Item Report
Bronze Age Marvel 'Conan the Barbarian' #1 Comic Book
By: Written by Roy Thomas, art by Barry Windsor-Smith, published by Marvel Comics
Style: Bronze Age American Comic Book
Origin: United States
Materials: Newsprint paper, colored ink, staples
Age: 1970 (October)
Condition: Very Good (moderate spine and edge wear, untreated raw copy, not officially graded)
Value: $800–$2,000 (depending on condition; higher for professionally graded high-grade copies, significantly less for worn/low-grade raw copies)
Maker's Marks / Writing: 'CONAN THE BARBARIAN' in large capital letters, Marvel Comics Group logo, '15¢', '1 Oct', Comics Code Authority stamp upper right, 'THE COMING OF CONAN!', 'TO THE DEATH!' and other standard comic book cover text.
Date: 2025-06-29 04:24:41.014768
Description:
Debut issue of Marvel's 'Conan the Barbarian' comic book series, published October 1970 (cover price 15¢). Cover features dynamic illustration of Conan in battle, sword raised, with fantasy and mythological themes. Comic code-approved. This issue marks the first appearance of Conan in comic book form and is a key issue for collectors, with colors and title page retaining 1970s Marvel Bronze Age style.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
Key Bronze Age comic book, highly collectible due to being the first appearance of Conan in comics. This particular copy shows moderate spine and corner wear, typical of raw, ungraded mid-grade comics from the 1970s. Value significantly affected by condition; slabbed NM copies command premium auction prices.
Individual Images:
- Single image; shows full front cover. Moderate edge wear particularly lower left and right corners; visible color-breaking creases through the upper right corner. Tiny chipping apparent along bottom edge. Staples appear secure; no major tears seen. Color vibrant
- but newsprint toning and handling marks present. No provenance
- interior pages or back cover visible.
Provenance:
No provenance paperwork or additional history provided.
Condition:
Very Good (moderate spine and edge wear, untreated raw copy, not officially graded)
Identification Score: 100%
The title, cover art, issue information, and publisher are all extremely clear, leaving no doubt this is 'Conan the Barbarian' #1 by Marvel Comics, published October 1970.
Authenticity Score: 95%
Appears authentic due to correct vintage wear, cover price (15¢), publisher stamps, Comics Code Authority mark, and typical newsprint toning. No visible indications of recent reproduction or facsimile. Score slightly reduced due to not seeing interior pages or back cover; full authentication would require in-hand inspection or CGC grading.
Image Memory Note
The comic is 'Conan the Barbarian' #1 (Marvel, Oct 1970), 15¢ cover, with Conan in the foreground holding a spear and sword, surrounded by warriors and fantasy creatures. Title prominent at top, main text includes 'THE COMING OF CONAN!' and 'TO THE DEATH!'. Left corner box with Conan figure, Marvel Comics Group, issue number, and date. Comics Code Authority stamp upper right. Color-breaks at right corners, light chipping at lower and left edges, visible moderate spine stress. No visible signatures. No interior or back cover shown.
Keywords
Conan the Barbarian, Marvel, Bronze Age, comic book, first appearance, Marvel Comics Group, 1970, Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, collectible, United States
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