Weird Western Tales ##39
DC Comics • Weird Western Tales Vol. 1
Writer
Gerry Conway
Interior Artist
Dick Ayers
Cover Artist
Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and George Evans
Publication Date
April 1977
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (with UPC block)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First full appearance of Brian Savage, also known as Scalphunter. This issue marks a major shift for the title as Scalphunter replaces Jonah Hex as the primary feature characters. Savage is a white man raised by Kiowa Indians, caught between two worlds in the American West.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and wear on the bottom right corner; some surface scuffing/soiling on the white background areas; minor edge wear and potential tanning consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10.00 – $20.00 | Graded (9.8 theoretical): $200.00+. In current condition (5.0), market value is approximately $12.00.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies fluctuate between $8 and $25 depending on eye appeal. High-grade (9.0+) copies fetch a premium due to the low survival rate of 1970s bronze age newsprint.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading at this time. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading, shipping, and handling would exceed the current market value of a mid-grade condition specimen.
Notable Features
Key Issue: 1st full appearance and origin of Scalphunter (Brian Savage). Features the 'DC Bullet' logo and contains a UPC barcode, which was standard for this era.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic based on the age-appropriate paper oxidation (visible tanning at the bottom edge), 30th-cent cover price, and correct registration of the Bronze Age DC logo and colors.