Set Description:
The TOP CGC Daredevil Frank Miller Era Collection currently updating and tuning up through the end of 2022...tune-up time!
If you want Frank Miller era CGC set listing with a current census complete with SS data, comparisons to prior years census, a newsstand variant explanation, each comics valuation, the writers and artists, the storyline, with more fun history and trivia, well this Set Description it is the only one you will ever need to follow or challenge within Daredevil 158-191 issues, the First Frank Miller Daredevil era set.
It now also includes the two Spectacular Spiderman and the two What If issues Frank Miller wrote that ties into this era, now making 37 comics in this set. Also note DD 162 was removed from this a few years ago as it was not a Miller story. EVERY ISSUE IN THIS SET IS WHITE PAGES and 9.8 graded or better !!! *** Well one newly SS copy just got downgraded to an OWW grading...so I am working on a new replacement... NOW REPLACED!
This set holds 9 copies graded at 9.9. I know of no Signature issues at this lofty grade.
This set also holds 33(of 34) individual 9.8WPSS copies, signed by Stan Lee, Klaus Janson, Roger McKinzie, Ed Hannigan and or Frank Miller. I have a few more in the system getting SS by Frank Miller and others as he has recently begun his new convention and autograph/sketch career. A few other SS copies are held quietly in my set at the 9.8 grading level even though I list a higher graded 9.9 issue for the registry. I try to show those 9.8 SS covers in those 9.9 issue slots in the reverse (back of the comic) photo gallery section.
There are very few Sketches seen upon comics within this set registry, and I use the SSK abbreviation (my simple version of a signature series with a SKETCH=SSK) issues are rare, but I do have one, a Sketch DD headshot on my DD 187 by Klaus Janson. Thank you Rich Henn (and Klaus Janson) for that.
Prior notes...
My Overall Census as of October 2017:
As of this date, I have 6 issues that are graded 9.9WP. Numbers 173, 181, 182, 184, 186, and 190. All are White Page copies of the best structure.
This set registry has 12 issue numbers with a 9.9 grade: issue 161, 173, 175, 177, 181 (6 copies now), 182 (2), 184 (10), 186 (6), 188, 189 (2), 190 and 191. There are 35 total comics within these 12 numbered issues that have this 9.9 grade. One more, a Spectacular Spiderman 27 also has a solo 9.9 issue. The value of these Mint comics has ranged from $600 to nearly $3000 dollars. This number of 9.9 copies has NOT changed in nearly 2 years!
Some of these issues I have bought or witnessed sold, some I have never seen on the market. I have never had one of my own personal DD CGC submissions EVER get a 9.9 grade. I thought I had it at issue 189 within a PGX grading, so I submitted it to CGC and the CGC folks disagreed... It was very very pretty...
The balance of my set, the remaining 31 issues, are graded 9.8. By my last count there were about 16,000 plus DD Miller Era issues graded at this 9.8 level, all page colors. The census today seems to grow at about 400 new 9.8 comics per year within this set.
And a intro thought about page colors. These issues are getting old enough to start dropping from WP into the OWW color spectrum, especially if the comic is improperly stored or in a hot locker. Don't expect every newly slabbed issue used for a SS attempt to get an automatic repeat WP designation. They don't. Look and plan carefully.
The same thought can be applied to a re-grading (after a SS) of a older 9.8 comic into our modern world. With modern pressing, and CGC's own in house restoration unit, even the slightest un-pressed corner touch may downgrade your precious 9.8 investment to a 9.6 grade and a loss. I have had it happen nearly a dozen times now, and it ruins your whole day. So if you use a prior slabbed 9.8 comic, inspect them very very carefully (or have a pro do it) before you pop that baby for a SS and the re-grade.
Wow, and all of this is a long way from when I was 12 years old buying comics!!
***From the newstand on the corner of Ventura Blvd and Valley Vista Drive, Sherman Oaks, CA.*** That makes me a REAL "Valley Boy".
In about 1966 the three of us became friends and comics became our summer escape. We all worked odd jobs to purchase our marvel comics, we were not DC fans. Our parents hated comics so we shared them in our tree-house. We each had our favorite, with ASM, Thor and Avengers our first picks. Since we were a few years late in getting number one issues, we had to beg a ride to the nearest comic book store which was in N. Hollywood, where I bought my Avengers #2 for $10 bucks....because I didn't have the $15 for number a #1 !!! Wow. But I picked up an Xmen #4 with the last 3 bucks in my pocket!! LOL. I had it SS by Stan Lee and graded a few years ago.
The ONLY thing I regret is we never took care of the comics like I do today. Within a few years I had nearly 1000 issues, and they finally got bagged and boarded ONLY after I decided to switch to Playboy instead of X-Men or Silver Surfer, and only to organize my modern room better. And my folks still hated them.
I finally settled on Daredevil as my main collectable...which originally was from my description comments I used in my set 1-310 regarding "getting the girl but never keeping her". This seemed to be the classic Daredevil and Me!
You have to understand this was a young man thing...
Meanwhile Frank Frazetta and Jim Steranko could only distract me so much, Hugh Hefner did the rest. Thanks Hugh. Wish I had bagged and boarded those Playboys too.
In College I actually submitted a report on Investing in Comic Books for a business class (based on investing in Howard the Duck #1, now worth over $1k in 9.8WP), and got an A. That was in 1979. I should have bought 10 copies.
