CPV Discussions In Overstreet #49 Market Reports

8/4/2019

Last week I got my copy of the Overstreet Price Guide (OPG) #49. I have fond memories of using the Overstreet guides as a kid to value my childhood collection from year to year, but the truth is that as an adult this is only the 3rd OPG I’ve acquired since I got re-hooked on comic book collecting back in 2003 (my 2003 plan to sell off my childhood collection “backfired” as it ultimately got me instead re-hooked on the hobby!).

The first OPG guide I acquired as an adult was a used copy of #40 which I picked up several years ago for the sole purpose of reading Jon McClure’s variant article on a recommendation from Bill Alexander (this was before I met Jon and before he put his article online); I next bought OPG #48 in order to have the market reports in print written by my fellow CPV guide collaborators where they would be mentioning our guide; and I bought #49 for the same reason — but across these past two consecutive years of buying the Overstreet guide to read my collaborators’ market reports, I’ve come to really enjoy reading the full market reports section!

But absent these above reasons, I don’t think I’d be acquiring new OPG guides; and I know there are many collectors out there who don’t bother buying the OPG guides anymore but instead simply check sold listings on eBay/etc. to gauge issue values. I even had a conversation not long ago with an eBay buyer who won one of my listings, where we had gotten into chatting about comics (as so often happens), and I had casually mentioned how the variant they had won from me wasn’t even listed in Overstreet yet. Their reply? “What’s Overstreet?” I kid you not! So for those out there reading my blog who might not be picking up Overstreet these days, I thought I’d make this post to share some short selected excerpts that relate to CPVs, and I’d recommend eventually picking up a copy of the Overstreet guide just to access all these wonderful reports in full!

In last year’s market reports section, I thought there was some particularly great discussion of the Newsstand vs. Direct Edition distinction, prompted in part by CBCS becoming the first of the two main grading companies to “break out” the types distinctly. This year, I was wondering what kind of buzz there would be surrounding CPV’s in the market reports following CBCS becoming the first of the two main grading companies to formally recognize Type 1A price variants as price variants on their labels (CGC finally started doing the same in May, which I expect will be discussed in next year’s Overstreet market reports!). And indeed, there were some great CPV discussions and mentions this year! I’d like to discuss a few selected excerpts:

Conan Saunders, MyComicShop / Lone Star Comics

“We received multiple mentions of the growing recognition of Canadian price variants, including a request that Overstreet provide more coverage of Mark Jeweler, Whitman, and Canadian price variants. We have expanded coverage of these variants within our own inventory database and have done well with them.”
— Conan Saunders, Lone Star Comics; OPG #49 page 209

And later, on page 210, in the section written by Buddy Saunders, he specifically mentions that Lone Star Comics will be expanding their selection of Canadian (as well as U.K.) variants! Some of you might remember a collection from many years back that had appeared on MyComicShop which had some stunning-condition CPVs in it — if memory serves it had been called the “WaWa Collection” and it featured NM-range copies of many issues that I’d been hunting for in high grade for years but had never found until that collection went up for sale — and for many of those issue numbers I haven’t seen copies in such high grade ever since!

I don’t know how they ever found that collection but I know that MyComicShop has a reputation for having an extensive network of buying partners… So the thought of MyComicShop actively looking for more great CPV collections makes me excited! 🙂 I for one still have so many variants that I’ve yet to land (or even set eyes on), and others in my collection that I’d love to be able to upgrade, and I’m sure many of you out there are in the same boat… so I hope MyComicShop succeeds in shaking some great CPV’s “out of the woodwork” for all of us, through their collection-buying efforts! But as hopeful as I am that they’ll succeed in sourcing some great new CPVs for their catalog, I also find myself wondering where they’ll actually find them?

Another market report, written by Jay Halstead of “ICE” (icomicexchange.com), described just how things have changed as far as CPV availability — and my own experience hunting for “mis-listed” variants is in-line with what Jay describes, where it used to be the case that with patience I could consistently find CPVs where the seller did not realize they owned a variant, listed their variant for sale as a “regular” copy (no indication anywhere in the title or description that the book was a variant, but the picture clearly showed the price variant) and then priced their CPV copy for sale at “regular price”… but over the years (and especially in the last year) such opportunities have become fewer and further between. Here’s a couple of excerpts from what Jay had to say (and I’d encourage you to read his full report for more details!):

