MARVEL SPOTLIGHT ON THE SCARECROW ##26
Marvel Comics • Marvel Spotlight (Vol. 1)
Writer
Scott Edelman
Interior Artist
Ruben Yandoc
Cover Artist
Bernie Wrightson
Publication Date
February 1976
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance and origin of Ebenezer Laughton as The Scarecrow (not to be confused with the DC character or the Marvel villain). This issue introduces the supernatural anti-hero who uses a portal in a painting to travel between dimensions. It features the 'Deathquest' storyline involving the creatures known as the Grinner and the Cult of the Entropic Man.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticks visible along left edge. Top edge shows minor chipping and handling wear. Corners exhibit slight blunting, especially bottom right. The black background of the cover highlights several light surface scuffs and creases that break color. Overall visible shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $55; Graded (6.0): $80 - $110
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies (5.0-7.0) range between $35 and $75. High-grade (9.0+) copies can exceed $200 because of the dark cover's tendency to show wear.
Grading Recommendation
Not highly recommended for professional grading in this condition unless intended for personal preservation. A 6.0 grade is common; the cost of grading may outweigh the value increase. Professional pressing could improve the appearance, but the color-breaking spine ticks will remain permanent.
Notable Features
First appearance of The Scarecrow (Ebenezer Laughton). Iconic Bronze Age cover art by horror legend Bernie Wrightson. Key issue for Marvel horror collectors.
Authentication Notes
Consistent with 1976 Bronze Age Marvel production. Standard '25 cent' price point. Paper shows expected slight tanning around the edges. Staple placement is correct for the era.