Following the success of publishing 'Conan the Barbarian', Roy Thomas and Marvel were understandably enthusiastic to introduce readers to other classic characters from the imagination of R E Howard, and here we have the barbarian, Kull of Atlantis (before it sank) who seized the throne of Valusia in an age long before Conan. Penned by Roy Thomas, and with Wally Wood inks over Ross Andru pencils, this is a beautifully written and illustrated introduction not just to Kull, but to his whole cast of characters. Even moreso than Conan, the tales of Kull contrast civilisation with barbarism, because - except for his Pictish Ally, Brule - Kull is surrounded by courtly plotters who are horrified to see a barbarian sat upon the throne of their civilised nation. The story is a fantastic introudction to Kull and his world which might well lead you to dive into Howard's original tales, or at least buy the rest of this short run.
This is a good solid book with no tears, heavy creasing or pieces missing. The cover remains glossy, with bright colours. Pages are off-white, crisp and supple, and all securely held by original, rust-free, staples. There is no major defect to detract from eye-appeal, but a combination of minor defects restrict the grade. These consist of:
...moderate spine-wear, with colour erosion, and multiple small spine-stresses with colour cracks
...light handling wear around the edge, with hairlines of colour-rbeak#
...a US cents copy, there is a T & P distributors' UK 5p price-stam in the last 'L' of 'Kull'
...light surface wear on the cover
...abrasions at top and base of spine
...light soiling apparent in white areas of back cover (could be removed by a professional clean)
...faint foxing at top of inside back cover and back page, close to spine (not worsened in decades, as result of proper storage)
In my opinion, the book most closely fits Overstreet criteria for VG, and has additional positive factors which could lead some graders to judge it VG+, and the l;ow price reflects this assessment. With the pictures and above notes you can arrive at your own assessment of the grade.
This comic will be dispatched backed and bagged, securely packed in a sturdy bookmailer to see it reaches you in the same condition it leaves me! I use Royal Mail rather than Hermes/Evri, Yodel, or DHL.
I've been collecting comics for over 50 years. In that time I've upgraded much of my collection, resulting in extra copies of many issues. In addition, there are series' I have collected which I don't feel the need to take to the grave! I am therefore seeking to reduce the size of my collection by selling off my duplicates and items no longer of interest. As a continuing collector myself, I really want buyers to be happy with their purchase, whatever condition it is in, and I always try to grade carefully, using Overstreet criteria. I try to provide sufficient descriptive detail and images for you to know what you are buying, but, if you are unhappy, you may return your purchase for a full refund.