Tales of G.I. Joe ##12
Marvel Comics • Tales of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
Writer
Larry Hama
Interior Artist
Mike Vosburg & Jon D'Agostino
Cover Artist
Herb Trimpe
Publication Date
December 1988
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spider-Man head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue reprints the story from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #12. The Joes (Stalker, Gung-Ho, Gung-Ho, and Breaker) are in Sierra Gordo on a mission to rescue Dr. Adele Burkhart from a rebel compound. Key characters include Cobra Commander and Baroness.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress marks; slight corner blunting on the top right; some minor edge wear along the top; surface scuffing visible on the bag/board which may affect the assessment of the cover's gloss; minor color-breaking tick near the bottom left corner.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (CGC 9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have sold for approximately $5 on secondary markets. Graded copies of this specific reprint series have low volume and typically sell for slightly above grading costs.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. This is a reprint series (Tales of G.I. Joe reprinted the original 1982 ARAH series). The cost of grading exceeds the market value of the book unless it is a guaranteed 9.8, which this specimen is not due to visible spine ticks.
Notable Features
Reprint series; features Spider-Man icon in the UPC box used for Marvel direct market editions of that era. High cover price ($1.50) compared to the original 1982 series ($0.60) due to being a deluxe format reprint.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic with correct paper stock for 1988 Baxter-style paper often used in these reprints. Color registration is aligned, and the Spider-Man UPC head is consistent with Marvel's 25th-anniversary era and late-80s trade dress.