RETURN OF THE NEW GODS ##12
DC Comics • Return of the New Gods Vol. 1
Writer
Gerry Conway
Interior Artist
Don Newton and Dan Adkins
Cover Artist
Don Newton and Joe Rubinstein
Publication Date
July 1977
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct (Newsstand UPC visible)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue marks the relaunch of Jack Kirby’s New Gods characters under Gerry Conway. Orion, Lightray, and Metron return to Earth to battle Darkseid and the forces of Apokolips to prevent the Anti-Life Equation from being unleashed.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress/ticks visible against blue background; slight blunting on upper right corner; minor scuffing on the bottom edge; some shelf wear on the back cover likely present based on front appearance; slight color-breaking crease near the bottom left UPC area.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $25; Graded (CGC 7.5-8.5): $50 - $80
Recent Sales
Comparable high-grade raw copies have recently sold for approximately $20. Graded 9.0+ copies can fetch over $100, but lower mid-grades remain affordable.
Grading Recommendation
Not highly recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection sentimental value. The cost of CGC/CBCS fees plus shipping would likely exceed the market value of the book in this estimated condition. A 'Press and Clean' might bump it to an 8.0, but it is not a major key issue.
Notable Features
This is the first issue of the New Gods revival in the late 70s, continuing the numbering from the original 1971 series which ended at #11. Features a newsstand UPC barcode.
Authentication Notes
Consistent with 1977 Bronze Age DC manufacturing: glossy cover stock, 35-cent price point, and newsstand UPC. No signs of restoration or counterfeiting visible.