Sprocket Man #N/A (One-shot / Issue #1)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) • Sprocket Man
Writer
Louis Spirito
Interior Artist
Louis Spirito
Cover Artist
Louis Spirito
Publication Date
1975
Cover Variant
Standard Government Printing (Greyscale/Two-tone variant)
Printing
First Printing (CPSC Publication #341)
Comic Description
A bicycle safety comic book produced by the U.S. government. It features 'Sprocket Man', a superhero who teaches cyclists about road safety, maintenance, and the rules of the road. It was inspired by the style of underground comix to appeal to young adults and college students.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (3.0)
Condition Details
Extensive spine wear with multiple color-breaking stress lines; significant edge wear and fraying along the left vertical edge; corner blunting at the top and bottom left; light surface scuffing and minor staining/soiling visible on the white border areas; page yellowing estimated from age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $35 | Graded (9.0+): $100+
Recent Sales
Recent sales for the 1970s original CPSC printing range from $10 to $50 depending on condition. High-grade copies from the Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) or CPSC can reach higher prices for collectors of underground-style government ephemera.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The current condition (approx. 3.0) would not yield a high enough grade to offset the costs of CGC or CBCS fees. This is best enjoyed as a raw collector's item of bike safety history.
Notable Features
Often attributed to the influence of underground comix artists like Rick Griffin; includes bicycle safety diagrams; issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Authentication Notes
Genuine 1975 CPSC printing. The paper shows appropriate age-related oxidation. The CPSC logo (bicycle icon) and publication number correspond to the original giveaway distribution.