The Silver Surfer ##40
Marvel Comics • The Silver Surfer Vol. 3
Writer
Jim Starlin
Interior Artist
Ron Lim
Cover Artist
Ron Lim
Publication Date
August 1990
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (UPC barcode present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of the 'Welcome to Dynamo City' storyline. Thanos has returned and the Silver Surfer finds himself trapped in a bureaucratic, technological nightmare city where his cosmic powers are neutralized.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks; corner blunting at the top right; price sticker residue/sticker directly on the cover near the title; significant horizontal surface scuffing/indentations visible in the glare; possible moisture rippling or 'wavy' appearance on the bottom edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (9.8): $60 - $80. In this estimated 7.0 condition, the value is roughly $4 - $6.
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in Mid-High grade sell for $5; CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold between $65 and $100 depending on the label style and census count.
Grading Recommendation
Not worth grading. The cost of professional grading (CGC/CBCS) exceeds the current market value of a mid-grade copy. Graduation is only recommended for copies in 9.6 or 9.8 condition.
Notable Features
Features Thanos (cameo) and the introduction of Dynamo City. The newsstand edition is slightly less common than the direct edition but carries no significant premium for this specific issue. Classic Ron Lim art from the Jim Starlin era leading up to Infinity Gauntlet.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic based on the newsstand UPC, standard 1990 Marvel lamination/gloss, and period-correct corner aging. The $1.00 price sticker is on the bag/poly, but careful removal is needed if it is on the book.