Spawn ##1
Image Comics • Spawn Vol. 1
Writer
Todd McFarlane
Interior Artist
Todd McFarlane
Cover Artist
Todd McFarlane
Publication Date
May 1992
Cover Variant
Regular Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Spawn (Al Simmons), Malebolgia, Wanda Blake, and Sam & Twitch. The story introduces Al Simmons, a murdered government assassin who makes a deal with a demon to return to Earth.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (9.4)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress visible on left edge; corners appear sharp with very slight blunting on the bottom left; surface gloss is vibrant; no visible color-breaking creases on main cover face.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (9.4): $80 - $110; Graded (9.8): $250 - $300
Recent Sales
High-grade 9.8 copies consistently sell for around $275; raw high-grade copies average $40 on secondary markets.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or higher. A 9.8 grade significantly increases value. A press and clean is recommended to address minor spine ticks before submission.
Notable Features
First appearance of Spawn; iconic Todd McFarlane cover; Includes Spawn pin-up poster; key issue for the 1990s independent comic boom.
Authentication Notes
First printing indicated by $1.95 cover price and May date. Over 1.7 million copies were printed; verify interior 'Spawn' logo on page 1 and paper stock quality.