Marvel Bronze Age Conan the Barbarian King-Size #1 Comic Book
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Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Ah, Dan, you've brought me a gem from the heart of the Bronze Age! This "Marvel Bronze Age Conan the Barbarian King-Size number 1 Comic Book" from 1973 is bursting with vivid, dramatic flair typical of its era. Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith have crafted a tale with the heroic flair of Robert E. Howard’s legendary Conan, and the “Special Academy Award Issue” stamp on the cover adds an extra layer of allure. Condition-wise, we're sitting at a Very Fine- (light edge wear and corner stress, yet unslabbed), but think of it as a well-aged wine, boasting a vivid color palette that the Bronze Age reveled in. With original ads perfectly capturing the period's essence, this piece might just have made young adventurers dream of tales from far-off realms, just ripe for any collector’s lair.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Marvel Bronze Age Conan the Barbarian King-Size #1 Comic Book
By:Barry Windsor-Smith (cover artist), Roy Thomas (writer)
Style:Bronze Age American Comic Book
Origin:United States
Materials:Printed paper (pulp paper interior, glossy cover stock); four-color ink
Age:1973
Condition:Very Fine- (light edge wear, some corner stress, not officially graded or slabbed)
Value:$70 - $180 (depending on grade; auction value, not slabbed)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Front cover: 'MARVEL COMICS GROUP', 'Special Issue!'; 'King-Size No. 1', '1973', 35¢. Comics Code Authority stamp is present. Signature 'BARRY SMITH' (Barry Windsor-Smith) on cover art. No writing or markings from owner observed.
Date:2025-06-24 19:35:34.233103
Description:
This is a first issue King-Size Special comic book titled 'Conan the Barbarian King-Size #1', published by Marvel Comics Group in 1973. The cover features the signature bold style of early Bronze Age superhero comics, with vibrant colors and dramatic action artwork typical of this era. The story focuses on Robert E. Howard's Conan, rendered by the acclaimed team of writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith. Noteworthy design: the 'Special Academy Award Issue' burst on the front cover, advertising two of the greatest Conan sagas ever told. Price on cover is 35¢, the standard for US comics of that year. Back cover displays a classic full-page advertising spread typical of vintage comics, targeting children with various prizes.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A classic and collectible Bronze Age Marvel comic in demand among Conan and fantasy comic collectors. This copy appears to be in solid mid-grade or better condition based on visible edges and surface. The cover is colorful with only minor visible wear along some edges and corners. Unslabbed, but appears unrestored. The presence of the 35¢ price, no newsstand markings, and full color ad on the back confirm originality. A word about fakes: While reprints and facsimiles do exist, original 1973 issues are recognizable by cover price and interior ads. Facsimiles are typically clearly marked as such. This comic is likely authentic.
Individual Images:
The second image (back cover) confirms originality
as the advertising is appropriate for the era and there are no signs of color touch-ups or restoration at the edges. The spine appears tight with only minor creasing. Bottom-right corner of front cover shows minimal rounding – typical for a book of this age. No stamps
cut coupons
or visible tears noted. Interior not visible
so page color and integrity unknown.
Provenance:
No direct provenance provided; images show comic in collector handling.
Condition:
Very Fine- (light edge wear, some corner stress, not officially graded or slabbed)
Identification Score: 98%
The title, publication data, and Bronze Age cover design are clear and unambiguous. The 1973 copyright and original Marvel trade dress match documented examples.
Authenticity Score: 85%
High authenticity likelihood due to cover details, period-correct advertising, and overall presentation. No obvious signs of reprint or facsimile edition. Not slabbed, so 100% authenticity cannot be confirmed without expert inspection, but all visible details point to a genuine 1973 Marvel release.
Image Memory Note
The comic depicted is 'Conan the Barbarian King-Size Special Issue #1' from Marvel Comics Group, 1973. The front cover is dominated by a large yellow CONAN THE BARBARIAN title, with 'King-Size' banner at the top left, and an image of Conan amid vanquished foes in a riverbed. Red circle on cover: 'Special Academy Award Issue! Two of the Greatest Conan Sagas Ever Told'. Price: 35¢. Comics Code Authority approved stamp (CC) upper right. Bottom-left has a purple signature mark, reading 'BARRY SMITH'. No writing or ownership marks are visible. The back cover is a yellow and blue advertisement for J.S.C.A prizes, full color with a mail-in reply area in lower right, listing many prizes including bikes, guitars, radios, etc., and instructions in the lower red box. Edges and corners reveal slight wear, especially bottom right corner (rounded). No tape, sticker residue, or cut-outs visible. Spine is intact; staples not visible in images.
Keywords
Conan the Barbarian, Marvel Comics, Bronze Age, comic book, King-Size, 1973, Barry Windsor-Smith, United States, fantasy, collectible
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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