Marvel Bronze Age Conan the Barbarian King-Size Special #1 Comic Book
LANGUAGE UNLOCK
Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
No narration for this appraisal report
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Marvel Bronze Age Conan the Barbarian King-Size Special #1 Comic Book
By:Marvel Comics Group; cover art by Barry Windsor-Smith
Style:Bronze Age American Comic Book
Origin:United States
Materials:Printed paper (newsprint interior, glossy cover)
Age:1973
Condition:Very Fine (sharp corners, vivid colors, light edge wear; not officially graded, raw copy)
Value:$100–$250 (raw, ungraded, depending on condition; higher for graded NM copies)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Marvel Comics Group logo; 'Approved by the Comics Code Authority' seal; cover date 1973; price 35¢; artist's signature 'Barry Smith' lower left.
Date:2025-07-03 13:44:46.282242
Description:
This is the first King-Size Special Issue of 'Conan the Barbarian,' published in 1973 by Marvel Comics Group. The cover features dynamic, full-color artwork of Conan in battle, illustrated by Barry Windsor-Smith. The issue is announced as a 'Special Academy Award Issue' and reprints two of the greatest Conan sagas. The comic embodies the Bronze Age of comics, notable for its shift toward more mature storytelling and detailed artwork. It features standard comic book materials—color-printed paper covers and interior pages typical for 1970s comics.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a desirable collector's item from the Bronze Age of comics, featuring a significant Conan cover and classic Marvel production. First King-Size issues tend to attract attention from both comic and fantasy collectors. Value depends heavily on condition, with top prices achieved by professionally graded Near Mint copies. This copy appears to be in very good condition with sharp colors and minimal visible wear.
Individual Images:
No additional images were provided. The main image shows the front cover
which is crisp
well-centered
and displays minimal apparent damage. Spine looks clean with minor ticks visible at left
but is otherwise in very presentable condition.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation provided.
Condition:
Very Fine (sharp corners, vivid colors, light edge wear; not officially graded, raw copy)
Identification Score: 99%
The comic is clearly identified by its prominent title, publisher (Marvel), King-Size issue number, and visible publication year (1973), matching established collector records for this comic.
Authenticity Score: 90%
All visible features match a genuine 1973 Marvel publication: correct cover art, price, and markings. However, authenticity could be further verified by examining interior indicia and checking for restoration or facsimile reprints, which are not visible here.
Image Memory Note
The primary image shows the front cover of Marvel Comics' 'Conan the Barbarian King-Size Special #1' from 1973. Title is in large yellow block letters, with 'KING-SIZE' in a diagonal banner at upper left. Red text boxes say 'SPECIAL ISSUE!' and 'Special Academy Award Issue! Two of the greatest Conan sagas ever told!' Conan, muscular and wild-haired, stands victorious over vanquished foes in a dramatic battle scene rendered by Barry Windsor-Smith (signature 'Barry Smith' bottom left). Publisher and production info at top (Marvel Comics Group, 35¢ price, Comics Code Authority seal). No visible rips, tears, or major discolorations. The spine is mostly flat, cover colors are vibrant, and corners are sharp. No significant creasing or stains noted.
Keywords
Conan the Barbarian, Bronze Age, Marvel Comics, comic book, King-Size Special, 1973, Barry Windsor-Smith, United States
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
Share: