Machine Man ##18
Marvel Comics • Machine Man Vol. 1
Writer
Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Steve Ditko
Cover Artist
Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott
Publication Date
December 1980
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (15p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Alpha Flight guest-stars as Sasquatch, Northstar, and Aurora battle Machine Man (Aaron Stack). The story involves the Canadian team tracking Machine Man due to a misunderstanding regarding his origins and potential threat level. This issue is a fan favorite for the Steve Ditko interior artwork.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Slight blunting on the bottom left corner, very minor spine stress ticks that do not appear to break color, and minor edge wear on the top right. Cover gloss remains high with vibrant colors.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15-$25 USD; Graded (9.0-9.4): $60-$80 USD. Note: UK Price variants can occasionally command a niche premium or be valued slightly lower depending on the specific collector market.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for raw US editions range from $10-$20 in mid-to-high grade; CGC 9.8 copies have reached $150-$200. UK variants trade less frequently but usually within 10% of US prices.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading unless sentimental value is high. The cost of grading (approx $35-$50) plus shipping would exceed the current market value of a 9.0 copy. A professional press could potentially bump this to a 9.2 or 9.4.
Notable Features
Guest appearance by Alpha Flight characters (Sasquatch, Northstar, and Aurora). Features the 15p UK Price Variant, which is rarer than the standard US cents version but holds similar market demand. Spider-Man head in the corner box.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age Marvel production. The '15p' price box is correctly formatted for the 1980 UK distribution. Paper stock appears consistent with period-appropriate newsprint.