The Crow ##1
Caliber Comics • The Crow Vol. 1: Pain & Fear
Writer
James O'Barr
Interior Artist
James O'Barr
Cover Artist
James O'Barr
Publication Date
February 1989
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Introduces Eric Draven and Shelly, establishing the dark, vengeful narrative of a murdered musician returning from the dead guided by a crow to exact vengeance on the street gang that killed them.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0) to Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible major vertical reading crease running down the left side of the front cover, minor corner blunting, slight spine roll and minor spine stress ticks, typical shelf wear for an indie book of this age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw value estimated between $30 to $70 depending on exact interior condition; graded values could range higher depending on final certified grade.
Recent Sales
Sales for early printings of Caliber's The Crow #1 vary widely based on condition, with high-grade copies commanding significant premiums due to its independent cult classic status and movie adaptation legacy.
Grading Recommendation
Due to the prominent vertical crease on the cover, professional grading may not yield a high enough grade to substantially increase return on investment after grading fees, making it a better candidate for a personal collection or raw preservation.
Notable Features
First issue of the original Caliber Comics series, highly sought after by independent comic collectors and fans of the 1994 film adaptation.
Authentication Notes
Appears authentic with standard newsprint/matte paper stock typical of late 1980s Caliber independent publications, correct logo placements, and proper indie publisher indicia.