Item Report
Bronze Age Marvel Comics 'Conan the Barbarian' #1
By: Cover art by Barry Windsor-Smith; story by Roy Thomas
Style: Bronze Age American Comic Book
Origin: USA
Materials: Paper, ink (typical newsprint with color offset printing)
Age: 1970 (October issue, cover dated 1970)
Condition: Very Good/Fine (light spine wear, visible corner creases, not officially graded, appears raw copy)
Value: $500–$2,500 (depending on condition; high grades and slabbed copies can fetch more at auction)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Visible text includes: 'CONAN THE BARBARIAN', '15¢', '1 OCT', 'MARVEL COMICS GROUP', 'APPROVED BY THE COMICS CODE AUTHORITY', and cover blurbs 'TO THE DEATH!' and 'THE COMING OF CONAN!'. Artist signature 'Windsor-Smith' in bottom left artwork (partially obscured).
Date: 2025-06-11 01:23:40.430577
Description:
This is the debut issue of Marvel's 'Conan the Barbarian', published in October 1970. Widely regarded as an iconic premiere, this comic marks the first appearance of Conan in mainstream comic book form, adapted from Robert E. Howard's fantasy character. The cover art is by Barry Windsor-Smith, featuring Conan fighting off monstrous creatures to protect a woman. Key characteristics include vibrant Bronze Age coloring, Marvel Comics Group branding, a 15-cent price, and Comics Code Authority stamp. The comic is a collector's classic, highly valued especially in high grade.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This example is a historically significant comic, being the first issue of 'Conan the Barbarian.' The cover displays moderate wear typical of raw (unslabbed) mid-grade examples: creasing at corners, possible edge wear, and mild color breaking. Even in modest condition, it is a desirable key issue among collectors of Bronze Age comics.
Individual Images:
- Examining details: visible are moderate to light creases at the top right and bottom left corners
- slight rounding of corners
- and some edge wear
- especially along the left spine where minor color loss is evident. No visible tears or major staining. Cover colors remain reasonably vibrant
- and staples appear intact from the front. No markings or major blemishes.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation visible in the image.
Condition:
Very Good/Fine (light spine wear, visible corner creases, not officially graded, appears raw copy)
Identification Score: 100%
All visible hallmarks (cover art, issue information, Marvel branding, price, Comics Code, and content) leave no doubt: this is 'Conan the Barbarian' #1 from 1970.
Authenticity Score: 85%
The item appears genuine based on visible characteristics and cover wear consistent with age. While not slabbed or officially graded, there are no obvious indicators of reprint or forgery, but authentication would be firmer with interior pages and provenance.
Image Memory Note
Image shows the front cover of 'Conan the Barbarian' #1 (Marvel Comics, Oct 1970). Bright, colorful art featuring muscular barbarian Conan wielding a sword and fighting monsters with a terrified woman below him. Top banner reads: 'NEW! FIRST TIME IN COMIC-BOOK FORM!' Issue price: 15¢, issue number: 1, date: OCT. Marvel Comics Group logo on left. Comics Code Authority stamp in top right. Cover blurbs: 'TO THE DEATH!', 'THE COMING OF CONAN!' Bottom left, small figure of Conan running. Clearly visible creases upper right and lower left corners, edge and spine show typical aging and moderate wear, slight rounding to all corners, but no major rips or defacement. Artist's signature 'Windsor-Smith' is partly visible at bottom left. No inscriptions, stickers, or markings.
Keywords
Conan the Barbarian, Marvel Comics, Bronze Age, comic book, Barry Windsor-Smith, 1970, USA, key issue, first appearance
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