The Incredible Hulk ##259
Marvel Comics Group • The Incredible Hulk Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Mantlo
Interior Artist
Sal Buscema
Cover Artist
Al Milgrom
Publication Date
May 1981
Cover Variant
Regular Edition (Direct Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The Hulk joins the Soviet Super-Soldiers to battle 'The Source Sinister'. Features Darkstar, Vanguard, Crimson Dynamo, and Ursa Major. The storyline involves Bruce Banner's travels through Russia and his encounter with the USSR's premiere superhero team.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible moderate handling wear. Multiple spine stress marks (some color-breaking), minor corner blunting on the bottom right/left, and slight shelf wear along the top edge. The cover gloss appears intact, but there is noticeable rippling or 'wavy' texture possibly due to the inner bag or slight moisture contact.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10.00 - $20.00 | Graded (estimated 7.5): $45.00 - $60.00
Recent Sales
Recent sales for raw mid-to-high grade copies range from $8 to $22. High-grade slabbed copies (CGC 9.4+) routinely reach $80-$100, but lower grades usually sell for the cost of grading.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The comic is a common Bronze Age issue without major key significance. The cost of grading and shipping would likely exceed the final market value of a mid-grade (7.5) specimen.
Notable Features
Direct Edition cover (distinguished by the Spider-Man face in the UPC box instead of a barcode). Early appearance of the Soviet Super-Soldiers.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1981 production. The newsprint interior is visible at the edge, showing appropriate age-toning. Use of the traditional 'Marvel Comics Group' banner and 50-cent price point matches the established bibliography for this era.