Bronze Age Marvel 'The Tomb of Dracula' Comic Book Issue 17
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Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Dan, thank you for bringing the mesmerizing aura of the "Tomb of Dracula" comic book into the spotlight. With Gil Kane and Tom Palmer's eloquent artwork splashed across the cover, this February 1974 issue is indeed a gem from the comic book's Bronze Age. Its Very Fine condition whispers of care (not officially graded) and while some may lament the absence of a key first appearance, true connoisseurs appreciate the subtler joys it offers, like classic horror façades and an Evel Knievel toy ad on the reverse side. A nod to fidelity, its authenticity boasts an admirable 85% — a testament to its journey through time. Truly, this is a piece that echoes back to the days when vampires rode trains and comics were a mere twenty cents... Bats and all!
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Bronze Age Marvel 'The Tomb of Dracula' Comic Book Issue 17
By:Cover art by Gil Kane and Tom Palmer; written by Marv Wolfman (standard for this era, not signed on cover)
Style:Bronze Age American Supernatural/Horror Comic
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink
Age:February 1974 (Bronze Age)
Condition:Very Fine (VF, based on visible exterior: slight age toning, minimal corner/edge wear, not officially graded, no visible tears or creases, interior not shown)
Value:$40-90 (ungraded, raw copy in Very Fine condition; higher for graded NM copies, much less for worn examples)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Top left cover: 'TOMB OF DRACULA'; Top banner: 'MARVEL COMICS GROUP'; Issue/date box: 'No. 17 FEB 02143 20¢'; Comics Code Authority stamp. No visible handwritten marks or signatures.
Date:2025-06-22 22:45:06.247991
Description:
This is issue #17 of 'The Tomb of Dracula,' a comic book published by Marvel Comics in February 1974, priced at 20 cents. The cover features Dracula threatening a woman and child aboard a train, with the tagline 'A VAMPIRE RIDES THIS TRAIN.' Classic Bronze Age Marvel horror artwork dominates the front, with vibrant colors and dynamic posing. The back cover is an advertisement for the Evel Knievel stunt cycle toy, further dating this as a mid-1970s comic. Dracula, Marvel's adaptation of the classic literary character, is a recurring antihero in this series.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A highly collectible early Bronze Age Marvel horror comic featuring Dracula. Issue #17 is notable for being a strong mid-series entry with classic art by Gil Kane and Tom Palmer and writing by Marv Wolfman, but is not a key first appearance issue. The copy shown displays vibrant colors, sharp edges, no major tears or creases, and only very light signs of age. No visible major flaws, stamps, or writing—though the interior and back are not fully visible for comprehensive condition assessment. A word about fakes.. Comic books are commonly reprinted, but no indicators of reprint (such as altered price/issue box or recent paper stock) are visible here. Restoration is not apparent from these images. Overall, a solid collectible for both horror and Marvel fans. So sayeth Comics Lass!
Individual Images:
The reverse side shows a 1973 Evel Knievel toy ad typical of the era
with some foxing and light discoloration consistent with age. No major stains
tears
or detached staples are visible. No back cover writing or address labels. No Marvel Value Stamp has been removed on the page shown (not all issues include them). No evidence of restoration (color touch
glue
etc.) is visible
but the inner pages and spine are not viewable for comprehensive assessment.
Provenance:
No documented provenance provided; based solely on images.
Condition:
Very Fine (VF, based on visible exterior: slight age toning, minimal corner/edge wear, not officially graded, no visible tears or creases, interior not shown)
Identification Score: 98%
The title, cover date, price, and artwork clearly identify this as 'The Tomb of Dracula' #17 from Marvel Comics, 1974. Serial and visual elements precisely match well-documented original releases. Only the absence of interior page images prevents 100%.
Authenticity Score: 85%
No visible signs of reproduction or reprint (e.g., no modern barcodes, alternate publisher markings, or noted reprint language). The paper color/texture on the reverse ad has the correct appearance for 1970s newsprint. However, authenticity can't be 100% confirmed without close interior inspection for indicia and other details. Color and print quality are consistent with the period, and corner/edge aging matches expectations.
Image Memory Note
Front cover: 'THE TOMB OF DRACULA', Marvel Comics Group banner, issue #17, price 20¢, Comics Code Authority stamp present, Feb date, code 02143. Artwork features Dracula lunging on a train, woman and child cowering. Speech bubbles: 'SEE, MOMMY? THERE'S THE NICE MAN I TOLD YOU ABOUT!' and 'HE SAID HE WANTED TO MEET YOU!!' Tagline: 'A VAMPIRE RIDES THIS TRAIN.' Corner box image of Dracula. Back cover: full-color ad for Evel Knievel toys, includes 1973 copyright (Ideal Toy Corp., NY), promotional text for stunt cycle, van, and accessories; mild foxing/discoloration (mainly left edge), no evident tears, address labels, restoration, or stamps. No visible interior content. Edges sharp, minimal corner rounding. No inscriptions, marks, or signatures evident.
Keywords
The Tomb of Dracula, Marvel Comics, Bronze Age, horror, vampire, Gil Kane, Tom Palmer, Marv Wolfman, comic book, 1974, American comics, United States
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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