SECRET ORIGINS ##9
DC Comics • Secret Origins Vol. 2 (1986 Series)
Writer
Roy Thomas
Interior Artist
George Tuska, Tom Grindberg
Cover Artist
Jerry Ordway
Publication Date
December 1986
Cover Variant
Regular / Direct Edition (No UPC bar code in box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue features the Post-Crisis origins of the Golden Age Flash (Jay Garrick) and the Star-Spangled Kid (Sylvester Pemberton), including his transition into the hero Skyman. It also provides the origin of Stripesy.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5 range)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress/ticks (at least 3-4 noticeable), slight corner blunting on the bottom left and top right, minor surface wear on the yellow cover which is prone to showing grime, and a slight non-color breaking vertical wave/curve at the spine edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3.00 - $6.00; Graded (9.8): $40.00 - $60.00
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for cover price or slightly above in dollar bins. High-grade slabbed copies occasionally reach mid-double digits but interest is generally low as a common back issue.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service exceeds the current market value of the comic. The visible spine stress prevents it from reaching the 9.8 grade necessary for financial viability.
Notable Features
Significant for detailing the updated history of JSA characters following 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'. Features the first appearance of Sylvester Pemberton as Skyman. Includes a 'Legends' crossover tie-in notice on the front cover.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic based on the newsprint-style paper stock visible at the edges and standard 1980s DC printing registration. The 'Direct Edition' logo (a graphic in the UPC box) is correct for the era's hobby shop distribution.