The West Coast Avengers #23
Marvel Comics • The West Coast Avengers Vol. 2
Writer
Steve Englehart
Interior Artist
Al Milgrom
Cover Artist
Al Milgrom
Publication Date
August 1987
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spider-Man head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part of the 'Lost in Space-Time' story arc. The team remains separated across time. In this issue, Mockingbird (Bobbi Morse) confronts Lincoln Slade (the Phantom Rider). Slade had drugged and brainwashed her, leading to a controversial confrontation where she allows him to fall to his death, an event that later causes a rift between her and Hawkeye.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress marks (spine ticks), some color-breaking wear along the left edge/spine, slight blunting of the top right corner, and minor surface scuffing on the dark areas of the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10; Graded 9.8: $45 - $60
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for under $10. CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold in the range of $50.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (approx $25-$40) exceeds the value of a mid-to-high grade raw copy. Only worth grading if it were a flawless 9.8 candidate.
Notable Features
Significant character development for Mockingbird; death of the Lincoln Slade Phantom Rider; Direct Edition with Spider-Man icon.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1987 Marvel publication. No signs of restoration or reproduction are visible; the paper aging and ink saturation are consistent with Bronze/Modern Age transition copper age stocks.