Spawn ##1
Image Comics • Spawn Vol. 1
Writer
Todd McFarlane
Interior Artist
Todd McFarlane
Cover Artist
Todd McFarlane
Publication Date
May 1992
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Origin and first appearance of Spawn (Al Simmons). Also features first appearances of Malebolgia, Sam and Twitch (cameo), and Wanda Blake. Key Copper Age milestone.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (CGC 9.4)
Condition Details
Very minor spine stress visible near the lower staple and center spine; sharp corners and high gloss maintained; minor blunting possible on bottom left corner edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (CGC 9.8): $150 - $180
Recent Sales
Raw copies consistently sell for $35-$45 in high grade; CGC 9.8 copies average $165. Over 1.7 million copies were printed, keeping supply high.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if it is a guaranteed 9.8 (essentially flawless). For this specific copy, a press and clean might elevate it, but the high census count makes grading lower than 9.8 less profitable.
Notable Features
First appearance of Spawn; Todd McFarlane's first independent publication outside of Marvel/DC; Direct Edition (no barcode).
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing; correct $1.95 US/$2.35 Canada price box; proper paper stock with high gloss finish and correct '92 McFarlane/Steacy signature block.