Sub-Mariner #53

Title: Sub-Mariner

Issue Number: #53

Publisher: Marvel

Publication Date: September 1972

Era: Bronze Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Bill Everett

Artist/Penciler: Bill Everett

Inker: Bill Everett

Cover Artist: Sal Buscema; Frank Giacoia inks

Format: Single Issue Comic Book

Variant/Cover: Regular 20¢ U.S. Edition

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: 2nd appearance and origin of Dragon-Lord of Krakinowa; Sunfire appearance. Includes a Golden Age Sub-Mariner reprint from Sub-Mariner Comics #41.

UPC: None

Comic Grade: 7.0 FN/VF

Grade Range: 6.5 FN+ – 7.5 VF-

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

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

Condition Notes: Strong, attractive Bronze Age copy with excellent color and gloss. The black front cover presents especially well, with only light general handling wear. There are several small color-breaking spine stresses, light wear around the staples, minor edge wear and small corner wear. A few light surface marks are visible in the black areas, including minor wear near the upper right corner. Back cover has moderate, fairly even age toning with some light edge and corner wear. Interior pages show normal age toning. Staples remain secure and the centerfold is firmly attached.

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.