ROM Spaceknight ##8
Marvel Comics Group • ROM Spaceknight Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Mantlo
Interior Artist
Sal Buscema
Cover Artist
Sal Buscema
Publication Date
July 1980
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In this issue, ROM faces off against the Dire Wraiths who have set a trap in a graveyard. Features ROM being buried alive. Key characters include ROM and Brandy Clark. This series is notable for being a successful licensed property based on a Parker Brothers toy.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and wear on all four corners; heavy upper-left corner crease/bend; price sticker on top right corner of the polybag or cover; noticeable edge wear on the left side (spine); slight surface scuffing and gloss loss across the main image area; yellowed pages likely based on age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (CGC 9.8): $90 - $120
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales for mid-grade copies range from $2 to $10. High-grade (9.6-9.8) copies sell for significantly more due to registry sets, but copies in this specific condition are common dollar-bin finds.
Grading Recommendation
Not worth professional grading. The cost of the grading service ($25+) exceeds the market value of the book in this condition. It is a common book that is only valuable in near-perfect 9.8 condition.
Notable Features
Newsstand edition with barcode (UPC) in the lower left corner. Includes the 'R.I.P. ROM' tombstone on the cover art. Early issue in the original 75-issue run.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1980 Marvel production. The '40c' price point and '07' month code in the barcode area are consistent with July 1980 Marvel newsstand releases. Paper quality appears consistent with the typical newsprint used in that era.