*Marvel: Following his debut in Fantastic Four #48, Norrin Radd, Herald of Galactus, gained popularity as a recurring guest star, and his status was confirmed when Marvel launched the Silver Surfer’s own series in the double-sized format in 1968. This premier issue featured, for the first time, John Buscema’s illustrations on the Surfer, a body of work generally acknowledged to be among his finest, and presented also for the first time a 38 page account of the Surfer’s origins, plus (in the back) a 13 page tale of the Watcher, detailing the reasons behind the Watcher’s oath of non-interference. The first run of the Surfer’s solo series has achieved cult status, with the first seven double-sized issues in particular being keenly sought out. This copy of #1 is a lowish FA/GD grade, a cents copy without pence stamp, with a decent, strong cover image. The spine is split down to the upper staple and again at the bottom, although it is attached to the first page, the first four leaves being separated from the staples on this glued squarebound (i.e. the spine was glued as printed, with the staples holding the pages within). Other than that there is minor creasing at edges, a few breaking colour along the right edge. All things considered, it holds together well, and presents nicely with good eye appeal.
PICTURED: SILVER SURFER #1 FA/GD £275