My first CGC grading of my own personal comics was in 2008 and it showed me for every 15 comics I had collected only one would grade at 9.8, a few at 9.6, and the rest between 8.0 and 9.4. Bags and boards folks. Bags and boards.
So by the time I wanted to collect this group of Miller Daredevil comics, most of them had to be purchased as very visual high grades or actually 9.8 graded issues. This Frank Miller era was the high point within the Daredevil collecting world. No other era (except some key issues within the silver age, or my Walking Dead sketches copies) have accumulated value as quickly as these issues in this set. Very rapidly I also discovered a White Page issue was a far better investment than a OWW or lesser issue, So over the last 5 years this collection has been slowly completed...with many doubles ...as I looked everywhere as an DD addict for the best one(s).
If you throw in the rarer "Newstand" variant you will have to try to complete almost TWO sets.
And getting the rare Stan Lee signature, or even the hard to get Janson signature has been overshadowed by the recent Frank Miller signatures, and now he attends select conferences and is even doing sketches! But his price is steep, even rock bottom deals will cost you (now) $150 for Miller, $100 for Stan and $30 for Janson. Miller's sketches are over $1500 each! A few other artists and writers are equally hard to get at any price. So with the Signature copies, you now have THREE sets to complete.
Then toss in the popularity of the recent Netflix TV series, the value of Daredevil Miller era comics has risen anew. This has also dragged up the value of Elektra, Punisher, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and other Marvel heroes leading to a new "Defenders" TV series...although it has nothing to do with the characters in that original Marvel comic.
So in the meanwhile my comments on each issue attempt to explain, with a bit of history, the storyline of Daredevils world.
And I am always looking for a few better issues, I am NOT done yet!.
...to the dedicated readers I have included a pretty accurate Price Range of what each issue will cost you at the 9.8WP grade in June, 2017, with the last known CGC Census count for each at 9.8, with some SS and 9.9 counts and comments too.
Finally, the Mathematical NUMBERS for Maximum CGC points. And I am way to tired tonight to do all the numbers again, so basically, my set can be beat. ...But, you are going to have to work at it hard AND be very lucky. It will take a number of 9.9's in the Key issues to score enough points to move past me.
Unrelated and related, the value of Newstands Variants. These issues are surely harder to collect in high grade. I am trying to isolate and make a separate set, AND I have decided to try NOT to use these for SS candidates, unless copious copies abound. My individual sets explain each individual issue.
I also have photographed each comic over my visits on different color construction paper, blue labels on blue paper, yellow labels on yellow paper, etc. This just highlights the label and makes it easier to see. I say visits as I live in the Marshall Islands in the middle of the Pacific, and my set is locked up in the USA. I visit it and my kids and my comics once a year.
Finally, the Netflix series has done very well and Daredevil is very popular again. Maybe this has also driven Frank Miller out of seclusion, but nevertheless his attendance at Conventions doing signings and sketches has also stimulated the characters popularity and Daredevil comic book values.
I am both an investor and a collector, and I do have a hard time at moments determining which is which. But this set is truly a labor of love, and these written details support my study of the character and collecting. I do hope you enjoy reading through all my written babbling and it gives you information you can also use in your own collecting or investing world!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or 9.9 copies I don't have for sale...Smile.
Matt Holly
A Real Valley Boy
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| The gallery tab shows only items with images. Click the thumbnails to enlarge. |
| Slot: |
Daredevil 158 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 158 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1366858010
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy.
This one is triple SS by Klaus Janson, Stan Lee and frank Miller.
I have a second one now also signed by the same 3, another by Stan Lee only, and a blue label unsigned.
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| Slot: |
Daredevil 159 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 159 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1288510014
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Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Newsstand variant.
Signed by Klaus Janson.
Currently worth 968 CGC points, the highest points available for this issue.
THE SECOND ISSUE of the FRANK MILLER era Daredevil run.
CENSUS as of April 2023.
104 in 9.8, 158 in 9.6 out of 696 graded copies.
30 SS copies, 7 in 9.8, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. Bullseye appearance., "Secrets of Daredevil's billy club", featurette on last page.
Art Comments. Roger McKenzie story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in July 1979 on a 2 month schedule.
Prior notes...
CENSUS: as of May 2016.
59 copies in 9.8, the highest grade. 4 more than last year.
92 more copies in 9.6 out of 395 graded copies.
9 SS copies. 3 graded at 9.8, most I think solo signings by Klaus Janson. I would expect a Frank Miller autograph on this issue sooner or later.
Not an exciting cover, but looks good with a yellow CGC label and a Janson signature!
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 159 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs. newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
I have two DD 159’s in 9.8WP, both are the newstand variant, this one signed by Janson.
The second 40 cent issue.
I think there are some UK variants out there somewhere...
VALUE: Expect to pay $300 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, more if excellent structure ($400.00), and more again if signed ($500 and up). And a premium for the “Newstand variant”.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller.
Writer, Roger McKenzie.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Jim Novak.
Editor, Mary Joe Duffy, Allen Milgrom.
ISSUE TITLE “Marked for Murder”.
STORY LINE:
Eric Slaughter and his men (Leach(who dies), Smitty, Stilly and Fiver try to beat the New York out of Daredevil. Daredevil survives.
Bullseye meanwhile decides to strike at Daredevil by attacking the Black Widow.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
Also note…there is no “Man Without Fear” subtitle, but there is a sub-title, “Marked for Death”, which doesn’t match the official Marvel title of this issue listed as “Marked for Murder”. Makes ya wonder what an editor is really for…maybe Frank rattled them...
