Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #King-Size Special #5
Marvel Comics • Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos Annual
Writer
Gary Friedrich
Interior Artist
Dick Ayers (pencils), John Severin (inks)
Cover Artist
Herb Trimpe (pencils/inks)
Publication Date
August 1969
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A 'King-Size Special' featuring the story 'The Fangs of the Desert Fox!' and 'The Court-Martial of Sgt. Fury!'. The issue follows Nick Fury and his elite squad during WWII, featuring an appearance by Erwin Rommel (The Desert Fox). It is primarily a reprint of earlier material alongside new framing sequences.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
The book displays significant surface wear including multiple color-breaking creases across the cover. There is severe corner blunting, particularly on the bottom right. Notable foxing and yellowing are visible on the white areas of the cover. Visible spine stress and ticks. The poly-bagging obscures some surface details but reflects significant wrinkling and potential moisture exposure in the past.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $25; Graded (CGC 4.0): $45 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies range from $10 to $30. Higher grade copies (VF/NM) can reach over $150, but current condition limits value.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading, shipping, and pressing would likely exceed the final market value of the book in this condition (estimated 4.0-5.0 range).
Notable Features
Features a classic battle against Rommel. Notable for the Herb Trimpe cover art. Contains 25-cent 'King-Size' branding which was the premium format for Marvel annuals in 1969.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Silver Age Marvel comic. Print registration on the 'Marvel Comics Group' border and the 25-cent price strike-through are consistent with 1969 production standards. Paper aging (tanning) is consistent with age.