Underdog ##4
Charlton Comics • Underdog Vol. 1
Writer
Joe Gill (attributed)
Interior Artist
Frank Johnson
Cover Artist
Frank Johnson
Publication Date
January 1971
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Anthology of stories featuring Underdog, Shoeshine Boy, and Sweet Polly Purebred. This issue includes the story 'A Matter of Life and Death' and features the villain Simon Bar Sinister.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate vertical and horizontal creasing, significant spine stress with color breaks, blunted and frayed corners, general edge wear, and visible surface soiling/foxing on the orange background. The cover shows signs of handling and lack of a flat surface.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15. Graded: $40 - $60 (though grading cost exceeds current market value for this specific grade).
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of this issue range from $8 to $12. Lower grade copies often sell in bulk lots of Charlton titles.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading would exceed the final market value of a 4.0 copy. It is best kept as a reader copy or in a protective bag/board.
Notable Features
Features a humorous 'Censored' cover gag where Underdog punches Simon Bar Sinister out of his clothes. Charlton Comics was known for its lower print quality and 15-cent price point during this era.
Authentication Notes
The Charlton logo, Comics Code Authority seal, and Frank Johnson's signature are consistent with authentic 1971 prints. Paper aging appears appropriate for the 50+ year age of the comic.