Published every 2 months.
Published July 1979.
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| Slot: |
Daredevil 160 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 160 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1287790001
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Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. Signed by 3, Stan Lee, Frank Miller and Klaus Jansen.
A Newsstand Edition issue.
Currently worth 440 CGC points.
CENSUS: 125 in 9.8, 167 in 9.6 out of 656 graded copies.
39 SS copies, with 17 in 9.8 including this one, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. Bullseye & Black Widow appearance., Peter Parker & Mary Jane Watson cameo.
Art Comments. Roger McKenzie story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in September 1979 on a 2 month schedule.
Prior notes...
440 is the highest CGC points available for this issue, one of the two 9.8WP SS copies.
This is the first real issue, in my mind, of original Frank Miller work. The previous two issues were leftovers characters he had to work with, and this issue has his own humble beginnings in both storyline and artwork, with a new badass Bullseye added to the plot.
CENSUS: as of May 2016.
72 copies in 9.8, the highest grade. 7 more than last year.
106 more copies in 9.6 out of 349 graded copies.
7 SS copies. 2 graded at 9.8, with one signed by Klaus Janson and the other also or possibly Stan Lee. I just purchased a "newstand" beauty and it is off to be triple signed by Lee, Miller and Janson, but not back yet... I would expect a few more Frank Miller autographs on this issue in the near future.
Great cover. They call it a “Bondage” cover cause Bullseye has the Black Widow hanging from the cord of an electric hair dryer...thus you can see the effect of Frank Miller’s macabre sense of humor is starting to creep into the comic! And here we go Daredevil fans…
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 160 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
My issue currently in this set is a direct edition copy.
A 40 cent issue.
VALUE: Expect to pay $200 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, more if excellent structure ($300.00), and more again if signed ($400 and up). And a premium for the “Newstand variant”.
For those who follow SS pricing, expect to pay a rock bottom current price of $250 for a Miller SS, $100 for a Stan Lee SS and $30 for a Janson SS, plus all the fees for a CGC submission, shipping, insurance and assorted profit margins for your favorite autograph vendor. So a $200 valued issue #160 now has a value all-in of about $650.00. And that one of 37 Miller ear Daredevil comics.
NOTE*** I have found this issue also hard to get well structured, maybe the hardest of all the Miller ear Daredevils to get perfectly structured. A lot of flawed copies, cut into funny visual trapezoids, as highlighted by the top white edge line of the comic book not being parallel to the Daredevil title lettering.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Writer, Roger McKenzie.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editor, Allen Milgrom and Mary Joe Duffy.
ISSUE TITLE “In the Hands of the Bullseye”.
STORY LINE:
Bullseye escapes the mental ward and decides to strike at Daredevil by capturing the Black Widow and using her to draw in Daredevil. Thus the cover of this issue. Meanwhile Daredevil is emotionally challenged at a funeral for Funeral for Maxwell Glenn, and eventually ends up in a bar fight and tells the bad guy Turk, a member of Slaughter’s gang (from the previous issue), to tell Bullseye he is coming.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
Also note…there is again no “Man Without Fear” subtitle, but there is a sub-title, “In the Hands of Bullseye” on the cover.
Published every 2 months.
Published September 1979.
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| Slot: |
Daredevil 161 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 161 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0968843002
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Owner Comments
A 9.9 NINE.NINE WP Copy!
The ONLY one at 9.9!
I also have a 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition issue.
Signed by Roger McKenzie and Klaus Jansen.
Currently worth 440 CGC points.
500 is the highest CGC points available for this issue, being the solo 9.9 graded issue here
CENSUS: 1 in 9.9, 133 in 9.8, 157 in 9.6 out of 660 graded copies.
43 SS copies, 14 in 9.8, the highest SS graded copy as of April 2023
Key Comments. Bullseye & Black Widow appearance.
Art Comments. Roger McKenzie story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in November 1979 on a 2 month schedule.
.
Prior notes...
CENSUS: as of June 2015.
1 copy in 9.9, the highest grade.
67 copies in 9.8.
81 more copies in 9.6 out of 313 graded copies.
7 SS copies. 3 graded at 9.8, with at least two of these signed by Klaus Janson and the other also or possibly by Stan Lee.
Great cover. This is also called a “Bondage” cover because Bullseye has the Black Widow (really a mannequin) tied on a Coney Island roller coaster track.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 161 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as a rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
My issue in this set is a direct edition. I am hoping to add Klaus Janson to the SS label later this year.
A 40 cent issue.
VALUE: The 9.9 issue was first for sale about 5 years ago (for around $800) and eventually was offered on EBay at first for around $1500 and the $2500. I made a first offer of around $1250 and it was refused. I believe it was eventually sold the following year for somewhere just under $2000. It has not been seen since about 2013. If another appears, expect a similar amount.
Expect to pay $200 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, more if excellent structure ($300.00), and more again if signed ($400 and up). And a premium for the “Newstand variant”.
I have found this issue is pretty easy to get in great structure and also newstand issues seem to abound. It seems a candidate for another 9.9 someday.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Writer, Roger McKenzie.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Diana Albers.
Editor, Allen Milgrom and Mary Joe Duffy.
ISSUE TITLE “To Dare the Devil”.
STORY LINE:
Daredevil follows Bullseye’s trap to Coney Island where he is lured to try to rescue the Black Widow who is seen to be tired to the roller coaster tracks (the cover). It is a ruse, and Daredevil figures this out AND the Black Widow escape AND they beat the brains outta Bullseye, capturing him, and turning him back over to the police.
