Conan the Barbarian ##179
Marvel Comics • Conan the Barbarian Vol. 1
Writer
Christopher Priest (credited as James Owsley)
Interior Artist
John Buscema
Cover Artist
John Buscema
Publication Date
February 1986
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (Barcode in bottom-left corner)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In 'The End of All Nations!', Conan faces off against a demonic sorcerer riding a winged creature. Part of the James Owsley/John Buscema run which focused on more high-fantasy elements and geopolitical conflict within the Hyborian Age.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress/ticks, corner blunting on all four corners, a significant horizontal crease across the lower center of the cover that appears to break color, and general shelf wear. The plastic bag obscures some surface sheen, but minor surface scuffing is likely.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (9.0+): $45 - $60. In its current 5.0 condition, it is primarily a 'dollar bin' or reader copy.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies range between $2.00 and $5.00. High-grade (9.8) copies have peaked near $85.00 in current market trends.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service ($25+) exceeds the current market value of the book in this condition. It is best kept as a reader copy or in a personal collection.
Notable Features
Newsstand edition barcode; classic John Buscema cover art. This is a common issue from the mid-1980s and is not considered a key issue.
Authentication Notes
The book appears authentic. It features the standard Marvel trade dress of the 1980s, appropriate '75 cent' price point, and newsstand UPC. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting are present.