BLUE BEETLE #9

Cover shows sharp corners and clean, bright color with no visible spine ticks or stress lines. There is minor glare/reflection from the protective sleeve which obscures some surface detail, and a couple of tiny reflective specks near the center that may be light glare rather than actual defects. No creases, tears, or discoloration are visible; the book appears to be bagged, which has helped preserve it. Interior and back cover were not assessed, so grade reflects front cover appearance only.

Blue Beetle #9 is part of DC Comics' 1986-1988 ongoing series starring Ted Kord, the character acquired from Charlton Comics and integrated into the post-Crisis DC Universe. The series was written primarily by Len Wein, pairing the gadget-driven, wisecracking hero with a rotating roster of pencillers during a period when DC was folding Charlton's action-heroes into its mainstream continuity. Issue #9 falls within the run's middle stretch, offering standard Ted Kord adventure content without a first appearance, origin, or other landmark event attached to it.

Market data for this issue is sparse, reflecting its status as a minor entry in a series with limited collector demand outside Blue Beetle and Justice League International completists. The tiny certified population and low FMV at the top grade indicate a book that trades cheaply across the board, with little differentiation in value driven by scarcity rather than desirability. Demand is largely passive, tied to nostalgia for Ted Kord and occasional interest from readers following his later appearances in Justice League International.

This issue suits budget-conscious collectors assembling a complete run of the Ted Kord Blue Beetle series rather than investors seeking appreciation. Raw copies in low and mid grades remain inexpensive and plentiful when available, while a 9.8 slab carries only a modest premium given the thin certified population. It is not a book expected to see significant price movement absent a broader resurgence of interest in the character.