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Iron Man #233 front cover
~9.2 AI-Estimated
Approximate
Condition Profile
IRON MAN #233
MARVEL COMICS · 8/88 · DIRECT EDITION
UNIT ECA-002304

IRON MAN #233

Late-1980s Iron Man ongoing issue, direct edition

SIG 2/10 Available

// Unit specification

PublisherCover dateEraVariantKey attributeStatus
Marvel Comics August 1988 Copper Direct Edition AVAILABLE

// Copies in archive

UnitGradeVariantStatus
ECA-002304 ~9.2 Direct Edition AVAILABLE

// Run position

Part of an unbroken run · #148–#278 · 131 issues View all 252 available issues of IRON MAN →

// Condition analysis

⚠ AI-Estimated / Approximate Condition Profile

Cover shown in a protective sleeve displays sharp corners, strong glossy surface, and vivid unfaded colors with no visible spine ticks or stress lines. There is a faint diagonal glare/reflection across the upper portion from the plastic sleeve that slightly obscures fine surface detail but no creases or wear are apparent beneath it. Edges appear clean and square with no chipping or bindery tears visible. Interior pages and back cover were not assessed.

// Valuation — market reference

⚠ AI-Estimated values — approximate, not an appraisal
BracketGradeEst. market valueMarker
LOW_RAW 0.5 – 1.5 $1
MID_RAW 4.0 – 6.0 $5
HIGH_CERT 9.8 SLAB $90

// Archive commentary

Iron Man #233 appeared in August 1988, during the David Michelinie/Bob Layton creative stewardship that defined much of the character's Copper Age run, with interior art in this period typically handled by Mark Bright and inks by Layton. The issue is a standard installment of the ongoing series rather than a storyline milestone, continuing Tony Stark's adventures without introducing a new character, costume, or creative first that collectors track as a key moment.

Market data reflects that status: sales and census figures are thin across grades, with 52 total certified copies and only a handful of transactions in each tier. Values remain flat through the mid grades before rising modestly at the top of the census, a pattern typical of a common, easily found back-issue from a well-collected but not especially scarce run. There is no meaningful gap in supply at any grade that would suggest condition rarity driving demand.

This book functions primarily as a run-filler for Iron Man series collectors and Bronze-to-Copper Age completionists rather than a stand-alone investment target. Raw copies in low and mid grade trade for a few dollars and are readily available; a graded 9.8 draws a modest premium reflecting scarcity at the top of the census rather than any storyline significance. Expect steady, low-volume trading with minimal appreciation pressure absent a broader Iron Man market resurgence.

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