Star Trek ##39
Gold Key / Whitman (Western Publishing) • Star Trek (Gold Key) Vol. 1
Writer
Arnold Drake
Interior Artist
Alberto Giolitti
Cover Artist
George Wilson
Publication Date
August 1976
Cover Variant
Whitman Edition (Multi-pack / Newsstand)
Printing
First Printing (Whitman Variant)
Comic Description
Title: 'Frozen Sleep in the Depths of Space!'. The Enterprise discovers a derelict ship containing humanoid aliens in cryogenic stasis. Complications arise involving telepathic projected heads and the ethics of revival. Features Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5) to Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress marks (ticks) visible along the left edge. Some slight corner blunting on the bottom right. Minor color-breaking indentation near the top right price box. Colors remain vibrant and registration is sharp.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $55 | Graded (CGC 8.0): $120 - $160
Recent Sales
Whitman editions of this era in mid-to-high grade typically sell for a premium over standard Gold Key issues. Recent raw sales for similar issues in VF condition have ranged from $40 to $75 depending on the buyer market.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if the owner believes it will hit a 9.0 or higher, as the Whitman logo adds collectible niche value. A professional clean and press could likely bump this into the 8.5 range. At the current estimated 7.5/8.0, grading costs may outweigh the immediate value gain.
Notable Features
Whitman logo variant (smiling 'W' in top left). Whitman editions were often distributed in 3-packs and are considered scarcer than their Gold Key logo counterparts from the same year. Features iconic George Wilson painted cover art.
Authentication Notes
The Whitman logo and the 25-cent diamond price box are consistent with the 1976 publication run for Western Publishing. Ink density and paper stock appears consistent with authentic Bronze Age newsprint.