Adventure Comics presents Dial 'H' for Hero #No. 484
DC Comics • Adventure Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Marv Wolfman / J.M. DeMatteis
Interior Artist
Don Heck / Trevor Von Eeden
Cover Artist
Don Heck
Publication Date
August 1981
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (15p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Origin of Mr. Negative.' Chris King and Vicki Grant use their mysterious dials to transform into superheroes to battle the villain Mr. Negative. This issue is part of the Bronze Age revival of the Dial H for Hero concept where readers submitted character ideas.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks. Significant corner blunting on the bottom right. Minor edge wear along the top border. Slight tanning/yellowing of the white cover elements. General surface wear and visible creasing on the right-hand side of the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5.00 - $10.00 | Graded: $30.00 - $40.00
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade UK variants of this run consistently fall under $12 for raw copies. High-grade (NM 9.4+) US editions sell for $35-$50, while mid-grade copies are frequently found in dollar bins.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of shipping and grading fees would far exceed the market value of the comic in this condition. Professional cleaning and pressing would improve shelf appeal but likely wouldn't raise the grade enough to justify the investment.
Notable Features
First appearance of Mr. Negative (not the Marvel character). It is a UK price variant (15p instead of 50 cents/60 cents). Note the '15p' in the upper right. It also features a DC 'logo' variant in the corner box mentioning 'More New Pages'.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1981 UK distributed edition. Standard newsprint interior and paper stock. Distinguishing features like the 15p price stamp and the layout of the upper-right corner box are consistent with DC's overseas distribution at the time.