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LUKE CAGE, HERO FOR HIRE #1 — June 1972, Marvel Comics. Origin and first appearance of Luke Cage.
“Out of Hell — A Hero!” The origin issue and first appearance of Luke Cage, the first Black superhero to headline his own ongoing comic book title. Written by Archie Goodwin, drawn by George Tuska, inked by Billy Graham, edited by Stan Lee, with creative contributions from Roy Thomas and John Romita. The cover calls it “A Blazing New Marvel Milestone,” which for once was not hype.
Verified against the indicia, photographed in shot 09. It reads:
“HERO FOR HIRE is published by MAGAZINE MANAGEMENT CO., INC. OFFICE OF PUBLICATION: 625 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022… Copyright © 1972 by Magazine Management Co., Inc., Marvel Comics Group… Vol. 1, No.1, June, 1972 issue. Price 20¢ per copy… Printed in the U.S.A. by World Color Press, Inc., Sparta, Illinois 62286.”
Magazine Management Co.is the correct period entity for this title. No barcode, as expected pre-1976.Original 1972 first printing, not a facsimile and not a reprint.
CONDITION — VG+ 4.5. The flaws, first:
•A light crease at each bottom corner, both lightly blunted. Shots 07 and 08.
•A few vertical creases along the spine side, visible only under raking light. Shot 02 is lit from the side specifically to show them.
•One or two small spine ticks.Shot 04.
•Light staple oxidationat the centerfold. Shot 11.
•Light edge wearoverall.
What holds up — and this copy holds up well:
•Gloss is retained.Shot 02 is a raking-light photograph taken specifically to expose surface wear, and this cover still shows sheen on the yellow and the logo. Surface wrinkling is light and the cover lies flat.
•Top corners are sharp, with barely any blunting.
•Spine is tight and flat— no roll, no split, no delamination, minimal color-breaking.
•Back cover is notably clean— bright white borders, vivid colors, no foxing or mottling.
•Both American Seed Co.coupons are intact and uncut.
•Pages are cream to light tan and supple— no brittleness, no foxing, no water staining, no writing or stamps.
•Complete, centerfold attached and lying flat.
A genuinely presentable copy of a major Bronze Age key, photographed under side lighting rather than behind a flattering flat shot. What you see is what ships.
SHIPPING
Free shipping, included in the price. Bagged and boarded in a rigid comic mailer. Ships within 3 business days of cleared payment.
30-day returns.
