Howard the Duck ##25
Marvel Comics • Howard the Duck Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Mantlo
Interior Artist
Gene Colan
Cover Artist
Gene Colan
Publication Date
June 1978
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Howard goes up against The Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime. This issue continues the satirical and surreal adventures of Howard as he navigates a world of human absurdity.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress ticks along the left edge, slight blunting on the bottom right corner, minor surface wear/scuffing visible through the polybag, and typical tanning of interior pages expected for bronze age newsprint.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 9.8 Target): $100 - $140
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade have sold for approximately $12-$18 on secondary markets like eBay. 9.8 slabs typically reach the low triple digits.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless the collector seeks a 9.8. Mid-grade bronze age non-keys typically do not see enough value increase to justify the $30-$50 grading and shipping fees.
Notable Features
Features the Circus of Crime, a recurring villainous group in the Marvel Universe. Direct Edition with UPC barcode. Trapped in a World He Never Made tagline.
Authentication Notes
Colors appear vibrant and accurate to 1978 Marvel print runs. No obvious signs of restoration or counterfeiting; high-quality dot-matrix printing visible on comic title.