Our Army at War ##165
DC Comics • Our Army at War Vol. 1
Writer
Robert Kanigher
Interior Artist
Joe Kubert
Cover Artist
Joe Kubert
Publication Date
March 1966
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (12c cover)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue features Sgt. Rock in 'The Iron Hand of Death!' The story introduces the Iron Major, a formidable Nazi antagonist with a prosthetic iron hand who becomes one of Sgt. Rock's primary rivals. It is a key issue for collectors of Sgt. Rock and Joe Kubert's war art.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and horizontal color-breaking creases along the spine. Significant corner blunting on the top right and bottom right edges. Visible edge wear and chipping along the right-hand margin. Minor surface scuffing and small indentation marks near the center of the cover. Probable tanning to interior pages based on age and cover-edge appearance.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (CGC 4.0): $75 - $110
Recent Sales
Recent 4.0 to 5.0 graded copies have sold between $80 and $130. Raw mid-grade copies frequently trade in the $40 range on enthusiast platforms.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal preservation. The cost of grading (approx. $30-$40 + shipping) would nearly equal the current market value of the book in this condition. A professional pressing could help improve the grade to a 5.0, but it would not likely reach a high-value tier.
Notable Features
First appearance of the Iron Major. Iconic Joe Kubert cover art. Silver Age DC war title. Noticeable lack of a UPC barcode as is standard for this era.
Authentication Notes
The book appears to be an authentic 1966 original. The aging of the paper stock (off-white to cream), the '12c' price point, and the specific typeface of the 'MAR NO. 165' indicator are consistent with DC's mid-60s production standards.