Item Report
Howard the Duck #1 Comic Book (Marvel, January 1976)
By: Story by Steve Gerber; Cover art by Frank Brunner
Style: Bronze Age American Comic Book
Origin: United States
Materials: Paper, ink
Age: January 1976 (Bronze Age of Comics)
Condition: Good to Very Good (based on visible cover, small creases and some wear apparent; not officially graded)
Value: $60–$180 (raw copy, depending on condition; higher for professionally graded examples in Near Mint)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Printed: 'MARVEL COMICS GROUP', 'HOWARD THE DUCK', 'JAN', '$0.30', '02485', SPIDER-MAN inset image, blurbs such as 'TRAPPED IN A WORLD HE NEVER MADE!' and 'AGAINST SWORD AND SORCERY HOWARD STANDS REVEALED BY THAT AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!'.
Date: 2025-06-10 17:10:45.664336
Description:
Quack! This is the first issue of 'Howard the Duck', published by Marvel Comics Group in January 1976. The cover is vibrant, featuring Howard the Duck wielding a sword with a distressed woman behind him and a cameo illustration of Spider-Man. The tagline at the top reads, 'Trapped in a World He Never Made!' and additional text highlights this as Howard's first solo issue. The cover price reads $0.30, and the issue is numbered #1.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A significant comic from the Bronze Age era, this first solo issue of Howard the Duck is collectible due to its cult following and Marvel legacy. Value depends on overall condition, with professionally graded near-mint copies realizing top auction prices.
Individual Images:
- Only the front cover is visible. Key elements: cover price is $0.30
- no major tears or losses
- but there is some apparent wear and possible small creases along edges. Absence of back cover or interior photos limits full grade certainty.
Provenance:
No provenance documents included or shown.
Condition:
Good to Very Good (based on visible cover, small creases and some wear apparent; not officially graded)
Identification Score: 100%
Clear issue identifier including issue number, cover, and publisher allow for complete confidence in identification.
Authenticity Score: 95%
Assuming the image is of a physical comic and not a digital reprint or facsimile, the original 1976 issue is likely authentic, but further inspection for indicia and printing details would be needed for absolute certainty.
Image Memory Note
The comic book's cover is dominated by the large yellow and orange 'Howard the Duck' title. Howard, dressed in a blue suit and red tie, holds a sword and shield, accompanied by a startled woman. There is a city-scape-like shadow behind them. The bottom right corner features a round inset of Spider-Man. The cover price ($0.30) and issue number (1) are clearly marked in the upper left. The publisher 'Marvel Comics Group' is in yellow at the top. The cover exhibits slight spine and corner wear but no major rips. No signatures, writing, or noticeable stains present on the cover. No view of back cover, spine, or interior.
Keywords
Howard the Duck, Marvel Comics, Bronze Age, Comic Book, Steve Gerber, Frank Brunner, United States, Spider-Man, First Issue, 1976
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