Condition:Fine (approx. 6.0; moderate spine ticks and minor edge/corner wear; back/interior not shown; appears raw and not officially graded)
Value:$20–$50 (auction, as shown; higher if professionally graded in VF/NM)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Cover text: 'Marvel Comics Group', 'Special Issue!', 'CONAN THE BARBARIAN', 'Special Academy Award Issue! Two of the greatest Conan sagas ever told!', 'Approved by the Comics Code Authority', price '35¢', 'Conan King-Size 1 • 1973 • 02903'.
Date:2025-10-31 16:21:34.076740
Description:
Original Marvel Comics oversized annual reprint issue featuring Conan the Barbarian. The cover proclaims 'Special Issue!' and 'Special Academy Award Issue! Two of the greatest Conan sagas ever told!' 35¢ cover price, Comics Code Authority stamp, and 'Conan King-Size 1 • 1973 • 02903' box. Cover art signed by Barry Windsor-Smith; stories by Roy Thomas with art by Windsor-Smith and others. Staple-bound, color offset-printed cover with newsprint interiors.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This appears to be Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian King-Size Special (Annual) #1 from 1973 with classic Barry Windsor-Smith cover. From the front image, condition looks around Fine with moderate spine ticks and light edge/corner wear; back cover and interiors are not shown, so a full grade can’t be confirmed. For verification, check the indicia on the first interior page for 'Conan the Barbarian King-Size Special No. 1, 1973,' page color/toning, staple placement, and absence of modern UPC/barcode. A word about fakes.. Bronze Age keys and popular issues are sometimes offered as reprints or facsimiles; watch for modern reprint tells (modern prices/UPC, 'Facsimile/Replica' notations) and for undisclosed restoration such as color touch, spine reinforcement, or whitening. Overall, likely an original 1973 copy based on 35¢ price, CCA stamp, period layout, and no UPC, but further inspection is advised. Up, up, and appraise! {chavatar_catchphrase}
Individual Images:
none
Provenance:
No provenance provided.
Condition:
Fine (approx. 6.0; moderate spine ticks and minor edge/corner wear; back/interior not shown; appears raw and not officially graded)
Identification Score: 98%
Distinct cover design, 35¢ price, 'Conan King-Size 1 • 1973 • 02903' box, and Barry Windsor-Smith signature match Conan the Barbarian King-Size Special (Annual) #1 (1973).
Authenticity Score: 75%
Front cover details (35¢, CCA stamp, period trade dress, absence of UPC) are consistent with an original 1973 printing; however, only the front is shown—cannot rule out a modern facsimile or restoration without indicia, interior paper, and back-cover checks. Fakery check: ensure no 'Facsimile/Replica' notation, confirm 1973 indicia, examine for color touch or spine reinforcement under UV.
Image Memory Note
None
None
Keywords
Conan the Barbarian, King-Size Special, Annual #1, Bronze Age, Marvel Comics, 1973, Barry Windsor-Smith, Roy Thomas, United States, fantasy comic
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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