Ben Urich is meanwhile digging into Matt Murdock’s past at his father’s old gym.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
The “Man Without Fear” subtitle is back on the cover!
Published every 2 months.
Published November 1979.
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| Slot: |
Daredevil 163 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 163 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1062303002
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Newsstand Variant.
Signed by Stan Lee.
Currently worth 704 CGC points, the highest points for this issue.
CENSUS: 30 in 9.8, 90 in 9.6 out of 505 graded copies.
42 SS copies, 6 in 9.8, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. Hulk appearance., Tony Stark & J. Jonah Jameson cameo., Ben Urich learns Daredevil's identity.
Art Comments. Roger McKenzie story, Frank Miller cover, Frank Miller, Joe Rubinstein &, Klaus Janson art.
.Published in March 1980 on a 2 month schedule.
Prior notes...
CENSUS: as of January 2016.
19 copies in 9.8. This hasn’t changed much in the last 2 years…
57 more copies in 9.6 out of 230 graded copies.
5 SS copies. 3 graded at 9.8, with at least two of these signed by Stan Lee and the other also or possibly by Klaus Janson.
Great cross over cover with the Incredible Hulk.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 163 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as a rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
My issue in this set is a rare newstand variant. Only a few in 9.8 exist.
A 40 cent issue.
VALUE:
Expect to now pay $500 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, more if excellent structure ($600.00), and more again if signed ($750 and up). And a premium for the “Newstand variant”.
I have found this issue is RARE, plain and simple, and a great investment comic. Very few have been graded in the last few years, and even less seen for sale. ***Thanks Chris!!!
The cover spine is dark and adds to the hard to get category. And the newstand issues are even rarer in high grade. And many don’t make white pages and are graded off white to white. And it is a cross over with Hulk.
If in doubt and a 9.8WP graded issue of Daredevil 163 is in front of you…buy it.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Writer, Roger McKenzie.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson and Joe Rubinstein.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Jim Novak.
Editor, Denny O’Neil.
ISSUE TITLE “Blind Alley”.
STORY LINE:
Hulk returns to Manhattan and Daredevil senses he is nearby. He locates the Hulk and convinces him to calm down and revert to Bruce Banner. After helping him, Banner leaves and eventually reverts back the Hulk, and Daredevil again tries to calm him, getting beaten stupid. Near death, Daredevil convinces the Hulk to stop, Hulk departs, and Daredevil is off to Bellevue for recovery.
Ben Urich has basically proved Matt Murdock is Daredevil.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
The “Man Without Fear” subtitle is back on the cover, as is another sub-title of “Beware…the Hulk!”
A Tony Stark cameo (and maybe Peter Parker too?)
Published every 2 months.
Published March 1980.
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| Slot: |
Daredevil 164 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 164 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1506620001
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition issue.
Signed by SIGNED BY STAN LEE ON 7/16/18, FRANK MILLER ON 9/15/18 & KLAUS JANSON ON 9/29/18
This swapped out the OWW Copy. Sorry I need to change the photo.
This was a CGC 9.8 White Page issue before submitted for the Stan Lee signing. Oh well... I am thus looking for another WP copy and try again. It is now the only OWW copy in the set.
Signed by Stan Lee.
You know folks, as an older DD fan, I really like this cover. Really. This is why I submitted mine to have Stan Lee signature, just because THIS comic is a bit retro and re-retells his origin and shows a bit of Stan Lee's historical influence on the cover (and the other retro cover I like is issue DD#156, mine also signed by Stan Lee). I think this also ties in the "Father" idea for a mini-series and also helps develop Frank Millers eventual "Daredevil Man Without Fear" mini-series.
The original comic had a DD pin up poster enclosed that many believe was actually the original cover for DD 162.
Currently worth 308 CGC points, the highest points for this issue.
CENSUS: 92 in 9.8, 117 in 9.6 out of 419 graded copies.
30 SS copies, 13 in 9.8, like this one, the highest grade as of APril 2023
Key Comments. Origin retold., Black Widow appearance., Pin-up by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson.
Art Comments. Roger McKenzie story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson art, Frank Miller & Wally Wood cover.
Published in May 1980.
Prior notes...
CENSUS: as of May 2016.
60 copies in 9.8. Six more than last year.
73 more copies in 9.6 out of 257 graded copies.
8 SS copies. 3 graded at 9.8, with at least two of these signed by Stan Lee and the others also or possibly by Klaus Janson.
This issue has become a popular almost KEY issue Daredevil comic.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 164 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
My issue in this set is a rare newstand variant. Only a few in 9.8 exist. Actually I recall seeing only one other newstand variant ever in 9.8WP.
A 40 cent issue. A number of special advertising variants also exist, and possibly a UK variant too.
VALUE:
Expect to now pay $150-200 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, easily more if excellent structure ($250), and more again if signed ($300 and up). And an added premium for the “Newstand variant”.
This issue seems to be getting more popular.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson But I get also get a reference to Wally Wood as also having input on the cover.
Writer, Roger McKenzie.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, John Costanza.
Editor, Denny O’Neil.
ISSUE TITLE "Expose'".