Jay Halstead, ICE

“… [T]he difference between when I started [collecting CPVs] and the last year or so is, now, I look for high grade and WOW, what a difference. You’d think these were part of collections and would be attainable, but I’m telling you, they’ve really dried up in grade! I go through every bin, every box at many cons, and they are still readily available in VG, but in better than VF+ they are nowhere! Now I know a lot of this has to do with hoarding, and holding out until collectors/dealers feel they’ve gained enough value that they can start salting them out into collectors’ hands again, and I would believe that if I weren’t a dealer and getting into rooms before everybody else does. I’m going through dealer inventories when the lids are just being taken off the boxes and there isn’t anything to buy! I believe we (Canadians in general), just took them for granted, at least I know I did. Now that there is demand from south of the border, I’m looking at possibilities I have to start paying real money for some of these (I’ve always paid no more or no less for Canadian price variants, now, on keys anyways, there is at least a 20-50% mark-up everywhere I go)!”
— Jay Halstead, ICE; OPG #49 page 125

Wow: that’s some excellent “boots on the ground” insight there from Jay! Another report, from Marc Sims of Big B Comics, echoed the strong demand out there for CPVs: Marc talked about how in his prior report he had mentioned having boxes-worth of availability of Canadian Price Variants and was immediately inundated with calls and emails as soon as the prior guide was released! That small mention was ultimately the equivalent of an advertisement, generating such strong interest, but what Marc wrote in this year’s report — excerpted below — reveals that collectors were hoping there were keys in those boxes, but that those boxes aren’t filled with keys:

“Canadian Price Variants (CPVs) continued to show strong demand both at home and to collectors in the US. I casually mentioned in last year’s report I have boxes and boxes of CPVs (still true) and was immediately inundated with calls and emails as soon as the Guide was released. Unfortunately most collectors were laser focused on just the big keys, which pretty much sell as soon as I get them, but I am seeing a few more CPV completists these days. Hats off to them I say, as that is a major undertaking and a good life goal.”
— Marc Sims, Big B Comics; OPG #49 page 216

Jim McCallum of Guardian Comics also mentioned strong CPV demand in his report, and I really liked how he called them “natural variants” (contrasting against the great many manufactured rarities we see these days). He also referenced the general Newsstand vs. Direct Edition distinction broadly, which I feel is a huge “mega-trend” that will naturally produce increasing numbers of CPV collectors — i.e. since there are more and more newsstand-focused collectors, and since the Marvel & DC price variants of the 1980’s were newsstand exclusives, CPVs are “riding the wave” of increased awareness of newsstand comics broadly. Here’s a short excerpt from Jim’s report:

“Another huge area of demand appears to be coming from the natural variants, Newsstand vs. Direct Market, Canadian Price Variants, 35¢ cover variants, National Diamond Sales insert/Mark Jeweler insert and similar. Collectors are constantly asking us to find them more. With the use of social media platforms, learning about and obtaining these has never been easier, but lead to more costly comics as more and more continue to want these unique books.”
— Jim McCallum, Guardian Comics; OPG #49 page 174

Dr. Steven Kahn, of Inner Child Comics and Collectibles, also made mention of newsstand desirability in his (excellent) market report. Here’s an excerpt, and I’d highly encourage reading his full report — I especially enjoyed his writing, both this year and last!

“Price variants from the ’70s held no premium for years until the public responded to their rarity. Actually, 2 of the top 3 most valuable Bronze books today are price variants (Star Wars #1, Iron Fist #14). Other variants, such as newsstand editions (especially in high grade), Mark Jeweler’s inserts, or any low run prints are picking up as well.”
— Dr. Steven Kahn, Inner Child Comics and Collectibles; OPG #49 page 161

Continuing the newsstand theme for a moment, in last year’s OPG (#48), Steve Ricketts of CBCS said as follows in his market report:

“Newsstand and Direct variants are quickly gaining popularity with the mainstream collectors. CBCS has seized the reins on this niche of the hobby, by being the only grading service to identify Newsstand and Direct Edition copies in the variant field of the label on books from 1977 through 2000. Once the CBCS census goes live, it will be interesting to see the numbers that have been submitted. In the late 1970’s, Direct Edition comics were less common than Newsstand Editions. As years progressed, Newsstand copies became more and more scarce, with the Newsstand copies of some comics being incredibly hard to find. The hobby will start to learn more about the scarcity of each issue in the coming years. More information is better for everyone, especially involving something that was hiding right under our very noses.”
— Steve Ricketts, CBCS; OPG #48 page 179

I am greatly looking forward to the CBCS census eventually being launched online, allowing us to examine the relative rarity by issue: we’ll be able to see the comparable Newsstand count versus Direct Edition count, for specific issues! Even though the CBCS-graded copies are just a silver of what’s out there for each issue, the relative rarity of the types on census will tell us a lot — just like election polling and television ratings are done by polling just a sliver of the population. But in the meantime there are lot of other ways we can study newsstand vs. direct edition rarity, such as reading newsstand rarity discussions and estimates and also studying relative rarity within the marketplace — as Ben Labonog did in his OPG #48 market report:

