DARK SHADOWS ##14
Gold Key Comics (Western Publishing) • Dark Shadows Vol. 1
Writer
Arnold Drake
Interior Artist
Joe Certa
Cover Artist
George Wilson (painted art)
Publication Date
August 1972
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Based on the cult classic gothic soap opera. This issue features the vampire Barnabas Collins in a psychological and supernatural struggle involving a spectral skeleton-like figure and children in peril.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color breaking, significant edge wear along the top and left, corner rounding (blunting), surface scuffing/creasing across the Barnabas photo insert, and general shelf wear visible despite the poly bag.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 – $20; Graded (3.0): $40 – $55
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for mid-to-low grade raw copies range from $12 to $25. High-grade (CGC 9.0+) copies can reach upwards of $150-$200.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading exceed the potential market value for a copy in this condition. Best kept as a reader copy or in a protective poly bag.
Notable Features
Features a photo of Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins in the upper right header. Painted cover art typical of 1970s Gold Key horror titles. 15 cent original price point.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1972 Gold Key production. Characteristic flat/matte cover finish of the era and specific Gold Key logo branding (90240-208 numbering code) are present.