Journey into Mystery with the Mighty Thor Special ##1
Marvel Comics • Journey into Mystery King-Size Special #1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Jack Kirby
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby
Publication Date
September 1965
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue features the first battle between Thor and Hercules. It also includes reprints of early Thor stories, including the first appearances of Loki, the Demon Duplicators, Radioactive Man, and Lava Man. Significant for establishing the rivalry between the Norse and Greek gods in the Marvel Universe.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Significant spine wear with multiple color-breaking stress lines; blunted and rounded corners; several surface creases (including one across Hercules' leg); moderate soiling/staining on the white background; visible edge wear and minor chipping on the right side.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $225; Graded (4.0): $250 - $350
Recent Sales
Comparable 4.0 copies have recently sold between $260 and $310. Mid-grade copies (6.0+) can exceed $600.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading only if internal pages are exceptionally clean. The current condition shows heavy handling wear. A professional cleaning and press could potentially raise it to a 4.5 or 5.0, increasing its liquidity.
Notable Features
First battle of Thor vs. Hercules. First appearance of the Greek Gods in Marvel Silver Age. King-Size Special issue. Silver age key.
Authentication Notes
Authentic mid-60's Marvel printing. Displays correct 25-cent price point and '72 Big Pages' indicator. Ink saturation and paper aging are consistent with the 1965 publication date.