Black Belt #Vol. 15, No. 2
Rainbow Publications, Inc. • Black Belt: World's Leading Magazine of Self-Defense
Writer
Various contributors; T. K. Kang (featured)
Interior Artist
Not applicable (Magazine format with photography)
Cover Artist
Not attributed (Photography based)
Publication Date
February 1977
Cover Variant
Regular/Newsstand Edition (Barcode visible)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features 'Bruce Lee's Fighting Strategy: Part 2' as a headline instructional. Editorial content includes: Why Your Child Should Study A Martial Art, Alan Coage (Bad News Brown) Olympic Judo win, Karate in the Jewish Community, and Canadian Karate's Great Red Hope.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0 equiv.)
Condition Details
Visible heavy spine stress and color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and rounding of the top-left and bottom-right corners; noticeable surface scuffing and edge wear; possible subscription fold or warping on the left side; discoloration consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $25; Graded/Slabbed: $40 - $60 (due to Bruce Lee content influence)
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for standard 1970s Black Belt issues range from $12 to $30 depending on condition and specific Bruce Lee content. Issues featuring Bruce Lee instructional segments tend to maintain slightly higher liquidity.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The condition is below the threshold (usually 8.0+) where the cost of grading provides a significant return on investment for this specific title. It is better kept as a reader copy or in a protective bag/board.
Notable Features
Contains a multi-part instructional series on Bruce Lee; features early coverage of Alan Coage before his professional wrestling fame; Newsstand barcode in the bottom left corner.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1977 newsstand copy. Proper paper oxidation (tanning) visible on edges. Appropriate 'K 45432' distribution code and $1.00 cover price for the era.