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 | $16.01 | PANEL_PROFITS · grade_4_0_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| 6.0 | $32.99 | PANEL_PROFITS · grade_6_0_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| 8.0 | $57.76 | PANEL_PROFITS · grade_8_0_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| 9.2 | $119.00 | PANEL_PROFITS · grade_9_2_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| 9.4 | $168.00 | PANEL_PROFITS · grade_9_4_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| 9.6 | $729.00 | PANEL_PROFITS · grade_9_6_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| 9.8 | $662.48 | PANEL_PROFITS · grade_9_8_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| RAW | $13.30 | PANEL_PROFITS · ungraded_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| 10.0 | $861.00 | PANEL_PROFITS · grade_10_0_valueguide | 1972-10-01 |
| 9.6 | $36.00 | 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 172 graded copies for Hero For Hire #3 (1972). Population is the number recorded by this grading source, not the total print run or all surviving copies.
Mark of the Mace!
Following the death of Diamondback, Luke Cage answers to the police and Claire corroborates his story. When Luke confronts Burstein about what he intends to do about knowing Luke's real identity, Burstein says he has to think it over and invites Luke to discuss the matter in his office. The two argue about turning Burstein contacting the authorities, and Burstein agrees to let Luke operate on his own, but under his watchful eye.
Later, back at his office, Luke is visited by a man named Owen Ridgely. Ridgely explains that he was hired by a former Vietnam Vet named Gideon Mace who was organizing a militia that would stage terrorist attacks to shake the foundation of the United States in hopes of making the people of the States respect their veterans. However, having a change of heart Ridgely came to Cage in hopes that Luke can stop Mace's plan. However, Gideon's men arrive and manage to shoot Owen, and in his dying breath, Owen hands Luke money and demands that he stop Mace.
Luke travels to Gideon's base where he tries to stop Gideon's plot to blow up each bridge and power station in Manhattan. During the fight, Gideon Mace tries to escape aboard a helicopter, but Cage manages to jump aboard. During their fight in the air, Cage knocks both of them into the harbor where the weight of Mace's metal mace sinks to the bottom of the harbor. Assuming his foe had perished, Luke emerges from the water victorious. Returning to the Gem Theater, Luke decides to mail the payment Owen had given to him to Ridgely's widow.
Creative credits
Writers: Archie Goodwin
Interior art: George Tuska
Color: William Graham Jr.
Source records & attribution
Panel Profits keeps each source identity attached to its edition record.
COMICBASE: comicbase:528791
GCD: 25546
PANEL PROFITS: 2410789