Conan the Barbarian ##126
Marvel Comics • Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1
Writer
J.M. DeMatteis
Interior Artist
Gil Kane
Cover Artist
Gil Kane
Publication Date
September 1981
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition - Newsstand style barcode present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Conan faces a giant sand-worm creature in the story titled 'The Blood-Ruby of Tidore'. This issue features Conan battling for survival in a subterranean setting involving a mystical ruby.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks, blunting on the bottom left corner, minor surface scuffing on the dark purple background, and slight edge wear along the right side of the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10; Graded 9.0+: $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar mid-grade condition have recently sold for between $4 and $8 on various auction platforms.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (approx. $25-$40) exceeds the market value of the book in this condition. Only worth grading if the owner believes it is a 9.6 or higher.
Notable Features
Features cover and interior art by legendary artist Gil Kane. Includes a classic giant monster cover common to the Bronze Age Conan run.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1981 print. The 50-cent price point, Marvel Comics Group header, and specific color saturation on the newsstand barcode align with standard production of this era.