Fantastic Four ##142
Marvel Comics • Fantastic Four Vol. 1
Writer
Gerry Conway
Interior Artist
Rich Buckler
Cover Artist
Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott
Publication Date
January 1974
Cover Variant
Regular Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Darkoth the Death-Demon. The story features The Thing traveling to Latveria where he encounters and battles the new villain, Darkoth, who was created by Doctor Doom.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Heavy creasing throughout the cover, notably a large color-breaking diagonal crease from the bottom right towards the center. Significant spine wear with multiple stress lines. Rounded and blunted corners. Soiling and surface wear visible on the white areas of the cover. Edgewear along the right side.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (9.8): $250+
Recent Sales
Low grade (GD/VG) copies typically sell for under $10. Mid-to-high grade raw copies (VF/NM) range from $30-$60. High-grade slabbed copies see a significant premium.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service (approx. $30-$50) significantly exceeds the market value of the comic in this condition. This is a common Bronze Age issue widely available in better condition.
Notable Features
Key Issue: First appearance and origin of Darkoth. Features Doctor Doom (behind the scenes) and The Thing. Bronze Age 20-cent cover price issue.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1974 Marvel comic. The paper tanning levels, newsprint texture, and ink saturation are consistent with Marvel's production standards of the early 1970s.