Somerset Holmes #No. 1
Pacific Comics • Somerset Holmes Vol. 1
Writer
Bruce Jones
Interior Artist
Brent Anderson (Main Story), Al Williamson (Cliff Hanger)
Cover Artist
Brent Anderson
Publication Date
September 1983
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A high-concept suspense thriller about an amnesiac woman pursued by mysterious killers through an urban landscape. She must piece together her identity while surviving various attempts on her life. The issue also includes a back-up story titled 'Cliff Hanger' by legendary artist Al Williamson.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible glare from the bag obscures some details, but signs of spine stress/minor color-breaking ticks are present along the left edge. Slight blunting to the bottom-right corner. Overall shelf wear consistent with age, but maintains decent color vibrancy and gloss through the plastic.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5.00 - $12.00; Graded (9.8): $60.00 - $90.00
Recent Sales
Recent ungraded copies typically sell for between $6 and $10 on secondary markets. High-grade census copies (9.8) occasionally surface in the $75 range depending on buyer demand for Pacific Comics collectibles.
Grading Recommendation
Not generally recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection sentimental value. The cost of grading (approx. $30-$50) often exceeds the market value of the book unless it is a guaranteed 9.8 white-page copy.
Notable Features
First appearance of Somerset Holmes. Notable for being part of the 'Pacific Comics' line, which was a pioneer in the 1980s for independent creator-owned content and higher-quality paper stock (Baxter paper). Includes Al Williamson art in the backup feature. Features the signature trade dress of Pacific Comics 'For the NEW Era in Comics'.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Pacific Comics publication. No known counterfeits exist. The paper quality is typical for 1983 Pacific issues—notably higher quality than the newsprint used by Marvel/DC at the same time.