Hardware ##1
DC Comics (Milestone) • Hardware Vol. 1
Writer
Dwayne McDuffie
Interior Artist
Denys Cowan
Cover Artist
Denys Cowan
Publication Date
April 1993
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (No UPC/Milestone Logo in box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Hardware (Curtis Metcalf). This issue launched the Milestone Media line through DC Comics. Curtis Metcalf is a genius inventor who discovers his employer, Edwin Alva, is a corrupt criminal boss and creates a high-tech suit of armor to dismantle Alva's empire.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Noticeable blunting and minor paper loss at the bottom left corner. General surface wear and light color fading. Significant horizontal creasing near the spine/mid-section.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (9.8): $90 - $120
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-grade typically sell for $3 to $8. High-grade (CGC 9.8) copies range from $85 to $110 depending on market demand for Milestone media news.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current condition. The visible spine damage and corner wear would likely yield a 5.0 to 6.5, which is valued lower than the cost of grading fees.
Notable Features
First appearance of Hardware and the debut of the Milestone Media imprint. Includes a 'Skybox' Milestone trading card (usually found inside original polybagged copies). Key Milestone character/title.
Authentication Notes
Presence of the Milestone logo in the bottom-left UPC box confirms it is a Direct Edition. Gloss levels appear consistent with early 1990s DC/Milestone paper stock.