STORY LINE:
Ben confronts a hospitalized DD with his research, proving Matt is Daredevil. DD tells him the whole story, including his accident, his father's dead and why he acts as Daredevil. He tells Ben that if he publishes his story, he can no longer be the Daredevil. Ben reacts by burning his collected paperwork proof, and Matt Murdock's identity as Daredevil remains a secret.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
Bonus Pin-up. Trivia folks say Pin-Up says it is an unused cover for issue #164, but the Pin-up shows a leopard jumping on DD, so is likely actually an unused cover for Daredevil #162. I am looking for a photo to include...please email me.
Reprinted with a slightly different cover in 1990 as a TPB with 96 pages, ISBN 0-87135-634-1.
Published every 2 months.
First published in May 1980.
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| Slot: |
Daredevil 165 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 165 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1062320001
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition Issue.
Signed by Stan Lee.
CENSUS: 34 in 9.8, 73 in 9.6 out of 266 graded copies.
Key Comments. Doctor Octopus appearance.
Art Comments. Roger McKenzie story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in July 1980.
Prior notes...
CENSUS 31 in 9.8, 6 SS copies as of April 2022.
CENSUS: as of May 2016.
21 copies in 9.8. Two more than last year.
40 more copies in 9.6 out of 137 graded copies.
3 SS copies. 2 graded at 9.8, with both of these signed by Stan Lee only.
This issue has the lowest total of CGC submitted comic of this entire set. Only the DD #163 issue has less 9.8 copies, and only one less, at 20 vs. 21.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 165 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
A 40 cent issue. I have seen a UK variant.
VALUE:
This is the second hardest comic in the Miller series to get in 9.8WP's.
The dark blue central spine and black lower left corner on the spine make it harder to get in high grade. I would expect more high grade copies, but it ain't so.
Expect to pay $400 plus for a WP issue if you can find one. And don't think about it, just grab a great one if you can!!! And add a sizeable premium for the “Newstand variant”.
As this is Frank Miller's first writing in the Daredevil title, you would think his SS on a 9.8WP copy would also be rare and a great investment. Stand by.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson.
Writers, Roger McKenzie and Frank Miller. This is Frank Miller's first writing credit on Daredevil, co-plotting this issue with Roger McKenzie.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Bob Sharen.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editors, Denny O’Neil and mark Gruenwald.
ISSUE TITLE "Arms of the Octopus".
STORY LINE:
Heather finds out that her company is doing business with Doc Ock, and Daredevil has to come to her rescue when she is captured. The Black Widow presumes DD has growing feelings for Heather and realizes her relationship with Matt is through and leaves New York.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
I also have a 9.8WP Newstand variant.
I have only seen one other 9.8WP Newstand variant for sale, and the owner pulled the listing....
Published every 2 months.
First published in July 1980.
|
| Slot: |
Daredevil 166 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 166 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1239743001
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition Issue.
Signed by Stan Lee.
Currently worth 264 CGC points, the highest points for this issue.
CENSUS: 58 in 9.8, 83 in 9.6 out of 292 graded copies.
22 SS copies, 11 in 9.8, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. Gladiator appearance., Wedding of Foggy Nelson & Debbie Harris.
Art Comments. Roger McKenzie story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in September 1980.
Prior notes...
CENSUS: as of May 2016.
39 copies in 9.8. Twelve more than three years ago, so adding about four per year.
60 more copies in 9.6 out of 174 graded copies.
7 SS copies. 4 graded at 9.8, with at least two of these signed by Stan Lee and the others also or possibly by Klaus Janson.
This is the first of the old retro curved letters in the Daredevil title, modified a bit, but still not seen since issue DD 63. Frank Miller also changed the DD character in the letter box, who remains in the left corner now with the big city behind him (except issue 176) through the Miller era run.
I also dislike the Advertising covers, but at least they jammed it all into the top of the comic leaving a nice cover view.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 166 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs. newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
The first 50 cent issue. Possibly UK variants too.
VALUE:
I have seen a number of perfect Newstand variants and even the Direct Editions I have seen all look great. I am surprised a 9.9 hasn't dropped in. The white cover can get dirty, but still 9.8's are out there.
Expect to now pay $150-200 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, easily more if excellent structure ($250), and more again if signed. And add a premium for the “Newstand variant”.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy. I presume there is a UK variant.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Writers, Roger McKenzie and Frank Miller
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editor, Denny O’Neil.
ISSUE TITLE "Til Death Do Us Part".
STORY LINE:
The Gladiator holds a group of kids hostage in a museum, and Daredevil has to take him down with enough time to make it to Foggy's wedding. Foggy marries his long-time fiancee Deborah Harris (which lasts until DD #214).
NOTES and TRIVIA:
I have a great NEWSTAND variant (Thanks Pedigree Comics), but replaced it with my nice Direct Edition 9.8WPSS Copy for this set.
Published every 2 months.
First published in September 1980.
|
| Slot: |
Daredevil 167 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 167 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1508061001
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition issue.
Triple SS by Stan Lee, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson. Worth 308 points.
CENSUS: 83 in 9.8, 105 in 9.6 out of 365 graded copies.
20 SS copies, 11 in 9.8, this is one of them, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. Origin, 1st appearance & "death" of, the Mauler (Aaron Soames)., 5 page "Secrets of Daredevil" backup.
Art Comments. David Michelinie story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson art, Frank Miller & Bob McLeod cover
Published in November 1980 on a 2 month schedule.
Prior notes...
Currently worth 280 CGC points.
The highest CGC points are 308 for one of the SS copies in 9.8, the highest points for this issue.
My 9.8 graded copy was dropped to 9.6 when SS by Stan Lee, oh well!
