Doctor Strange ##40
Marvel Comics • Doctor Strange Vol. 2 (Master of the Mystic Arts)
Writer
Chris Claremont
Interior Artist
Gene Colan (pencils), Dan Green (inks)
Cover Artist
Gene Colan
Publication Date
April 1980
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition with Spiderman head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'Dawn of the Dead,' where Doctor Strange struggles with the apparent death of Clea (who actually survives) and faces off against Asrael, the Angel of Death. The plot involves a deep dive into the afterlife and the nature of mortality.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress lines and some color-breaking ticks visible along the left edge. Minor corner blunting on the bottom right. The black cover background shows light surface wear and minor scuffing typical for dark colors of this era.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $20.00 - $35.00; Graded (CGC 7.0): $60.00 - $80.00
Recent Sales
Recent 9.8 graded copies have sold for $250+ while mid-grade raw copies typically sell in the $15-$30 range.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless the collector desires encapsulation for preservation. The costs of grading/shipping would likely exceed the immediate market value increase for a 7.0 mid-grade copy.
Notable Features
Features the first appearance of Asrael (the Marvel entity). Iconic Gene Colan cover and interior art. Direct edition copy (indicated by the Spider-Man mask in the UPC box).
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age Marvel comic. Paper stock appears appropriate for 1980; printing colors and staple positioning are consistent with period-correct manufacturing.