The Incredible Hulk ##217
Marvel Comics • The Incredible Hulk Vol. 1
Writer
Len Wein
Interior Artist
Sal Buscema
Cover Artist
Rich Buckler and Ernie Chan
Publication Date
November 1977
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In 'The Circus of Lost Souls!', the Hulk becomes involved with a traveling circus of outcasts. The issue features the Ringmaster and the Circus of Crime, with key characters like Princess Python. It focuses on the Hulk's search for acceptance among those who are also marginalized.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color breaking, significant corner blunting at bottom right, visible color-breaking creases on the right edge, minor surface scuffing, and possible slight yellowing/soiling on the white UPC box.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 9.8 target): $150+
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-grade typically sell for $8 to $15. High-grade (9.6+) copies fetch significantly higher premiums due to the difficulty of finding Bronze Age books in pristine condition.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading would likely exceed the current market value of a mid-grade raw copy unless it was estimated to be 9.4 or higher.
Notable Features
Bronze Age issue; features the Circus of Crime (Ringmaster); UPC barcode presence confirms newsstand distribution; 35-cent price variant era.
Authentication Notes
The item appears authentic based on the 1970s Ben-Day dot printing pattern visible in the color gradients, the aging of the paper stock, and the correct alignment of the 'Marvel Comics Group' header and price box for the period.