Norsk Gods Rock
Journey Into Mystery 84

COMIC DETAILS

Comic Description: Journey Into Mystery #84 Signature
Grade: 9.4
Page Quality: OFF-WHITE TO WHITE
Certification #: 1101074001
Owner: Mississippi Mudcats

SET DETAILS

Winning Set: Norsk Gods Rock
Date Added: 9/5/2013
Research: See CGC's Census Report for this Comic

Owner's Description


This is the 84th issue of a breakthrough title that began in June of 1952. More importantly, it is the second issue of the title's change to half super-hero format, as the Mighty Thor makes his second ever appearance herein. This issue also features the first appearance of Jane Foster, who was played by Natalie Portman in the Thor movies and may be the subject of a future Marvel movie.

To say this issue is hard to find would be accurate. To say it is difficult to obtain in high grade would be an understatement. There are only 9 copies of this Jack Kirby/Stan Lee masterpiece to grade as high as 9.0, with 4 in VF/NM, one in Near Mint Minus and only 3 blue label 9.4's. This gem has them all beat and is the only CGC Signature SERIES copy above an 8.5!

Issue #84 is one of the absolute toughest early Marvels to come by in high grade as per the CGC census report. It’s no doubt due to the dark brown cover borders and background which easily show wear. Our copy has no such problems. The spine is gorgeous, the centering is exact, the edges are straight and narrow and the corners are sharp. The book has vibrant colors and a fresh, meticulously well-stored look plus hard to beat off-white to white pages. It hails from the ultra high grade Cole Schave early Silver Age Marvel collection out of Green Bay, Wisconsin. I first saw this comic at the 2012 Comic Com convention in NYC. I later was fortunate enough to acquire it in the 2/11/2014 Pedigree Comics Auction.

9/2019: There are now four blue label 9.4s in this census, but this is still the single highest graded signature series, and, with Stan’s recent demise, it likely always will be. It remains to be seen how Stan’s death will affect the value of Signature Series books. After all, he has probably signed thousands of books at shows through the years. An author’s signature with a first edition novel can multiply the value of a book. But with comics, some regard the signature as a disqualifying defect. I am somewhat on the fence on signature books and generally don’t pay a premium for them, but also do not avoid signed copies.
 
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