Alpha Flight ##49
Marvel Comics • Alpha Flight Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Mantlo
Interior Artist
June Brigman
Cover Artist
June Brigman
Publication Date
August 1987
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spider-Man head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The team faces off against the Great Beast known as Somon the Artificer. The story involves the team's ongoing struggle to find a body for Walter Langkowski (Sasquatch/Box). Features Aurora, Heather Hudson (Vindicator), Puck, and Madison Jeffries.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good / Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate foxing/soiling along the top edge and right margin of the front cover. Spine stress marks are visible. Slight corner rounding on the bottom right. Some surface wear and minor creasing appearing on the white background areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $7; Graded (9.8): $40 - $60. In current condition, it is a budget bin comic.
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales for mid-grade copies of this issue typically range from $1 to $5 on platforms like eBay.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (approx. $25-$40) significantly exceeds the market value of the book in this condition. Professional cleaning/pressing may improve the look but won't make it a high-value key.
Notable Features
Direct Market edition with the Spider-Man 25th Anniversary logo in the UPC box. This is a common copper-age issue and is not considered a 'key' issue (no major first appearances or deaths).
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1980s Marvel comic. The paper oxidization (slight yellowing visible on edges) and printing dot patterns are consistent with the period and the Baxter/newsprint hybrid paper used by Marvel at the time.