Venom ##1
Marvel Comics • Venom: Lethal Protector
Writer
David Michelinie
Interior Artist
Mark Bagley
Cover Artist
Mark Bagley
Publication Date
February 1993
Cover Variant
Regular (Red Foil)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of Venom's first ever limited series. Eddie Brock moves to San Francisco and attempts to become a 'Lethal Protector' rather than a villain. Features an appearance by Spider-Man.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress ticks visible along the left edge. Slight blunting on the top-right corner. Foil background shows minor surface wear/scratches typical of the material. Overall bright colors and flat cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $45; Graded 9.8: $120 - $150
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have sold between $35 and $50. CGC 9.8 copies remain high-volume sellers at approximately $135.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if it can achieve a 9.8 after a professional press; however, as an extremely common book from the 90s, lower grades (below 9.6) often do not recoup the grading fees effectively.
Notable Features
First solo Venom series. Iconic red foil cover. Key Bronze/Modern Age book. Part 1 of 6.
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing identifiable by the $2.95 price point and red foil stamping. No indicators of reproduction; ink density and corner wear are consistent with 1993 newsprint and cardstock cover quality.