The Mighty Thor ##290
Marvel Comics • The Mighty Thor Vol. 1
Writer
Roy Thomas
Interior Artist
Keith Pollard
Cover Artist
Keith Pollard
Publication Date
December 1979
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Thor travels to Mexico in search of a missing Celestial artifact. He encounters the wrestler El Toro Rojo (The Red Bull), who is secretly an amnesiac Eternal named Phoros. Plotting for the Celestials continues as part of the deeper Celestial Saga storyline.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stresses and ticks. Minor blunting at the top and bottom left corners. Slight surface wear/scuffing on the dark areas of the cover. Minor edge wear. Staples appear intact but show slight tension.
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 raw (ungraded); $55.00 - $80.00 graded (CGC 7.0 - 8.0)
Recent Sales
Similar raw copies have sold for $8-$15. Graded copies of this specific issue in the mid-7 range typically hover around $60-$70. There is a slight premium for the 12p UK price variant for certain specialists.
Grading Recommendation
Not generally recommended for grading unless sentimental. The cost of professional grading (approx. $35-50 including shipping/fees) is comparable to or higher than the current market value of the comic in this condition.
Notable Features
UK Price Variant (12p). Part of the 'Celestial Saga'. Appearance by El Toro Rojo (Phoros of the Eternals). Includes a barcode (Direct/Newsstand varies by region, but this is a UK Newsstand equivalent).
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1979 Marvel production. The '12p' price indicator and 'Marvel All-Colour Comics' banner across the top are standard for the British distribution of Marvel comics during this era. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting.