The Savage Sword Of Conan The Barbarian #178
Marvel Comics / Curtis Magazines • The Savage Sword of Conan Vol. 1
Writer
Chuck Dixon
Interior Artist
Gary Kwapisz
Cover Artist
Joe Chiodo
Publication Date
October 1990
Cover Variant
Standard Edition (Newsstand with UPC)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the main story 'The Horned God,' where Conan faces off against a monstrous cult. Key characters include Conan and the recurring antagonist forces typical of the Dixon era.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine ticks on the left edge. Minor blunting on the top and bottom right corners. Slight edge wear/shelf wear along the top perimeter. General surface scuffing visible in darker ink areas. Interior page color cannot be determined but likely off-white.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 – $15; Graded (CGC 9.8): $100 – $130
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar condition generally sell for $8-$12 on eBay. Higher grade CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $110 range.
Grading Recommendation
Generally not worth professional grading unless it is a sentimental copy or appears to be a flaw-free 9.8 candidate. The cost of grading (approx. $30-$50) often exceeds the market value of an 8.0 copy.
Notable Features
Painted cover by Joe Chiodo. Magazine format (black and white interiors). Newsstand UPC barcode present in the bottom left corner.
Authentication Notes
The magazine size, paper stock (standard newsprint interior/glossy cover), and the specific Marvel/Curtis branding are consistent with an authentic 1990 production.