Venom: Lethal Protector ##1
Marvel Comics • Venom: Lethal Protector Vol. 1
Writer
David Michelinie
Interior Artist
Mark Bagley
Cover Artist
Mark Bagley
Publication Date
February 1993
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Red Foil)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Venom moves to San Francisco after making a deal with Spider-Man to stop his criminal activities. He becomes a 'Lethal Protector' to an underground community of homeless people. Features appearances by Spider-Man.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0 - 9.2)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress visible on left edge, surface scuffing on red foil consistent with age, slight blunting on the bottom-right corner, and minor top-edge wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $45; Graded (CGC 9.8): $120 - $160; Graded (CGC 9.2): $50 - $65
Recent Sales
Raw copies in VF/NM condition have recently sold for $35-$40 on eBay; CGC 9.8 copies consistently reach $140+ due to the high demand for red foil cover keys.
Grading Recommendation
Potentially worth grading if a pressing/cleaning service is used to remove spine ticks; however, unless it hits a 9.6 or 9.8, the cost of grading often outweighs the value gain for this specific high-distribution issue.
Notable Features
First solo Venom series; iconic red foil cover; key 1990s collectable; Direct Edition (indicated by graphic in UPC box).
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing; correct red foil saturation and texture; proper 1993 era paper stock and gloss; staple placement aligned with standard Marvel manufacturing from that period.