Dragon Ball ##1
Viz Select Comics • Dragon Ball (Viz Select Comics Series)
Writer
Akira Toriyama
Interior Artist
Akira Toriyama
Cover Artist
Akira Toriyama
Publication Date
March 1998
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First English comic book translation of Akira Toriyama's legendary manga. Features the first appearance of Son Goku, Bulma, and Master Roshi in this format. The story begins the 'Search for the Dragon Balls' arc.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress visible; slight corner blunting on bottom left; some light surface scuffing on the polybag/cover; overall flat and structurally sound with high gloss.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $300 - $500; Graded 9.8: $1,500 - $2,500+
Recent Sales
High-grade raw copies have recently sold between $350 and $450. CGC 9.8 copies have reached over $2,000 due to increasing demand for early Akira Toriyama English translations.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended for professional grading if it appears to be a 9.6 or higher. The value jump for high-grade investment pieces in this series is significant. Consider a press to remove minor non-color-breaking surface dimples.
Notable Features
First appearance of Goku in an American format comic book; Akira Toriyama's first major US success; Includes UPC barcode; Viz Select Comics logo on top left.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Viz Select Comics printing; check for standard semi-glossy cover stock and white to off-white interior pages; UPC code matches the initial March 1998 distribution.