FANTASTIC FOUR ##193
Marvel Comics Group • Fantastic Four Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Mantlo
Interior Artist
Keith Pollard, Joe Sinnott
Cover Artist
Keith Pollard, Joe Sinnott
Publication Date
April 1978
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Whitman/Diamond Variant - identifiable by blank UPC UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The Thing vs. Darkoth the Death-Demon. Ben Grimm battles a manipulated Darkoth while the rest of the Fantastic Four are absent. Features George Lucas/Star Wars references and a cameo of Doctor Doom shown on a monitor screen.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible heavy corner blunting (bottom left/right), significant spine roll and stress creases, minor chipping on right edge, probable tanning of interior pages based on age, and general surface wear with loss of gloss.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $12; Graded (CGC 4.0): $30 - $45
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar mid-to-low grade range typically sell for under $10. High-grade (9.0+) copies fetch significantly more, but 4.0 copies are abundant and inexpensive.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading would exceed the final market value of the book in this condition. This is a common Bronze Age issue without major key significance.
Notable Features
Blank UPC barcode box (Diamond/Whitman variant). Appearance of Darkoth. Bronze Age 35-cent price point.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1978 Marvel print. The blank white UPC box is a known distribution variant for early direct market/multi-pack sales. Newsprint paper stock looks consistent with the era.