Fantastic Four ##244
Marvel Comics • Fantastic Four Vol. 1
Writer
John Byrne
Interior Artist
John Byrne
Cover Artist
John Byrne
Publication Date
July 1982
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition with Barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Frankie Raye as Nova, a new Herald of Galactus. The storyline features the Fantastic Four and Galactus as Frankie Raye volunteers to become his herald to save Earth from consumption.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5) to Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and small color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Slight blunting on the bottom right corner. Minor surface scuffing visible on dark ink areas. Appearance is generally flat and clean for a non-preventative stored copy.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $35 - $60; Graded (CGC 9.8): $250 - $400
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar condition typically sell for $40-$55. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have trended upward to $350+ recently due to the 1st appearance relevance.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth professional grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or higher following a professional press and clean. If it remains at an 8.0, the grading fees may exceed the value added.
Notable Features
1st appearance of Frankie Raye as Nova (the Herald of Galactus). Iconic cover by John Byrne. Direct Edition barcode present.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1982 print. Correct 60-cent price point for the era. Standard newsprint interior pages (based on edge color). No visible signs of restoration or reproduction.