Jade : Chinese Fine & Decorative Arts
Jade Presents
Original Presentation Script
Introducing the April 1981 issue of 'The Savage Sword of Conan the Barbarian'—a formidable addition to any connoisseur's collection. This magazine-sized comic is not just another piece of pulp fiction; it's a vivid tableau capturing the sword and sorcery tales that have enthralled readers for decades. Here, Conan commands the cover, poised atop a horse in mid-battle, bringing the fierce elegance of its era to life. This was no typical comic—the pages inside spoke to the mature palate of its time, epitomizing the adventurous spirit of the Bronze Age. Marvel Magazine Group brought us this alluring vision, with cover art likely crafted by one of the masters, such as Earl Norem or John Buscema. This particular issue stands out with its painted cover, glossy texture, and durable paper—artistic in its rendition, yet unpretentious in its form like a warrior's weapon. An object's condition adds depth to its chronicle. Here, the wear at the edges, light creases, and stress along the spine tell tales of prior ownership, adventures shared through page after page. Though unslabbed, its visible integrity speaks against the ravages of time—missing only a credentialed seal for a full appraisal. The authenticity of this legacy piece is compelling, resting at an admirable 90 percent certainty. It embodies the nuanced signs of age and distinction, rare fakes notwithstanding. At auction, its value may reside between $20 and $40, an approachable dream for those who seek the adventures of Conan. As Comics Lass would say, its tale remains untainted—a chapter worth keeping. To the keen collector, may this piece find a home in a cherished trove of adventure.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
The Savage Sword of Conan the Barbarian #63 Magazine Comic
By: Marvel Magazine Group (cover likely by Earl Norem, John Buscema or similar era artist, not specified on front)
Style: Bronze Age Comic Magazine
Origin: United States
Materials: Paper, ink, with glossy color cover and black & white interior pages
Age: Circa April 1981
Condition: Very Good (edge/corner wear, spine stress/faint creases, not slabbed, interior and back not shown)
Value: $20 - $40 (unslabbed, based on visible condition)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Front cover text: 'MARVEL MAGAZINE GROUP', 'THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN THE BARBARIAN', issue #63, APR., $1.25 U.S., barcode 07148602137, Comics Code Authority logo (not required for magazine format, but sometimes present as 'CC' circle).
Date: 2025-06-30 03:28:45.516516
Description:
This is issue #63 (April) of 'The Savage Sword of Conan the Barbarian,' a black-and-white comic magazine published by Marvel Magazine Group. The cover features Conan brandishing a sword on horseback amidst a dynamic battle scene. The magazine format is larger than standard comics, popular among collectors for its mature, non-code content. The listed price is $1.25. This issue is notable for its painted cover art and staple binding.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a classic Bronze Age magazine-sized Conan issue prized for its painted covers and mature content. Condition is typically a significant factor in value. This specimen shows some visible edge and corner wear, light cover creasing, and light spine stress but no significant staining or tearing on the front visible in this image. The absence of CGC grading, and limited view of back or interior, means condition and restoration status cannot be fully verified. Collectors highly value Savage Sword of Conan for its art and stories; this issue is a solid mid-grade collectible. A word about fakes: reprints of key issues do exist, usually with distinct barcode or price differences, but these are rare for Savage Sword magazine issues. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
- Only front cover shown. Notable features: small color breaks along spine
- mild stress lines
- minor corner dings at top and bottom. Light gloss loss at edges. Some superficial handling marks and surface bends
- especially lower right edge. No writing or stickers visible. Barcode is intact and unstamped. Possible light yellowing due to age. No back cover or interior pages shown
- so restoration or other issues cannot be assessed.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation provided.
Condition:
Very Good (edge/corner wear, spine stress/faint creases, not slabbed, interior and back not shown)
Identification Score: 100%
The title, issue number, and publisher are all clearly identifiable on the front cover, along with an unmistakable Conan cover scene and publication details.
Authenticity Score: 90%
This appears to be an authentic copy based on the details visible: correct size, cover art, pricing, and publisher branding. Fakes are unusual in this particular title and era, but without seeing the back and interior pages, cannot 100% rule out a modern facsimile. Nevertheless, details such as aging, wear, and period-appropriate pricing are consistent with an original.
Image Memory Note
The main image is of a magazine-sized comic book, 'The Savage Sword of Conan the Barbarian' issue #63, published by Marvel Magazine Group. The cover art depicts Conan astride a rearing horse, brandishing a sword at four attackers in turbans and flowing robes in a desert-like setting, with dramatic, painted colors. Title and price appear at the top: 'MARVEL MAGAZINE GROUP', 'THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN', 'THE BARBARIAN'. ISSUE #: 63 (APRIL), Price: $1.25. On the left below the title: 02929 $1.25. Barcode (bottom left) reads 07148602137, with no stamps. Comics Code Authority circle ('CC') appears in the upper right corner. Slight edge/corner wear visible, some color break on spine. No rips, tears, or markings on the front. No image of the back cover or interior pages. No provenance or additional identifying marks shown.
Keywords
Savage Sword of Conan, Conan the Barbarian, Bronze Age comic, Marvel Magazine Group, magazine comic, April 1981, sword and sorcery, United States
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