Iron Man ##181
Marvel Comics • The Invincible Iron Man Vol. 1
Writer
Denny O'Neil
Interior Artist
Luke McDonnell and Steve Mitchell
Cover Artist
Luke McDonnell and Steve Mitchell
Publication Date
April 1984
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features James Rhodes as Iron Man. Rhodes travel to Japan to return the Iron Man armor to Tony Stark, but they are confronted by the Mandarin. The story, 'Savage Birth!', continues the saga of Tony Stark's alcoholism and Rhodes' tenure in the suit.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine+ (CGC 6.5) to Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and small color-breaking ticks along the left edge. The bag creates some glare, but there appears to be slight corner blunting on the bottom left and top left. The color vibrancy remains strong, but there is evidence of slight surface wear and possible mild fingermarks on the black inks of the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10.00 - $20.00 | Graded (9.8): $90.00 - $120.00
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-to-high grade typically sell for $12-$18 on auction sites. 9.8 graded copies have recently fluctuated between $85 and $115.
Grading Recommendation
Generally not recommended for professional grading in this condition. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading plus shipping exceeds the market value of a mid-to-high grade raw copy. Only worth grading if it were a flawless 9.8 candidate.
Notable Features
Mandarin appearance. Striking 'Iron Man at the mercy of the Mandarin' cover. Direct Edition (indicated by the lack of a barcode in the UPC box, replaced by a graphic).
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic based on the 1984 60-cent price point, standard Marvel corner box of that era, and the correct 'Direct Edition' UPC box. Paper aging appears consistent with 40-year-old newsprint.