Harbinger ##1
Valiant Comics • Harbinger Vol. 1
Writer
Jim Shooter
Interior Artist
David Lapham
Cover Artist
David Lapham
Publication Date
January 1991 (Dated August on cover box)
Cover Variant
Regular Edition (with coupon intact)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of the Harbinger team: Peter Stanchek, Zephyr (Faith Herbert), Flamingo, Torque, and Kris Hathaway. Also features the first appearance of Toyo Harada and the Harbinger Foundation. Created by Jim Shooter and David Lapham.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks along the left edge. Minor corner blunting on the bottom right. Slight surface wear/shelf wear visible on the dark background areas. Significant value hinges on whether the 'Harbinger #0' coupon is still attached inside the back cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw with coupon: $300 - $450; Raw missing coupon: $50 - $80; CGC 9.8 (Blue Label): $1,500 - $2,200
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (9.8) have recently sold for upwards of $2,000. Lower-grade raw copies with the coupon intact average around $350. Non-coupon copies sell at a significant discount.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, if the coupon is intact. Harbinger #1 is a 'Mega-Key' of the 90s. Even a mid-grade copy benefits from the 'Blue Label' authentication of the coupon. Professional pressing could improve the spine ticks to push it into the 8.0+ range.
Notable Features
Critical Key Issue. Contains the coupon required to mail away for Harbinger #0. The presence of this coupon is the primary driver of value. Also notable for the 'guest starring H.A.R.D. Corps' logo on the cover box.
Authentication Notes
The cover gloss and paper stock appear consistent with 1991 Valiant production. Spine alignment is straight. Key authentication step is verifying the presence of the coupon on the final page; without it, the book is considered 'Qualified' or incomplete.