Invincible ##5
Image Comics • Invincible Vol. 1
Writer
Robert Kirkman
Interior Artist
Ryan Ottley
Cover Artist
Ryan Ottley
Publication Date
June 2003
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Mark Grayson (Invincible) continues to balance his high school life with his new superhero duties. This issue is notable for being the first cover and interior art by Ryan Ottley, who became the definitive artist for the remainder of the 144-issue run.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (CGC 9.4)
Condition Details
The cover appears flat with vibrant colors; minor surface wear and very slight blunting on the bottom right corner suggest a grade in the 9.2-9.4 range. No significant spine ticks or color-breaking creases are visible in the photo.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $120-$180 | CGC 9.8: $600-$800
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies range from $110 to $175 depending on condition. CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold for upwards of $750 due to increased demand from the Amazon prime series.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended for grading if the back cover is clean. This is an early, key issue of a major modern franchise. A grade of 9.6 or 9.8 would significantly increase the market value and liquidity of the book.
Notable Features
First Ryan Ottley art on the series. Iconic 'bloody' cover which became a staple of the series' aesthetic. Low print run compared to later issues.
Authentication Notes
The logo placement and color saturation are consistent with the 2003 first printing. Paper stock appears to have the correct semi-gloss finish for early 2000s Image Comics.