The New Defenders ##138
Marvel Comics • The Defenders Vol. 1 (renamed The New Defenders)
Writer
Peter B. Gillis
Interior Artist
Don Perlin
Cover Artist
Kevin Nowlan
Publication Date
December 1984
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The New Defenders face off against the Dragon of the Moon. Key team members featured include Beast, Iceman, Angel, Moondragon, Valkyrie, and Gargoyle. This issue continues the 'New Defenders' era where the team moved toward a more formal superhero group structure.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible surface yellowing/sunning on the white cover backgrounds; minor spine stress ticks; blunting at the corners; visible yellow circular sticker on the bottom right front cover (may damage paper if removed); slight misalignment of the staple fold.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in Mid-Grade condition typically sell for $2 to $5 on secondary markets. High-grade NM copies reach $15-$20.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The market value of this specific issue does not justify the grading costs unless the book is a flawless 9.8. The current yellow sticker and tanning diminish the grade.
Notable Features
Direct Edition (noted by the Spider-Man logo in the UPC box); part of the 1980s rebranding of the classic Defenders title; cover art by Kevin Nowlan.
Authentication Notes
The book displays standard 1980s newsprint interior stock and a gloss-coated cover consistent with Marvel production from 1984. Staple placement and ink density appear authentic for the period.