The Gargoyle ##1
Marvel Comics • The Gargoyle (a four-issue limited series)
Writer
J.M. DeMatteis
Interior Artist
Mark Badger
Cover Artist
Berni Wrightson
Publication Date
June 1985
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spidey head logo)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A four-issue limited series spinning off from The Defenders. It follows Isaac Christians, an elderly man who made a pact to save his village by soul-transferring into a gargoyle body. The story deals with themes of mysticism and horror.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticking, minor corner blunting on the top right and bottom left, visible surface wear/scuffing on the dark areas of the cover, and light edge wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (CGC 9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for around $5 plus shipping. Graded 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $45-$55 range.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The grading fees would exceed the market value of the comic in this condition. Professional pressing might improve it to an 8.0, but still not enough to justify the cost.
Notable Features
First issue of the solo Gargoyle limited series. Iconic cover art by legendary horror artist Berni Wrightson. Direct edition with Spider-Man head in the UPC box area.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980s Marvel Direct Edition. Correct price point (75 cents), paper stock shows typical light aging for Copper Age comics, and color registration is consistent with period printing.