Crypt of Shadows #1

Title: Crypt of Shadows

Issue Number: #1

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: January 1973

Era: Bronze Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Various

Artist/Penciler: Various, including Russ Heath and Basil Wolverton

Cover Artist: Gil Kane; Tom Palmer inks

Format: Single Issue Comic Book, 36 Pages

Variant/Cover: Standard 20¢ Cover

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: Premiere issue of Marvel's Crypt of Shadows horror anthology series. Features reprinted pre-Code and early Marvel/Atlas horror material. Gil Kane cover with Tom Palmer inks.

UPC: None (Pre-UPC)

Comic Grade: FN to FN+ (6.0–6.5)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

Complete: Yes; cover and centerfold are attached at both staples

Condition Notes: Attractive copy with strong cover colors and good overall presentation. Moderate color-breaking spine wear with additional wear concentrated around the staple areas. The lower staple area has a more noticeable stress/pull with a small tear extending into the cover along the spine. Light edge and corner wear is present, including minor creasing at the upper-right corner. Back cover has moderate age toning, light soiling and scattered handling wear. Interior pages have even age toning. Both staples remain attached and the centerfold is secure.

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.