FROM THE PERSONAL COLLECTION OF JIM STARLIN

Jim Starlin is one of the most influential creators of the Bronze Age of comics, a writer and artist whose work helped redefine Marvel's cosmic universe and whose creations have become some of the most recognizable characters in modern popular culture. Beginning his professional career at Marvel in the early 1970s, Starlin transformed characters such as Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock while creating or co-creating legendary characters including Thanos, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora and Shang-Chi. He also wrote and illustrated The Death of Captain Marvel, Marvel's first original graphic novel. His sweeping cosmic stories, particularly those involving Thanos, ultimately laid the groundwork for Marvel's enormously influential Infinity Gauntlet saga and the larger Marvel cinematic universe itself.

Starlin's accomplishments extend far beyond Marvel, however. He created Dreadstar, one of the most acclaimed creator-owned science-fiction properties of the 1980s. At DC Comics, he wrote the landmark Batman miniseries Batman: The Cult, illustrated by the legendary Bernie Wrightson, as well as Batman: A Death in the Family, the story that forever changed the course of the Batman family of comics.

This CGC-certified collectible offers something considerably more special than an ordinary Jim Starlin signature. The comic offered here is actually from Jim Starlin's personal collection. CGC has certified the book's provenance with the notation "From the Collection of Jim Starlin," while also authenticating Starlin's signature.

That makes this a unique opportunity for collectors: you are not simply acquiring a comic created, written or illustrated by Jim Starlin and signed by him—you are acquiring a comic that actually belonged to Jim Starlin himself. The book therefore carries a direct connection to one of the most important creators in modern comic-book history, preserved and authenticated by CGC.

For fans of Jim Starlin, Marvel's cosmic era, Thanos, Dreadstar, Batman, or the history of the comic-book medium itself, this is an extraordinary piece of provenance that goes far beyond the typical signed comic.

About the item:

This copy of Star Reach #1 is the First Printing, published in April 1974, and is from the Jim Starlin collection. It is graded and certified by CGC as part of their special Signature Series, receiving a 7.5 grade with White Pages.

Star Reach #1 was the groundbreaking debut issue of Mike Friedrich's independent science-fiction and fantasy anthology. Published outside the traditional Marvel and DC system, Star Reach became an important early example of creator-oriented independent comics, occupying a unique position between the underground movement and mainstream superhero publishing.

The issue is packed with notable creators. Howard Chaykin introduces Cody Starbuck, his swaggering space-faring adventurer who would become the most enduring character to emerge from the Star Reach line. Chaykin wrote, drew and colored the 16-page Cody Starbuck story and provided the striking front cover for this first printing.

Jim Starlin is particularly well represented, contributing three pieces of material to the issue: the eight-page “...The Birth of Death!”, the seven-page “Death Building” with Al Milgrom, and the one-page “The Origin of God!” Starlin also supplied the back-cover artwork, a striking image featuring his recurring Death imagery. The issue additionally features work by Walt Simonson and Steve Skeates, making it a fascinating snapshot of several important creators early in their careers.

Please note: Starlin's original back-cover artwork contains nudity. Because eBay restricts the display of nudity outside its Adult category, the back-cover photograph shown in this listing has been cropped to display only the upper portion of the artwork. The complete image remains part of the actual comic.

The First Printing is particularly desirable. It carries the 75¢ cover price and features Chaykin's Cody Starbuck artwork on the front and Starlin's “Death” artwork on the back. It is scarce, with no less than three follow-up printings to satisfy fan demand.  Also, subsequent printings made changes to the covers and interior contents, making the original April 1974 edition the the most desirable from a collectors standpoint.

But what makes this particular copy especially noteworthy is its provenance. This isn't simply a Star Reach #1 featuring work by Jim Starlin. This is a copy that personally belonged to Jim Starlin himself. CGC has preserved and certified that provenance with its official “From the Collection of Jim Starlin” notation, while also authenticating Starlin's signature.

For collectors of Jim Starlin, Howard Chaykin, Walt Simonson, Al Milgrom, Steve Skeates, Cody Starbuck, independent comics, or the history of creator-oriented publishing, this CGC 7.5 Signature Series copy offers a remarkable combination of important first-printing independent comic, multiple Starlin contributions, creator signature, and documented personal provenance.