Marvel Premiere ##50
Marvel Comics • Marvel Premiere Vol. 1
Writer
Alice Cooper, Steve Gerber, Mary Skrenes
Interior Artist
Tom Palmer
Cover Artist
Tom Palmer
Publication Date
October 1979
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p Pence Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue features the first comic book appearance of rock legend Alice Cooper. The story, titled 'From the Inside', is a surrealist tale based on Cooper's album of the same name, chronicling his experiences in a sanitarium. Key characters include The Doctor and Nurse Rozetta.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and minor color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Slight blunting on the top and bottom right corners. Cover gloss appears healthy, but minor edge wear is visible on the right periphery. A small ink mark or diagonal line is visible through the bottom-left UPC barcode area.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50 | Graded (CGC 8.0): $100 - $140
Recent Sales
Standard US editions in mid-to-high grade recently sold for $40-$60. UK price variants typically command a slight premium (10-20%) among completionist collectors but can be harder to move in the general market.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal preservation. While in nice condition, the 'Very Fine' range for this specific issue doesn't significantly outpace the costs of grading fees and shipping. A 'Press and Clean' might elevate it to an 8.5/9.0, but still yields low ROI.
Notable Features
First comic book appearance of Alice Cooper. Special 50th Anniversary Issue of the Marvel Premiere series. This copy is the UK price variant (12p) rather than the standard US cents version, which is indicated by the price box and the 'Marvel All-Colour Comics' header.
Authentication Notes
The item appears authentic. The interior paper stock transition characteristic of late 1970s Marvel comics is visible at the edges. The 12p UK price stamp is consistent with Marvel's distribution practices for the United Kingdom during 1979.