THE STEEL CLAW ##1
Quality Comics • The Steel Claw (1986 Mini-Series)
Writer
Tom Tully
Interior Artist
Jesús Blasco
Cover Artist
Garry Leach
Publication Date
December 1986
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of a four-part mini-series reprinting the classic British comic strip. It features Louis Crandell, a lab assistant who gains invisibility and electrical powers through his prosthetic steel claw after a laboratory accident.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress visible along the left edge. Slight blunting to the bottom right corner with a minor color-breaking crease. Some surface wear on the pink background. Edges show very light white rubbing or 'foxing-like' wear on the bottom left.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for approximately $5. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have sold in the range of $50 depending on buyer interest in 80s UK reprints.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (CGC/CBCS) exceeds the current market value of the comic in this condition. Better to keep in a bag and board for personal collection.
Notable Features
Reprints material from Valiant (UK). Quality Comics was known for introducing 1960s-1970s British comic icons to the American market in the mid-80s. This issue contains the origin of The Steel Claw.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic with correct 1986 price points ($0.75 US, $1.10 CAN, 60p UK). Paper aging is consistent with 1980s newsprint quality used by Quality Comics.