Price history & market evidence
Price observations belong to this edition. Guide estimates, catalog references and completed sales are separate kinds of evidence.
| Grade | Amount | Evidence | Recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | $174.99 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| 6.0 | $260.00 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| 8.0 | $500.13 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| 9.2 | $1,625.11 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| 9.4 | $2,896.68 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| 9.6 | $24,725.00 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| 9.8 | $22,476.99 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| RAW | $170.99 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| 10.0 | $29,220.00 | PriceCharting · guideguide | 1972-06-01 |
| 9.8 | $560.00 | ComicBase · catalog referencecatalog | Date not recorded |
Reading this edition’s market
Compare the same cover, printing and grade before setting a bid. A raw guide or a higher-grade price does not establish a slab’s value. Include selling fees, shipping and the depth of completed-sale evidence when assessing an exit price.
The table includes 9 guide observations and 1 catalog references. These are reference values, not guaranteed sale proceeds.
Graded population
CGC records 5,283 graded copies for Hero For Hire #1 (1972). Population is the number recorded by this grading source, not the total print run or all surviving copies.
Out of Hell -- A Hero!
At Seagate Prison, Lucas is a prisoner who has been abused by those who warden over him. However, when he explains to prison physician Noah Burstein that while he wasn't the most law-abiding citizen, he was framed for cocaine possession by his friend Willis Stryker, who then moved in on their criminal racket, and his girl, which eventually led to Reva's death. Burstein offers Lucas an early chance at parole if he helps with a scientific experiment.
However, when racist prison guard Billy Bob Rackham tampers with the machine, an unexpected effect: Lucas is granted enhanced strength and bulletproof skin. Once realizing this, Lucas uses his powers to escape Seagate, leaving the staff there to assume that he died trying to flee in the water.
Lucas eventually finds his way to New York City, where he decides to put his powers to use, earning himself some income as a "Hero for Hire". Buying a costume and taking on the name Luke Cage, Lucas begins his career as "Hero for Hire." Luke's activities make him popular among the people of Harlem, but also bring the attention of the local syndicate's leader: Diamondback, a costumed criminal with trick switchblades, who as it turns out, is Luke's old friend Stryker.
Creative credits
Writers: Archie Goodwin
Interior art: George Tuska
Color: N/A
Cover art: John Romita
Source records & attribution
Panel Profits keeps each source identity attached to its edition record.
COMICBASE: comicbase:528788
GCD: 25193
PANEL PROFITS: 2410780