For sale today is the classic, very rare, and out-of-print (oop) Marvel Comics trade paperback (tpb)/graphic novel (published under Fireside at that time) Silver Surfer: The Ultimate Cosmic Experience by legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, published in 1978. It is the first printing edition.

  •  Written by Stan Lee. Art by Jack Kirby. Painted cover by Earl Norem (based on sketch by Jack Kirby). The Silver Surfer is the only thing standing in the way of Earth and total annihilation at the hands of Galactus. Softcover, 130 pages, full color. This graphic novel marks the last collaboration between the architects of the Marvel Universe and the godfathers of Modern Day Comics - Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. 


I am not a comics grader, but I try to be as thorough as possible when assessing books for any flaws. I don't believe in using a number grade system - to me they are mostly utilized as a method to be ambiguous about exact condition and/or individual imperfections - but I do attempt to describe anything other than minor cover shelf-scuffing/scratching in detail. If a certain flaw discussed below does not mention that it affects inside pages, then it does not.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This copy is in good overall reading condition, especially considering its age, with an attached spine and very good/relatively bright inside pages with light if any natural yellowing over time (photo#18 example). It does have a collection of signs of wear including multiple cover creases, and outer corner creases, of various sizes/strengths, although a majority of its flaws are external and lighter in severity.


**Photo#3:
-Spine edge: ~9 indents spread around it with 1 more moderate cover break one near its middle - 5 show on the adjacent covers as small-to~1/2" indents/creases (photo#10 w/illumination). The moderate color break shows on the adjacent back cover as a ~1" crease/depression (photo#11 w/illumination). One indent near the upper corner is most apparent, showing as a ~1" indent//~2" crease/depression around it on the front cover (photo#12 w/illumination), and a ~2" crease//~1" indent around it on the back cover (photo#13 w/illumination). Some light faded spots around spine edge.

**Photo#4: 
-Upper spine corner: Some scuffing/cover deterioration around it. Tiny tear where it meets front cover.

**Photo#5:
-Lower spine corner: Some scuffing/cover deterioration around it. Small tear where it meets front cover. ~2" and two ~1" creases adjacent corner on front cover. ~1/2" indent/depression around it on adjacent back cover.

**Photo#6: 
-Front cover top edge: ~1.5" of scuffing near its middle, otherwise lighter levels of shelf-scuffing/wear/color breaking around.
-Outer corner: ~1/2" crease/scuff/bend/light cover deterioration around corner, goes thru ~10 pages throughout as a small corner fold, and ~3/4 pages as a light bend.

**Photo#7:
-Front cover bottom edge: ~1.5" moderate scuff patch near spine corner, otherwise lighter levels of shelf-scuffing/wear/color breaking around.
-Outer corner: Light ~2" crease around corner. ~1" vertical crease around corner, goes thru ~15 pages as an indent/bend. ~1/2" crease/scuff/bend/light cover deterioration around extreme corner, goes thru ~1/2 pages as a ~1/2" indent, and ~2/3 pages as a bend.

**Photo#8: 
-Back cover top edge: 3 small adjacent/light cover creases near the spine corner, ~1" scuff near its middle, otherwise lighter levels of shelf-scuffing/wear/color breaking around. 
-Outer corner: ~3/4" crease/scuff/bend/light cover deterioration around extreme corner, goes thru ~10 pages as a light indent, and ~1/3 pages as a bend.

**Photo#9:
-Back cover bottom edge: Small scuff and small/light adjacent cover crease towards spine corner, ~1" nearby/parallel cover indent towards outer corner, otherwise lighter levels of shelf-scuffing/wear/color breaking around. 
-Outer corner: ~4" indent around corner. Light ~3" crease/depression and ~1.5" one also around corner. ~1" crease around corner (all in photo#14 w/illumination). ~1/2" crease/scuff/bend/light cover deterioration around extreme corner, goes thru ~5 pages as a corner fold, and ~1/3 pages as a bend.

**Additionally: Front cover possesses ~five ~1.5" creases/depressions, and ~thirteen small-to~1/2" creases/indents/depressions around it (photo#15 w/illumination). They show as light indents on the first cover pages. Back cover has ~two ~1.5" creases/depressions, and ~fourteen small-to~3/4" creases/indents/depressions around it (photo#16 w/illumination). ~1/2" cover tear near bottom edge. 

**Internally: First inside cover page has multiple previous owners' names written in pencil/pen around the upper half (photo#17). Last inside cover page has one name written in pen near the top edge. Spine adhesive is beginning to lose its effectiveness where it meets at the first and last cover pages, but is still attached (also in photo#17). A few inside pages have small and light age stains around their peripherals, in the margins.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I both buy to read as well as sell TPBs on here, so I understand how aggravating it is to receive a comic damaged in transit. I always pack books firmly between pieces of cardboard (among other materials/layers) via Gemini Comic mailers or bubble mailers depending on size; usually utilizing boxes for larger lots. If you have any questions or would like any additional photos, feel free to let me know. I'm always happy to combine shipping costs - either message me before completing purchase for a pre-payment price adjustment, or alternatively I can provide a refund afterwards. Thanks, and have a spectacular day!