The Silver Surfer ##1
Marvel Comics • The Silver Surfer Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
John Buscema
Cover Artist
John Buscema
Publication Date
August 1968
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Origin of the Silver Surfer and the first appearance of Shalla-Bal. The story recounts how Norrin Radd sacrificed his humanity to Galactus to save his home planet Zenn-La.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (Estimated)
Condition Details
The book appears remarkably clean with exceptional glossy black cover registration. Sharp corners and minimal spine stress are visible from the angle. Note: Because of its pristine appearance, it requires inspection to distinguish from modern high-end reprints (like Marvel Milestones or Folio Society editions), though the 'IND' markings suggest an original format.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $800 - $2,500; Graded 9.0+: $4,000 - $25,000+
Recent Sales
CGC 9.4 copies have recently sold for approximately $8,000-$10,000; Mid-grades (6.0) sell for $800-$1,200.
Grading Recommendation
Highly Recommended. If authentic and original 1968 stock, this is a top-tier silver age key. Professional pressing could maximize the grade.
Notable Features
Major Silver Age Key. Origin story. Square-bound / Giant-size issue. Features 'Big Premiere Issue' blast on cover.
Authentication Notes
The high gloss and saturation on the black ink should be verified against 1968 paper stock standards to ensure it is not a later facsimile or trade-paperback style reprint. Staple placement indicates the standard 72-page square-bound format.