*Marvel: A quite wacky example of our collecting hobby this week. This is a copy of Journey Into Mystery #83, the first appearance of Thor, graded by CGC at 0.5 (Poor), and designated a Universal, unrestored blue label. The person who sold this to us described it as a ‘washing machine variant’ in that it looked as if it had been through one, presumably in a pocket. Take a good look at the images here; at least the image of Thor on the front cover is recognisable, even if some other bits are (how shall I put it?) less than fresh. But if you think the front cover is bad, take a look at the back! I’d like to have seen the CGC grading notes for this one! Nevertheless, there are some plus points — the issue is complete, a cents copy, and has, according to CGC, off-white pages (yeah, I know) — and it’s a copy of the first Thor at a price you won’t have to take out a mortgage for. (You’ll note that I’m not dwelling here on the virtues or importance of this issue in Marvel’s history — if you’re reading this, I’m sure you already know all that!). Dr. Evilla, who has been watching too many UK soap powder commercials, wants to extend the washing machine analogy by saying that if it’s ‘Perf with Surf’ and ‘Gold with Bold’, this is very definitely ‘Grim with JIM!’ 
PICTURED: JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #83 CGC 0.5 PR £1200 SOLD