Approximate
Condition Profile
MARVEL COMICS · 9/90 · DIRECT EDITION
UNIT ECA-026771
CAPTAIN AMERICA #376
Direct-edition Copper Age Captain America issue from the Gruenwald run
// Unit specification
| Publisher | Cover date | Era | Variant | Key attribute | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Comics | September 1990 | Copper | Direct Edition | — | AVAILABLE |
// Copies in archive
| Unit | Grade | Variant | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECA-005158 | ~9.2 | Direct Edition | AVAILABLE |
| ECA-005160 | ~9.2 | Direct Edition | AVAILABLE |
| ECA-026771 | ~9.2 | Direct Edition | AVAILABLE |
// Run position
// Condition analysis
Cover shows sharp, well-defined corners and clean, unbroken edges with no visible chipping. The spine appears tight with no stress lines or color breaking visible in this image. Colors are vibrant with no fading or staining apparent, though the book is in a protective sleeve which may obscure minor surface issues; interior and back cover were not assessed.
// Valuation — market reference
| Bracket | Grade | Est. market value | Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOW_RAW | 0.5 – 1.5 | $1 | |
| MID_RAW | 4.0 – 6.0 | $4 | |
| HIGH_CERT | 9.8 SLAB | $50 |
// Archive commentary
Captain America #376 arrived in September 1990 during Mark Gruenwald's long and influential tenure as writer on the title, a run remembered for its deep engagement with Cap's ideals and supporting cast rather than any single blockbuster event issue. This particular issue is a standard installment of that ongoing story, produced in the direct-market edition typical of the era, without a first appearance, death, or other landmark moment attached to it.
Market data for the issue is sparse: the CGC census lists only sixteen Universal copies with a single tracked sale each at 9.8 and 9.6, giving an FMV ceiling of $50 in top grade. This thin volume of certified activity is consistent with a late Copper Age comic that was heavily produced, widely available, and never developed the collector intensity of key issues from the same run. Demand is driven almost entirely by Captain America completists and Gruenwald-run readers rather than speculative key-issue buyers.
For the trade, this issue functions as a filler book: readily available raw in low and mid grades for a few dollars, with only the rare high-grade CGC 9.8 commanding a modest premium due to census scarcity rather than storyline importance. It suits dealers building complete Gruenwald-era runs or discount bins rather than a standalone investment-grade offering.
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