Spotlight on Dragon Lord ##5
Marvel Comics Group • Marvel Spotlight Vol. 2
Writer
Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Steve Ditko
Cover Artist
Steve Ditko
Publication Date
March 1980
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue features the first appearance and origin of Kako-Jujutsu (Tako Shamara), also known as the Dragon Lord. The story, titled 'A Question of Honor!', follows a man who inherits the power to command dragons to protect his family and honor.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine wear with several color-breaking stress lines (ticks); noticeable blunting and rounding of the bottom right and top right corners; significant creasing at the top right corner near the 'Approved by the Comics Code' seal; general edge wear and slight surface scuffing visible on the dark areas of the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5.00 - $12.00; Graded (CGC 4.0): $25.00 - $35.00
Recent Sales
High-grade US cents copies (9.6-9.8) sell for $60-$120. Mid-to-low grade UK variants typically sell in the $5-$10 range due to lower demand for price variants and the commonality of the issue.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of shipping and grading fees would exceed the market value of the book in this condition. Professional pressing might improve the grade slightly but wouldn't justify the investment.
Notable Features
First appearance and origin of Dragon Lord. Art by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko. This is the UK Price Variant (12p) rather than the standard US 40c distribution. Features the iconic Spider-Man head in the UPC corner box.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1980s Marvel UK edition. The paper aging (slight tanning visible at the edges) and the specific 12p price stamp are consistent with Marvel's international distribution methods during this era.