CENSUS: as of May 2016.
57 copies in 9.8. There were 36 three years ago.
65 more copies in 9.6 out of 213 graded copies.
4 SS copies. 2 graded at 9.8, with unknown autographs.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 167 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
A 50 cent issue. Possibly UK variants too.
VALUE:
A neat and clean cover, again, you would think a 9.9 would be out there.
It has a Frank Miller/ Bob McLeod cover, which is the first "picture frame" cover since the DD and Black Widow era. It is crafted almost as a sketch cover, and a bit weird even to me. At least it didn't have a bicycle ad...and also has a new writer in David Michelinie.
Expect to now pay $150 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, easily more if excellent structure ($200), and more again if signed. And an added premium for the “Newstand variant”.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Bob McLeod
Writer, David Michelinie
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editor, Denny O’Neil.
ISSUE TITLE "...The Mauler!"
STORY LINE:
Daredevil tries to figure out why the Mauler is after his old boss and battles away.
...and a special short segment about the DD Billy Club.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
This comic is a hybred as the original story failed the Comic Code test, maybe a bad start for writer David Michelinie, and why the story seems pretty bland. Enter Frank Miller to the rescue...in the next issue, 168.
Published every 2 months.
First published in November 1980.
|
| Slot: |
Daredevil 168 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 168 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1241839004
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition Issue.
THIS IS A NEW SS COPY!
Signed by Stan Lee, John Romita, Klaus Janson AND Frank Miller!
Currently worth 1628 CGC points, the highest points for this issue.
I have another 9.8WP Newsstand copy as the second photo.
These 2 comics are worth over $20,000 on todays market! Wowow.
CENSUS: 278 in 9.8, 829 in 9.6 out of 6108 graded copies. Six THOUSAND GRADED COPIES!
Thats about 20 new 9.8 copies per year.
694 SS copies, 57 in 9.8, the highest grade as of July 2022.
Thats about 90 new SS copies per year, primarily due to Frank Miller Signings.
Prior notes...
CENSUS: as of June 2016.
151 copies in 9.8. 34 more than two years ago.
431 more copies in 9.6 out of 2943 graded copies. Wow. Almost 3000 graded copies! And that is nearly 800 more graded copies in the last 2 years.
155 SS copies. 23 graded at 9.8, with most of these signed by Stan Lee, Klaus Janson and now Frank Miller. There were only 64 SS copies 2 years ago, with only SIX at 9.8.
Number 168 is the TOP KEY issue Daredevil comic in this set due to both Frank Miller's first solo writing work and the intro of the Elektra character.
Amazingly, this comic has no 9.9 issues, but understandable as this cover is prone to all kinds of flaws in both color and structure. It seems easy to blemish the spine, cover and even the back.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 168 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer newstand variant.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
A 50 cent issue. UK variants too.
VALUE:
Wow...a few years ago $750 would get you a nice Direct Edition, and a premium would find you a Newstand Variant. I bought two in this price range, and sent the Direct Edition to have Stan sign. I held the Newstand unsigned and it is shown in this set registry within the reverse (back) cover photo section.
I then bought a PGX 168 in 9.8WP as it looked great for a nice discount. I normally today will never touch a PGX graded comic, email me if you want to know why, but I did and had it popped and sent to have it also SS by Stan. It was graded 9.8 and I now have a second SS copy at 9.8WP's.
But now add in the added value of a great Netflix series with Elektra and Punisher characters, and also add Frank Miller on the convention circuit and you have an price entry level now of around $1,000 for a funky 9.8 copy and $1,200 for a nice structured copy. Newstands are hardly seen anymore, and get a serious premium.
AND, the cast from the Daredevil Netflix series have also dropped into the SS world, and cast signed SS copies have been for sale for nearly $4,000. Wowow.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy. But Frank Miller has done sketches on other comics for $1,500 to 3,000. More wowow's.
Expect more of all of the above. If you see a great structured copy, best to grab it if you have the budget.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Writer, Frank Miller.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, The colorist for this issue is credited as "Dr. R.. Martin", an unknown pseudonym for at least two colorists. Some also credit Laura Martin...but she didn't work for Marvel until nearly 19 years later...haha... so only the boys at Marvel really know.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editors, Denny O’Neil and Mark Gruenwald.
ISSUE TITLE "Elektra".
STORY LINE:
This issue reveals that Matt Murdock loved Elektra before his accident and the murder of her parents. Seeking a different path for her solace, Elektra has turned to the bloody justice of the Hand.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
Elektra's name is mis-spelled on the cover as Elecktra, so much for editors. Elektra Natchios has her first appearance in the comic world.
This now Classic issue is noted as being the solo writing debut of Frank Miller on Daredevil and was Miller's first step to becoming a comics legend.
Published every 2 months.
First published in January 1981.
|
| Slot: |
Daredevil 169 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 169 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1287655003
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS NEWSSTAND Copy.
Signed by 3, Stan Lee, Frank Miller and Klaus Jansen.
CENSUS: 64 in 9.8, 153 in 9.6 out of 637 graded copies.
40 SS copies, 13 in 9.8, this is one, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. 2nd appearance of Elektra., Bullseye appearance.
Art Comments. Frank Miller story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in March 1981.
Prior notes...
A 9.8 WP Copy. A Newsstand Variant.
Currently worth 640 CGC points.
The highest points for this issue is 708 points for one of the two 9.8 SS copies.
