The Mighty Thor ##281
Marvel Comics • Thor Vol. 1
Writer
Mark Gruenwald and Ralph Macchio
Interior Artist
Keith Pollard
Cover Artist
Keith Pollard
Publication Date
March 1979
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Thor finds himself in the heart of Limbo where his hammer, Mjolnir, vanishes. He encounters Spaceknights and continues the 'Celestial Saga' involving Immortus and the origins of the Eternals. This issue is part of the run leading up to the iconic Thor #300.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticks along the left edge. Visible blunting and minor wear on the upper and lower corners. Slight horizontal creasing near the center right edge. The cover appears to have some surface dirt or staining on the right-hand side. Edgewear is present along the top and right side.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5.00 - $12.00 | Graded: $25.00 - $40.00 (Note: UK variants can sometimes command a niche premium but are generally traded at standard issue prices in this grade range).
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for mid-grade raw copies of Thor #281 range from $4 to $10. High-grade (9.0+) newsstand or UK copies typically sell for $15-$25.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (approx $25-$35) exceeds the current market value of the comic in this condition. A professional pressing might remove minor dents but will not address the color-breaking spine ticks.
Notable Features
Features an appearance by Immortus; UK 12p price variant; Newsstand-style barcode present; part of the sprawling Celestial Saga; classic Bronze Age Marvel aesthetic.
Authentication Notes
The coloring, paper aging (off-white tones), and 12p price stamp are consistent with Marvel's UK distribution printing from 1979. The font and placement of the barcode and issue details match known authentic copies.