Bronze Age Marvel Conan the Barbarian #24 Comic Book
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Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Thank you, Dan, for presenting this captivating piece of comic history — the Bronze Age Marvel's Conan the Barbarian #24. A single issue tells the tales of mighty Conan and the first full appearance of the fire-haired warrior Red Sonja, marked in March 1973. In essence, not merely ink and paper, but a vivid chronicle of illustrated adventure.
Set in the tumultuous era of the early 1970s, this artifact embodies cultural and collector significance. Across its pages resonate the storytelling artistry of Roy Thomas and the dynamic, intricate linework of Barry Windsor-Smith. Perhaps 'The Song of Red Sonja' became a key issue for more than its narrative; it marks the genesis of a character who sparks imaginations to this day.
Constructed of humble materials — paper and ink — yet marvelously emblazoned with Barry Windsor-Smith’s instantly recognizable art. It’s embellished with the Marvel Comics Group header, a statement for any collector that the Bronze Age of comics heralded a new frontier of storytelling wonder.
In considering its condition, there’s a tale to tell. Although untouched by a professional grader's scrutiny, the comic presents well. We note some stress marks along the spine, light wear upon its edges, reflective of careful handling and the passage of time. Its value dances between $400 to $1,200, influenced by those nuances of authenticity and condition.
With an authenticity score set at a confident 85 percent, this issue concurs with all the markers of a genuine relic — from the correct 20-cent cover price to the signature Comics Code Authority stamp. Though it teeters on the border of perfection, absent slabbed validation, it holds its own with proud scholarship. In today’s age of replicas and reprints, this issue stands as a testament to narrative art, a valued fragment of the Bronze Age saga. Thank you for the journey into this vibrant comics realm.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Bronze Age Marvel Conan the Barbarian #24 Comic Book
By:Marvel Comics; cover and interior art by Barry Windsor-Smith; written by Roy Thomas
Style:Bronze Age Comic Book
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink
Age:1973
Condition:Very Good/Fine (light edge wear, some spine stress, no slabbing, back cover appears intact, no interior shown)
Value:$400–$1,200 (depending on condition, with higher value in very fine to near mint; significant due to the first full appearance of Red Sonja)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Front cover: 'CONAN THE BARBARIAN', Marvel Comics Group header, Comics Code Authority stamp, '24 MAR', '20¢'; artist signature visible toward the middle right (Barry Windsor-Smith). Back cover: 'LaSalle Extension University' with address and promotional ad copy.
Date:2025-06-29 23:57:57.627927
Description:
This is an original copy of 'Conan the Barbarian' Issue #24, published by Marvel Comics in March 1973. The cover art features Conan and Red Sonja fighting amid a chaotic battle, with the story titled 'The Song of Red Sonja,' a significant key issue marking the first full appearance of Red Sonja—an iconic Marvel character. The comic displays strong Bronze Age stylistic traits, with detailed and dramatic linework typical of Barry Windsor-Smith. The 20-cent cover price, Comics Code Authority stamp, and period-typical advertising on the back further verify its originality. The issue number, date, and price box are visible at the top left. The back is a typical period ad, including a mail-in coupon.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A word about fakes... The Bronze Age comic market is rife with reprints and counterfeit issues, but this example presents classic markers of a genuine early 1970s Marvel comic: correct cover price, color, and ad format, as well as authentic period staples, interior stock, and overall aging visible. The cover shows Conan and Red Sonja, referencing the first full appearance of Red Sonja—an important milestone for collectors. Condition appears very good to fine based on cover gloss, color, spine stress and edge handling (no professional grading seen, interior not fully verified), but the lack of slabbing or professional grade leaves some uncertainty. This is a collectible key Marvel issue, especially for first appearances. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
Second image shows the back cover
which features a classic 1970s mail-in coupon advertisement for LaSalle Extension University. The back cover is intact and shows modest yellowing
typical for its age
with no major tears or stains apparent. Examines show slight wear at staples/spine; no major color breaks
chipping
or folds are visible in photos but interiors are not shown.
Provenance:
No documented provenance beyond presence of period-specific ads and typical cover format.
Condition:
Very Good/Fine (light edge wear, some spine stress, no slabbing, back cover appears intact, no interior shown)
Identification Score: 99%
The combination of visible cover elements (title, issue number, date, price, Marvel trade dress, story name) and interior period advertising unmistakably identify this as Conan the Barbarian #24 (March 1973); the only possible confusion would be a facsimile or reprint, which this does not appear to be.
Authenticity Score: 85%
Originality is highly likely due to correct back cover advertising, natural wear and visual aging on the paper, proper cover price, and Comics Code Authority stamp. However, without close-up inspection of the staples, interiors, and full page count, as well as slabbed grading, a small margin of uncertainty remains (possible high-quality reprint or restored copy).
Image Memory Note
The comic book is Conan the Barbarian #24 (March 1973, Marvel Comics). The front cover includes a large red 'CONAN' title, smaller 'The Barbarian', and the subtitle 'The Song of Red Sonja'. Cover price is 20¢, with issue number 24 and month MAR in a yellow box at upper left ('Conan the Barbarian'). Comics Code Authority approval stamp in upper right. Center art depicts Conan fighting with a muscular build, Red Sonja in signature red hair/chainmail, surrounded by enemies. Barry Windsor-Smith's signature appears to the right of Conan's raised fist, near Sonja. The back cover displays a yellow mail-in coupon for LaSalle Extension University and a large red 'Have you seen this coupon before?' banner with white text. Coupon segmented for various correspondence courses; lower back cover includes small print information on LaSalle Extension University. Some yellowing and modest edge/corner wear; the comic is not slabbed and no professional grading or certification label is visible. Interior pages are not shown, so completeness cannot be absolutely confirmed.
Keywords
Conan the Barbarian, Marvel Comics, Bronze Age, Barry Windsor-Smith, Roy Thomas, Red Sonja, key issue, comic book, United States, 1970s, first appearance
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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