Approximate
Condition Profile
MARVEL COMICS · 1/84 · NEWSSTAND
UNIT ECA-018876
AVENGERS #239
Roger Stern and Al Milgrom-era Avengers issue featuring Crossfire and a cameo from David Letterman
// Unit specification
| Publisher | Cover date | Era | Variant | Key attribute | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Comics | January 1984 | Copper | Newsstand | — | AVAILABLE |
// Copies in archive
| Unit | Grade | Variant | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECA-022293 | ~9.0 | Newsstand | AVAILABLE |
| ECA-018876 | ~8.5 | Newsstand | AVAILABLE |
// Run position
// Condition analysis
Cover shows strong gloss with some scattered light surface scuffing/scratches visible under the plastic sleeve, particularly across the central figures. Corners appear sharp with no visible blunting, and the spine shows no visible stress lines or ticks in this view. No creases, tears, or color breaks are apparent; the book is in a protective sleeve which may be masking minor wear. Interior and back cover were not assessed.
// Valuation — market reference
| Bracket | Grade | Est. market value | Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOW_RAW | 0.5 – 1.5 | $2 | |
| MID_RAW | 4.0 – 6.0 | $5 | |
| HIGH_CERT | 9.8 SLAB | $85 |
// Archive commentary
Avengers #239 arrived during Roger Stern's celebrated run on the title, with art by Al Milgrom and inks by Joe Sinnott. The issue is chiefly remembered for introducing Crossfire, a minor but recurring Marvel villain who would go on to menace Hawkeye and Mockingbird in later storylines, and for a novelty cameo appearance by talk-show host David Letterman, a nod to the era's pop-culture crossover trend. The Avengers lineup on display includes Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Black Widow, and Beast, reflecting the team's early-1980s roster under Stern's stewardship.
Market activity for this issue is thin but consistent with a well-collected but non-key Copper Age Marvel title. Census data shows a healthy number of certified copies, with the bulk of sales concentrated in the 9.4-9.8 range, where certified buyers pursue high-grade examples for set completion rather than any specific first appearance or landmark event. Sales and FMV data thin out considerably below 9.0, with several grades showing no recorded sales at all, indicating that demand for mid- and low-grade raw copies is negligible outside of reading copies and long-box filler.
This issue holds appeal primarily to Avengers run collectors and Roger Stern completists rather than key-issue investors. High-grade 9.8 copies will continue to command modest premiums driven by census scarcity at the top end and steady collector interest in Stern's acclaimed writing period, while raw copies in low and mid grades trade as inexpensive commons, generally moving in bulk lots or as inexpensive additions to a run rather than as standalone purchases.
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