CENSUS: as of June 2016.
43 copies in 9.8. A few more copies only than last year.
78 more copies in 9.6 out of 307 graded copies.
5 SS copies. 2 graded at 9.8, with at least two of these signed by Stan Lee and possibly by Klaus Janson.
After issue 168, where do you go from here? Elektra was supposed to be a one-shot. But here we go Daredevil, the legend begins again...
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 169 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer Newstand Variant. I have seen a number of Newstand Variants, so they are not extremely rare.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
A 50 cent issue. Possibly UK variants too.
VALUE:
Expect to now pay $250-300 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, easily more if excellent structure and more again if signed. And an added premium for the “Newstand variant”, but they are not as rare as others. Not many signed copies.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Writer, Frank Miller.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editor, Denny O’Neil.
ISSUE TITLE "Devils"
STORY LINE:
Daredevil vs. Bullseye. Bullseye has a tumor in his brain that makes him insane and see every day people as Daredevil, and he starts to kill everyone.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
Another pretty cover attached to a fairly hard to get comic!!
Published every 2 months.
First published in March 1981.
|
| Slot: |
Daredevil 170 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 170 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
4073328001
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS NEWSSTAND Copy.
SS by three, Stan Lee, Frank Miller and Klaus Jansen.
CENSUS: 101 in 9.8, 152 in 9.6 out of 585 graded copies.
46 SS copies, 12 in 9.8, this is one, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. Bullseye, Kingpin &, Vanessa Fisk appearance.
Art Comments. Frank Miller story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in May 1981.
DD Logo too!
Prior notes...
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition Issue.
Signed by Klaus Janson. Nice cover!
Currently worth 308 CGC points, the highest points for this issue..
CENSUS: as of June 2016.
62 copies in 9.8. A few more copies only than last year.
79 more copies in 9.6 out of 252 graded copies.
9 SS copies. 3 graded at 9.8, with at least two of these signed by Stan Lee and others including Klaus Janson and now Frank Miller.
Again, after issue 168, where do you go from here? Bring back the Kingpin and a new look.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 170 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs. newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer Newstand Variant. I have seen a number of Newstand Variants, so they are not extremely rare.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
A 50 cent issue. Possibly UK variants too.
VALUE:
Expect to now pay $250-300 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, easily more if excellent structure and more again if signed. And an added premium for the “Newstand variant”, but they are not as rare as others. Not many signed copies.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Writer, Frank Miller.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editor, Denny O’Neil.
ISSUE TITLE "The Kingpin must Die!"
STORY LINE:
A pretty complex story line, involving a retired Kingpin, his wife Vanessa, local thugs Turk and Bullseye too! Retired in Japan, Kingpin sends his wife, Vanessa, to New York to hire Nelson and Murdock. Kingpin's plan is to turn state's evidence against the East Coast crime bosses. Vanessa is captured by the mob so they can lure Kingpin back to New York and kill him. DD gets in the way and has a confrontation with Bullseye. Kingpin arrives and swears violence. More to come...
NOTES and TRIVIA:
I like this cover. I sent a Newstand Variant to be SS by Miller and Janson and it got a 9.6 grade...so here we go find another Newstand Variant and try again...
In this issue, longtime Marvel villain the Kingpin has his name revealed as Wilson Fisk
Published every 2 months. Changes to ever month for the next issue.
First published in May 1981.
And Thanks Rich!
|
| Slot: |
Daredevil 171 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 171 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
4073328002
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS NEWSSTAND Copy.
SS by three, Stan Lee, Frank Miller, Klaus Janson.
One of the harder issue s to get due to the black cover, a great investment comic.
CENSUS: 54 in 9.8, 81 in 9.6 out of 352 graded copies.
22 SS copies, 11 in 9.8, this is one of them, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. Bullseye & Kingpin appearance.
Art Comments. Frank Miller story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in June 1981 back on a ONE MONTH schedule...finally.
Daredevil Logo.
Prior notes...
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition Issue.
Signed by Stan Lee. Nice black cover!
Currently worth 246 CGC points, the highest points for this issue. ***Should be more!
CENSUS: 50 in 9.8, 74 in 9.6 out of 301 graded copies.
18 SS copies, 9 in 9.8, the highest grade as of July 2022.
CENSUS: as of June 2016.
36 copies in 9.8. A few more copies only than last year. This is the 3rd rarest 9.8 issue in the set, tied with #176.
50 more copies in 9.6 out of 181 graded copies.
5 SS copies. 2 graded at 9.8, both known 9.8SS copies are signed by Stan Lee only.
Another great cover, but the black makes it hard to get in 9.8, as shown by the lower census numbers. It is the 3rd rarest in 9.8 in this set, and the lowest overall submission numbers of any issue in the set. The black cover just makes it tough in HG.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 171 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs. newsstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newsstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newsstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer Newstand Variant. I have not seen ANY Newstand Variants in 9.8, so they are extremely rare.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
A 50 cent issue. Some commercial promo variants and possibly UK variants too.
VALUE:
Expect to now pay $250-350 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, easily more if excellent structure and more again if signed. And add a big premium for the “Newstand variant”.
This is another comic to look at as an investment. Great cover, great story, low numbers.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson
Writer, Frank Miller.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editors, Denny O’Neil and Mark Gruenwald.
