Marvel Age Double-Sized Annual ##1
Marvel Comics • Marvel Age Annual Vol. 1
Writer
Jim Shooter and various
Interior Artist
Mark Bright, various
Cover Artist
Ron Frenz
Publication Date
1985
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A celebratory annual issue featuring a '25-page epic' showcasing a massive assembly of Marvel heroes including Spider-Man (in his black suit), the Fantastic Four, Avengers, and X-Men. It serves as a promotional and informational issue detailing the state of the Marvel Universe in 1985.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress ticks. Some blunting at the top and bottom left corners. Slight shelf wear and reflection on the outer plastic sleeve suggests the cover gloss is preserved, but some minor edge wear is visible along the spine side.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10; Graded (9.8): $50 - $70
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar condition have sold for $3 to $8. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies occasionally sell for around $60.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service (approx $25+) outweighs the market value of the book in this condition unless it is a sentimental piece.
Notable Features
Features a large group jam-cover by Ron Frenz. Includes an appearance by Spider-Man in the iconic black alien costume (symbiote era). Notable for having a much lower cover price (50 cents) than standard annuals of that era.
Authentication Notes
The coloring, paper aging (slight off-white tint visible), and distinctive 'Direct Edition' logo box (missing a UPC barcode) are consistent with early-to-mid 80s Marvel manufacturing.