The Monster of Frankenstein #1

Title: The Monster of Frankenstein

Issue Number: #1

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: January 1973

Era: Bronze Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Gary Friedrich

Artist/Penciler: Mike Ploog

Cover Artist: Mike Ploog

Format: Single Issue Comic Book, 36 Pages

Variant/Cover: Standard 20¢ Cover

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: Premiere issue of Marvel's Frankenstein series. Features the origin of Frankenstein's Monster and begins Gary Friedrich and Mike Ploog's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Ploog provided both the cover and interior artwork.

UPC: None (Pre-UPC)

Comic Grade: VG- to VG (3.5–4.0)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

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

Condition Notes: Strong cover colors with moderate overall wear. Numerous color-breaking spine stresses, edge and corner wear, and general handling wear. There is blue ink writing in the price/issue box and a large black signature/writing across the lower portion of the front cover. The back cover has moderate age toning, discoloration and handling wear. Interior pages have even age toning. The first interior story page has a large black used-book-store stamp along the bottom margin reading “WE TRADE 1 FOR 2 WITH PURCHASE / EVERYBODY'S USED BOOK STORE / WACO, TEXAS.” Both staples are secure and the centerfold is attached.

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.