The Savage Sword of Conan the Barbarian ##164
Marvel Comics / Curtis Magazines • The Savage Sword of Conan (Volume 1)
Writer
Chuck Dixon
Interior Artist
Gary Kwapisz
Cover Artist
Joe Jusko
Publication Date
September 1989
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the main story 'The Blood of the Hunter,' where Conan becomes involved in a tribal conflict while pursuing a treacherous guide. Includes additional backup features and illustrated articles typical of the Marvel Magazine format.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress lines, light corner blunting at bottom left and top left, slight edge wear, and mild surface scuffing visible on the light-colored background. The magazine appears flat but shows typical shelf wear for an unpressed copper age magazine.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $15; Graded (9.8): $100 - $140
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales for mid-to-high grade copies range from $8 to $18. Graded 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $110 - $135 range.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless a 9.8 is guaranteed. At an estimated grade of 7.5 or 8.0, the cost of grading fees and shipping would exceed the market value of the slabbed book. Better suited for a 'reader' or personal collection.
Notable Features
Painted cover by Joe Jusko. This is the mature-audience magazine format (larger than standard comics, black and white interiors) which allowed for more graphic violence and nudity than the standard 'Conan the Barbarian' title.
Authentication Notes
Authentic original magazine. Matches standard 1989 Marvel magazine stock; features the battle-axe icon in the bottom left UPC box, which is standard for direct market copies of this era. Print density and logo registration appear correct.