ADVENTURE COMICS ##469
DC Comics • Adventure Comics (DC, 1938 Series) Vol. 1
Writer
Len Wein (Starman), Martin Pasko (Plastic Man)
Interior Artist
Steve Ditko (Starman), Joe Staton (Plastic Man)
Cover Artist
Jim Sherman (pencils) and Dick Giordano (inks)
Publication Date
March 1980
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (UPC barcode present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue is a 'Key' for featuring the first appearance and origin story of the Prince Gavyn version of Starman. It also contains a Plastic Man back-up story titled 'The Plastic Pulp'.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Significant corner blunting on the top left. Notable 'Marvel chipping' or rough factory cuts along the bottom edge. Minor surface scuffing and edge wear throughout. The book is not flat, showing some waviness from storage pressure.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (9.0+): $45 - $70
Recent Sales
Recent ungraded sales for this issue fluctuate between $3 and $12 depending on the presence of Foxing. High-grade graded copies (9.6) have sold for roughly $85.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading fees plus shipping would exceed the current market value of a mid-grade (6.0-7.0) copy of this issue. Best preserved in a fresh bag and board.
Notable Features
1st Appearance of Starman (Prince Gavyn). 1st Appearance of J'ai, Mn'at, and Clu Vanda. Newsstand distribution with UPC. Art by legendary Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko on the Starman feature.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be a genuine 1980 DC newsstand copy. The paper color shows age-appropriate off-white to yellowish tint. Ink density and dot matrix are consistent with DC's 40-cent era production.