Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword ##13
Marvel Comics • Red Sonja Vol. 1
Writer
Roy Thomas
Interior Artist
Frank Thorne
Cover Artist
Frank Thorne
Publication Date
January 1979
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (Pence Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'Swords against Skranos!' where Red Sonja battles the monstrous Skranos and his followers. This issue is part of the final run of the original 1977 Marvel series.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good / Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the spine; blunting and light creasing to the upper and lower right corners; slight edge wear along the right side; apparent paper tanning consistent with age; possible small tear or indentation near the top staple.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 USD; Graded (CGC 5.0): $30 - $45 USD. Note: UK Price variants often carry a small premium for specific regional collectors but generally track with US cents copies.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for US copies in mid-grade (5.0-6.0) range from $8 to $18. High-grade (9.0+) copies fetch $40+. Pence variants typically sell within 10-20% of their US counterparts.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading and shipping would likely exceed the final market value of a mid-grade issue. Professional cleaning and pressing might improve the look but wouldn't significantly boost the ROI for this specific issue.
Notable Features
12p UK price variant with UPC barcode (Direct-style layout for the time); cover art by the definitive Red Sonja artist Frank Thorne; Pence variants are scarcer than US Cent versions due to lower print runs for the UK market.
Authentication Notes
The comic exhibits authentic 1970s Marvel production characteristics, including period-accurate newsprint stock and 'Marvel All-Colour Comics' branding. The 12p price stamp is typical for UK imports of this era.