Tarzan Lord of the Jungle ##23
Marvel Comics • Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle (1977 Series)
Writer
Bill Mantlo
Interior Artist
Sal Buscema
Cover Artist
John Buscema
Publication Date
April 1979
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Tarzan faces off against a giant crystal-wielding foe in the conclusion of a multi-part storyline. This issue features Tarzan battling to save his companions from a subterranean threat. It is part of the late 70s Marvel run that adapted Edgar Rice Burroughs' characters with a Bronze Age aesthetic.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress ticks; softening and minor blunting on the top and bottom right corners; slight edge wear along the bottom right; minor surface scuffing visible on the dark areas of the cover art; staple placement appears centered but shows slight oxidation.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (9.0+): $35 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have sold within the $8 to $12 range. High-grade slabbed copies (9.8) can occasionally reach $100+, but demand for this specific issue is moderate.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection value. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading plus shipping generally exceeds the market value of a 7.0 grade copy of this non-key issue. A 'press and clean' might improve it to a 7.5 or 8.0, but still unlikely to yield a significant return on investment.
Notable Features
Features a UPC barcode indicating it is a Direct Market edition rather than a newsstand edition; Bronze Age Marvel horror/adventure crossover themes; John Buscema cover art.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age Marvel production; features standard 35-cent price point and correct 1979-era barcode formatting. Paper quality appears consistent with the newsprint used by Marvel during this period.