ISSUE TITLE "In the Kingpins Clutches"
STORY LINE:
Matt goes undercover and joins the Kingpin's gang so he can steal the info Fisk has collected on the underworld. Kingpin catches him in the act and beats him senseless. Grotto and Turk dump DD in the main junction of New York City's water drainage system, hoping he drowns. During the Kingpin's exchange with the men holding his wife, Vanessa is apparently killed.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
I like this cover. I bid on most 9.8WP copies hoping to snag another for a good price. White this dark spine and edges all around, a tough issue to get in 9.8 and thus a good investment!
Published every 1 month now.
First published in June 1981.
|
| Slot: |
Daredevil 172 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 172 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1000644005
|
Owner Comments
A 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition Issue.
Signed by Klaus Janson. Nice blue cover!
Currently worth 246 CGC points, the highest points for this issue.
CENSUS: 92 in 9.8, 97 in 9.6 out of 373 graded copies.
22 SS copies, 9 in 9.8, this is one of them, the highest grade as of April 2023.
Key Comments. Bullseye & Kingpin appearance.
Art Comments. Frank Miller story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in July 1981.
CENSUS: as of June 2016.
68 copies in 9.8. A few more copies only than last year.
54 more copies in 9.6 out of 212 graded copies.
2 SS copies. 1 graded at 9.8, mine, signed by Klaus Janson.
Another nice cover, with a big blue Kingpin. Not rare in 9.8, but not easy to get either.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 172 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs. newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer Newstand Variant. I have not seen ANY Newstand Variants in 9.8, but a few must be out there.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
A 50 cent issue. Probably some UK variants too.
VALUE:
Expect to now pay $125-150 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, easily more if excellent structure and more again if signed. And add a big premium for the “Newstand variant”.
This is another nice comic to look at as an investment or for a SS attempt.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson with George Roussos and Danny Crespi too.
Writer, Frank Miller.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editor, Denny O’Neil.
ISSUE TITLE "Gangwar"
STORY LINE:
Well Daredevil isn't dead, but Kingpin thinks his wife Vanessa is dead, and its Daredevils fault. Kingpin hires Bullseye to kill Daredevil, but he fails. A bunch of fights and fighters, Daredevil survives and Kingpin survives all to start anew.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
I like this cover and watch for extra ordinarily well structured covers, and I bid on most 9.8WP copies hoping to snag another for a good price.
Published every 1 month now.
First published in July 1981.
|
| Slot: |
Daredevil 173 |
| Item: |
Daredevil 173 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1176247001
|
Owner Comments
A 9.9 NINE.NINE WP Copy.
I also have a 9.8 WP SS Copy. A Direct Edition Issue.
Signed by Klaus Janson at the London Convention.
Currently worth 246 CGC points.
CENSUS: 1 in 9.9, this one, 160 at 9.8, 127 in 9.6 out of 436 graded copies.
18 SS copies, 11 in 9.8, I have on, the highest SS grade as of APril 2023.
Key Comments. Gladiator appearance.
Art Comments. Frank Miller story, Frank Miller & Klaus Janson cover & art.
Published in August 1981, on a 1 month schedule.
Prior notes...
There is a solo copy at 9.9, worth 280 points, the highest points for this issue..
CENSUS: as of June 2016.
1 copy at 9.9. Was sold to Bleu Hawaii for $1750 in 2013 and in his CGC set. I lost...
104 copies in 9.8. A few more copies only than last year, about 4 new copies per year.
76 more copies in 9.6 out of 254 graded copies.
3 SS copies. 1 graded at 9.8, mine, signed by Klaus Janson.
Another nice cover. Not rare in 9.8, but not easy to get either.
There were separate Direct Issues and Newstand variants for issue number 173 and this pattern follows through the entire Daredevil Miller era run. I have been told the numbers of direct edition vs. newstand versions ranged proportionally 60-40 to 70-30 for each type, depending on the issue.
The newstand variants are much rarer in high grade, as they lived their life on a heavily fondled newstand, not in a direct edition mailer. This ratio also varies, with approximately one out of five (some issues one out of 20!) issues being graded 9.8 as the rarer Newstand Variant. I don't think I have not seen ANY Newstand Variants in 9.8, but a few must be out there.
Newstand variants have the price in a square box next to the issue number at the top of the letter box, the direct editions have the price and issue number in a diamond shape within the letter box.
A 50 cent issue. Probably some UK variants too.
VALUE:
The interesting thing was the 9.9 comic sold for more than the "Buy it Now Price" on Ebay. We should have known and flipped a coin...Asking was like $1699.99. Sold for $1750ish...
Expect to now pay $125-150 for a basic 9.8WP Copy, easily more if excellent structure and more again if signed. And add a premium for the “Newstand variant”.
This is another nice comic to look at as an investment or for a SS attempt. The cover is bright white and clean, some day maybe another 9.9 will drop in.
I have seen no sketches on any SS copy.
CREATOR DETAILS:
Cover Artists, Frank Miller and Klaus Janson.
Writer, Frank Miller.
Penciler, Frank Miller.
Inker, Klaus Janson.
Colorist, Glynis Wein.
Letterer, Joe Rosen.
Editor, Denny O’Neil.
ISSUE TITLE "Lady Killer"
STORY LINE:
A lady killer is roaming the streets and he looks exactly like Melvin Potter. Daredevil tracks down the man responsible for crippling Becky and clears the Gladiator. Also internal in the story is the comment that DD has a new Billy Club, damaged in the last story.
NOTES and TRIVIA:
This is also a busy cover and I like it, and love the yellow label to match!
Published every month now.
First published in August 1981.
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