Guardians of the Galaxy ##1
Marvel Comics • Guardians of the Galaxy (Vol. 1)
Writer
Jim Valentino
Interior Artist
Jim Valentino
Cover Artist
Jim Valentino
Publication Date
June 1990
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (with Barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of the original series featuring the 31st Century team. The story follows Yondu, Vance Astro, Martinex, Charlie-27, Starhawk, and Aleta as they travel from the 31st century back to the 20th century.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress/ticks visible near the top and bottom of the spine. Slight blunting on the bottom right corner. Very minor color rubbing on the black background areas. Spine appears straight and colors remain vibrant.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $25 - $40; Graded (CGC 9.0): $60 - $80; Graded (CGC 9.8): $250 - $325
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar VF/NM condition have recently sold between $25 and $45. Newsstand editions typically command a small premium (10-20%) over Direct Market copies.
Grading Recommendation
Recommended for grading only if a professional cleaning and press could push it to a 9.6 or 9.8. As it sits, the value increase may not justify the grading costs. Currently estimated at a 9.0 primarily due to spine ticks.
Notable Features
First 'Cosmic' issue for this team. Newsstand Edition (indicated by the UPC barcode in the bottom left). Features the 31st Century lineup of the Guardians, different from the modern movie-era team.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1990 newsstand copy. Proper logo placement, appropriate paper aging for the era, and standard newsstand barcode formatting are present.