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X-Men #51
Title: X-Men
Issue Date: December 1968
Era: Silver Age
Series/Volume: X-Men Vol. 1
Writer: Arnold Drake
Artist/Penciler: Jim Steranko / Werner Roth
Inker: John Tartaglione
Cover Artist: Jim Steranko
Format: Standard Comic Book
Variant/Cover: 12¢ Cover
Printing: First Printing
Key Issue/Notable: First appearance/cameo of Cyclops as Erik the Red; Magneto, Mesmero and Lorna Dane/Polaris appearances; continuation of the Beast origin backup; classic Jim Steranko cover.
UPC: None
Grade Range: VG (4.0)
Page Quality: Cream to Off-White
Complete: Yes; cover and centerfold attached at both staples.
Condition Notes: Attractive reader/collector copy with very strong front-cover color and an excellent Steranko presentation despite the defects. Front cover shows moderate spine wear with multiple color-breaking stresses, edge wear, corner wear, surface handling, and small areas of color loss. The most significant defect is the missing piece from the upper-left corner of the back cover, along with additional creasing, edge wear, surface wear/soiling and general age-related discoloration to the back cover. Interior pages show moderate age toning. Staples remain attached and the centerfold is secure.
Scan Note: Images are high-resolution scans of the actual comic. Scanning can exaggerate page toning, surface wear, color variations and other minor imperfections. Colors and paper tones may vary slightly from how the comic looks in person.
Comic Book Grading Guide
Near Mint (NM) 9.2–9.8: An exceptionally well-preserved comic with excellent eye appeal. May have only very minor manufacturing or handling defects.
Very Fine (VF) 7.5–9.0: An attractive, well-preserved comic showing light wear. May have minor spine stress, small corner wear or other minor defects.
Fine (FN) 5.5–7.0: An above-average copy with moderate wear. May have noticeable spine stress, minor creasing, edge or corner wear, and other small defects while remaining complete and attractive.
Very Good (VG) 3.5–5.0: A well-read copy showing noticeable wear. May have creases, spine wear, small tears, discoloration or other defects but remains complete and collectible.
Good (GD) 1.8–3.0: A heavily read copy with significant wear. May have substantial creasing, tears, spine damage, staining, writing or other defects. The comic remains generally complete and readable.
Fair (FR) 1.0–1.5: A heavily worn or damaged comic. May have significant tears, staining, splits, loose or detached components, missing non-story portions or other major defects.
Poor (PR) 0.5: A severely damaged or incomplete comic with major defects that substantially affect its condition and collectibility.
Grading Disclaimer: Grading is based on commonly accepted comic book grading standards. We are not professional graders, but make every effort to provide an accurate and conservative assessment based on the condition of each comic. Grading is subjective and opinions may vary. If you have any questions or concerns about an item, please reach out to us.
