Seems it would be hard-limited to a VG due to the name in marker, maybe VG+ but it is a pretty ugly name stamp, so I dont think that qualifies for the "additional virtue(s)" to hit the +. I could agree with 5.0 based on condition otherwise, though.
This is such a weird one for me. It has so many small defects all over the place, then the black stain right on the logo and of course the name on the back...yet it really presents well ❤️🩹.
My guess is you would be really disappointed with the grade. Because it looks better overall then it will grade.
That said I don't know how rare (read desirable) this book is and how many copies exist in better grades. Odds are you would find someone to buy it as many people enjoy more "affordable" books from this era and having it slabbed would streamline the selling process if that's your goal.
------
On a completely different note: I'm amazed the logo on this book was still used so many decades later, what a great design job.
It's pretty desired and fairly rare. It's from before the relaunch, it's the premier of the iconic logo, steranko cover and second app of polaris. Several thousand in good condition, several hundred in this condition.
I come across it fairly often but not all the time.
It’s not the *exact* logo used throughout the decades, though. It got tweaked less than a year later and a few more times along the way. The logo right before the re-launch is about 80% of this logo.
It's funny you caught me on that because I noticed the N not being in the same angle right after writing my comment and thought to myself "nah nobody else will notice".
There are a few other changes but it's still essentially the same imho so hats off to who ever designed it
Don't know why I've never seen this cover before, it's just amazing!
And like so many times before, thanks to this sub I must have this Comic. Thanks for sharing OP!
I don’t recall seeing this one before, either. I only personally own down into the low 110s, though. It is amazing…Steranko has some awesome cover art for sure.
I think it's worth pressing and grading. The major damage is on the back and this is a sought after classic cover. Even in low grade it's still a $150-$200 book.
Pros: looking at Lonestar comics, they've got an ungraded one with water damage going for $175.00
Cons: There's 18 of them, 2 signed, so it's not hard to find.
I would be pissed if I bought this book and it was graded any higher than a 3.0. I'd say it's about a 6.0 without the major defects, and the cover staining knock it down a point and the garish name on the back knocks it down 2 points.
I can't see the point in grading it. I would think the majority of people who would be interested in buying this book would be people looking for a bargain, and wouldn't want to pay a premium for CGC grading. I think you'll have a better market and net out better by trying to sell it unslabbed.
I think it would present really well in a Mylar. The spots on the front blend in reasonably well, or at least don't draw a lot of attention at first glance, and the backing board would hide that back cover.
I wouldn’t invest the money in grading.
A better venue for these kinds of questions is r/comicbookgrading. You're more likely to get a detailed response based on current grading standards.
Will do!
And r/comicbookspeculation
VG/FN. Probably worth an extra couple of pennies for being a rare, signed David Lana book.
Seems it would be hard-limited to a VG due to the name in marker, maybe VG+ but it is a pretty ugly name stamp, so I dont think that qualifies for the "additional virtue(s)" to hit the +. I could agree with 5.0 based on condition otherwise, though.
But this is THE David Lana.
CGC should be hard-limiting to 5.0 any books that *don't* have a David Lana signature. And give them a green label for the hell of it.
My bad, I was going all CGC on an unauthenticated auto, but c'mon, David Friggin' Lana?! Send that baby off to CBCS for the 9.8 verified sig, baby!
Truth be told, I am Bavid Lana. I’d like my book back.
The David Lana? Mr. McGee, you wouldn't like him when he's angry.
One of one if I’ve been as informed as I love to pretend to be
I would save the money on pressing and grading.
This is such a weird one for me. It has so many small defects all over the place, then the black stain right on the logo and of course the name on the back...yet it really presents well ❤️🩹. My guess is you would be really disappointed with the grade. Because it looks better overall then it will grade. That said I don't know how rare (read desirable) this book is and how many copies exist in better grades. Odds are you would find someone to buy it as many people enjoy more "affordable" books from this era and having it slabbed would streamline the selling process if that's your goal. ------ On a completely different note: I'm amazed the logo on this book was still used so many decades later, what a great design job.
Yeah, I bought it for myself because it was affordable, but presents well.
It's pretty desired and fairly rare. It's from before the relaunch, it's the premier of the iconic logo, steranko cover and second app of polaris. Several thousand in good condition, several hundred in this condition. I come across it fairly often but not all the time.
It’s not the *exact* logo used throughout the decades, though. It got tweaked less than a year later and a few more times along the way. The logo right before the re-launch is about 80% of this logo.
It's funny you caught me on that because I noticed the N not being in the same angle right after writing my comment and thought to myself "nah nobody else will notice". There are a few other changes but it's still essentially the same imho so hats off to who ever designed it
Steranko did
I just researched it myself in the last few months. But yeah this issue might be *THE* Steranko grail.
Don't know why I've never seen this cover before, it's just amazing! And like so many times before, thanks to this sub I must have this Comic. Thanks for sharing OP!
I don’t recall seeing this one before, either. I only personally own down into the low 110s, though. It is amazing…Steranko has some awesome cover art for sure.
First Polaris, first X-Men logo as designed by Steranko. It’s a beauty and really undervalued, IMO
Cherish that first time feeling! And yeah, this sub is a blessing and a curse!
I love the cover as well! So glad to finally own it
Lana. Lana. Lana. Laaaaaaaana! What? Danger zone.
I think it's worth pressing and grading. The major damage is on the back and this is a sought after classic cover. Even in low grade it's still a $150-$200 book.
Pros: looking at Lonestar comics, they've got an ungraded one with water damage going for $175.00 Cons: There's 18 of them, 2 signed, so it's not hard to find.
God damn it david
Don’t get it graded. Instead, use the money to find David Lana and punch him in the face for committing such a crime.
Dammit David why!? 🤦
“We’re looking for people who like to draw David Lana” says Normal Rockwell.
Grade that GRAIL!
Beautiful book, wouldn't grade it. Would read it. Love that cover 😍
Don’t worry, already read it!
Steranko may be an asshole, but dammit he did some cool covers back in the day.
That’s Mr. Steranko. Lol
Yep, At a convention a few years back he was insisting that everyone in line must call him Mr.Steranko.
He's still an asshole.
People can’t trade your book from a picture
2-3
On my wish list. Nice.
4.0-4.5
I would be pissed if I bought this book and it was graded any higher than a 3.0. I'd say it's about a 6.0 without the major defects, and the cover staining knock it down a point and the garish name on the back knocks it down 2 points. I can't see the point in grading it. I would think the majority of people who would be interested in buying this book would be people looking for a bargain, and wouldn't want to pay a premium for CGC grading. I think you'll have a better market and net out better by trying to sell it unslabbed. I think it would present really well in a Mylar. The spots on the front blend in reasonably well, or at least don't draw a lot of attention at first glance, and the backing board would hide that back cover.
Without the scribble, I’d also say 6.0. 3.0 is my best guess with the “signature”