Item Overview: Up for grabs is a solid mid-to-high grade copy of DC Comics' Silverblade #5 from January 1988. Penned by Cary Bates with atmospheric interior and cover artwork by the legendary Gene Colan, this 12-issue maxi-series is a unique entry in DC's late 80s catalog. Complete with a vintage TSR Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms ad on the back cover, this is an excellent, affordable gap-filler for your vintage DC collection.
Scene & Actor Profile: Former Hollywood stuntman and aging movie star Jonathan Lord has been transformed into his most famous cinematic role: the swashbuckling Silverblade. In this issue, Silverblade engages in a brutal, fantastical battle against a massive serpent demon. Gene Colan's signature penciling style brings a heavy, shadow-drenched aesthetic to the cinematic action.
The Specifics:
Series: Silverblade
Issue: #5
Creative Team: Cary Bates (Writer), Gene Colan (Pencils), Steve Mitchell (Inks)
Key Feature: Gene Colan Artwork / Vintage 1988 Copper Age
Comprehensive Condition Details (Buy With Absolute Confidence):
As a fellow collector, I prioritize strict handling protocols. To provide absolute clarity, the high-resolution surface photos show the item temporarily removed from its archival bag and backing board so you can inspect the true condition without any plastic glare. I have also included a photo of the interior and an angled shot to guarantee it is safely stored and structurally sound! Do not clean, polish, or alter this item. Handle by the edges only.
Raw Estimate: 8.0 Very Fine
Quadrant Defect Mapping:
Top-Left: Minor blunting at the extreme top spine corner.
Top-Right: Sharp.
Bottom-Left: Noticeable blunting and color-breaking wear at the bottom spine corner tip.
Bottom-Right: Sharp.
Center/Gloss (Front): Good surface gloss. The black background reveals minor surface handling wear under angled light.
Back Cover Assessment: Clean overall presentation on the vintage TSR D&D ad. Shows minor edge wear and light surface rubbing along the spine edge.
Spine Ticks: 4 distinct color-breaking ticks and stress lines along the spine fold, easily visible against the black cover ink.
Interior / Hidden Flaws: Pages are firmly attached at staples. Page quality is off-white to white. No visible signs of tape, trimming, color touch, or chemical cleaning. Interior features vibrant, full-color art.
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