The Punisher War Journal ##20
Marvel Comics • The Punisher War Journal Vol. 1
Writer
Carl Potts
Interior Artist
Jim Lee
Cover Artist
Jim Lee
Publication Date
July 1990
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (Spider-Man head in corner box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Frank Castle travels to Djibouti, Africa. He finds himself unarmed and hunted through the desert and jungle by members of the French Foreign Legion. This issue is part of the 'Frank's High School Reunion' era where Jim Lee was the primary artist.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress/ticks visible along the left edge. Minor blunting at the top right corner. The cover gloss appears maintained, but there is a slight ripple visible through the poly-bag suggesting it could benefit from a press.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10; Graded (9.8): $60 - $80
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for under $10. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $75 range, though demand is moderate.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The grading fees and shipping would likely exceed the market value of the book. A 9.0-9.2 raw estimate makes it a great personal collection piece, but not a financial flip.
Notable Features
Features cover and interior art by superstar artist Jim Lee. This is a Direct Edition copy (denoted by the Spider-Man face in the UPC box). No major first appearances or key events.
Authentication Notes
The book appears to be an authentic 1990 copper-age original. Correct price point for the era ($1.50) and standard Marvel newsprint interior paper stock visible at the edges.