Conan the Barbarian ##43
Marvel Comics • Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1
Writer
Roy Thomas
Interior Artist
John Buscema
Cover Artist
Gil Kane
Publication Date
October 1974
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (25 cent cover price)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Title: 'Tower of Blood!' This issue features the return of Red Sonja. Conan and Red Sonja journey to a mysterious tower while being pursued by mercenaries, only to encounter a horrific man-eating creature.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate to heavy spine wear with numerous color-breaking stress lines; significant corner blunting and creasing on both bottom right and top right; visible vertical folding/creasing on the left side of the cover; general surface wear and edge chipping along the top boundary.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10; Graded (CGC 4.0): $25 - $35
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies range between $6 and $12. High-grade (9.0+) copies fetch significantly more, but low-to-mid grade Bronze Age non-keys typically trade at bulk prices.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of shipping and grading fees would exceed the actual market value of the comic in this condition. Professional pressing could improve the surface, but the color-breaking creases will remain.
Notable Features
Early appearance of Red Sonja (She-Devil with a Sword). Notable Bronze Age Marvel title. No UPC 'diamond' indicates a Direct Edition or early distribution variety common for the era; features the 'Tower of Blood!' story arc.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1974 copper/bronze age original based on paper oxidation visible at the edges, staple placement, and typical Marvel '70s trade dress. No indicators of reproduction.