The Uncanny X-Men ##266
Marvel Comics • The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1
Writer
Chris Claremont
Interior Artist
Mike Collins
Cover Artist
Andy Kubert
Publication Date
Late August 1990
Cover Variant
Regular Direct Edition (Spider-Man head UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First full appearance of Remy LeBeau, aka Gambit. The story features Gambit helping a de-aged Storm (currently Ororo) escape the Shadow King and Nanny's orphan-makers in New Orleans.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine / Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress ticks, slight blunting on the top right corner, and minor edge wear along the top periphery. Surface gloss appears high with no major color-breaking creases visible in current orientation.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $225; Graded (CGC 9.0+): $250 - $400
Recent Sales
Recent 9.0 - 9.2 raw copies have sold between $180 and $240. CGC 9.8 copies regularly exceed $800, while 9.0 slabs hold around $275.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, this is a major key issue. A professional press and clean could potentially elevate this from a 9.0 to a 9.4+, significantly increasing market liquidity and value.
Notable Features
First full appearance of Gambit. Notable for being the first cover appearance of Gambit. Direct Edition marked by the Spider-Man head in the UPC box. This issue technically follows Gambit's cameo in X-Men Annual #14, but is widely considered the true first full appearance.
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing. Features correct $1.00 US cover price, 'Late Aug' date stamp, and period-accurate newsprint interior paper stock. Ink registration on the Kubert cover is consistent with 1990 Marvel production.