“Earlier in the year, I went on a brief run on buying solely newsstand editions of some 1980s keys: Daredevil #158/168, Wolverine #1-4, Amazing Spider-Man #238/252/300, Hulk #340, etc. It was fun and a new challenge for someone used to hunting for Timelys. The newsstand editions vs. direct editions piqued my interest, and so I decided to do a random, one time eBay sampling count of some newsstand keys from the early ’80s to the early ’90s. In most cases, the sample size on eBay was 200+ copies but a few books had sample sizes of 100+ copies. Here’s what I found — all %’s represent the percentage of newsstand copies on eBay for that particular books: Daredevil #168 (56%, 1981), Wolverine #1 (35%, 1982), ASM #238 (40%, 1983), Secret Wars #8 (16%, 1984), Hulk #340 (13%, 1988), ASM #300 (20%, 1988), New Mutants #87 (10%, 1990), X-Men #266 (8%, 1990), Silver Surfer #44 (12%, 1990), New Mutants #98 (13%, 1990), Infinity Gauntlet #1 (8%, 1991). Although the data is small and just a random sampling, it does support the theory that late ’80s/early ’90s newsstand copies are scarcer than early ’80s newsstand copies. This would make sense as local comic shops began appearing in the ’70s and ’80s. This meant less and less newsstand copies were being printed and distributed to grocery stores, drug stores, gas stations, etc. through the 1990s. The direct edition copies were printed in masses and sold at local comic shops. Newsstand editions are commonly found beat, and much tougher to find in high grade. Direct editions are more commonly found in high grade because customers, who bought them from their LCS, were typically collectors who took very good care of their comics.”
— Ben Labonog; OPG #48 page 154

I think that with CPVs, continued growth of investor interest benefits not only from the underlying “mega-trend” of increasing “newsstand awareness” among collectors, but also from an interest in “foreign comics” — which of course CPVs are not because they are instead US-published Type 1A variants, I repeat, not foreign editions, but, historically both CBCS and CGC (up until their respective labeling changes) have labeled Type 1A variants as [Country] Edition, leading many collectors who only look into them “at a glance” to falsely conclude they are foreign editions. And yet, this may have actually drawn certain collectors to CPVs because at the same time newsstand awareness has been increasing so strongly in the hobby, there’s also been a concurrent growth in interest in foreign editions! In his OPG #48 market report, Joseph Fiore of ComicWiz.com touches upon both of these factors; he also talks about the trend of collectors demanding super-high grades (9.6/9.8) for CPVs when the reality is that very few actually exist in the top grades; here’s an excerpt of his discussion:

“The one trend I have noticed which is of some concern are requests seeking out not only key issues, such as the 75¢ price variant of Amazing Spider-MAn #238 (first Hobgoblin), but a request for unheard of high grade examples only. I think I’ve received over a dozen inquiries for a CGC 9.6 copy, but this is a CPV that too infrequently shows up in 9.6, and you’re always holding some hope the Tattooz haven’t been removed regardless of grade. I think CPVs’ overlooked history might lend to a growing and sustained interest if enough people spend time to understand why the exist, their production numbers compared to US newsstand and direct editions, and if they don’t get too hung up with having a “best copy.” I also see the growing trend of collectors seeking US newsstand issues working to reinforce the aspects that have drawn collectors to CPVs. Foreign edition key focus collectors are also entering the mix looking for key CPV issues, but are seemingly more reasonably content finding 5.0 to 8.5 copies or “budget” copies.”
— Joseph Fiore, ComicWiz.com; OPG #48 page 133

When I think of foreign comics, my mind immediately goes to the person I’d consider the foremost expert in the hobby today in the niche: Tim Bildhauser of CBCS. In last year’s report, Tim mentioned that foreign comic book sales had been higher than ever in both price and volume; and in this year’s report he had a great discussion of this niche of the market. He also took the time to make mention of CBCS’s great decision to start labeling Type 1A’s as price variants, saying:

“After much consideration and discussion, the decision was made at CBCS to change the phrasing on the labels of Canadian Newsstand, Australian Newsstand, and U.K. price (both Shilling and Pence copies) books. Previously we had been notating them as Canadian, Australian, and U.K. Edition which, while not wrong, doesn’t explain clearly what makes them different from their U.S. counterparts. Going forward they’ll be notated as “(insert cover price) Canadian, Australian, or U.K. Price Variant.” This gives them a more accurate description of what exactly sets them apart. I’ve seen growing interest in the Canadian, Australian, & U.K. price variants, especially on the keys. There were two Australian price variant copies of New Mutants #98 that sold this year that broke the $1,000 price point. U.K. price variants seem to be shaking off the stigma that’s plagued them for decades and buyers are starting to pay equal, and in some cases, higher prices…”
— Tim Bildhauser, CBCS; OPG #49 page 105

In his report last year, Brock Dickinson mentioned pence and Canadian price variants as lesser-known price variants getting increased attention:

“While the 35¢ Marvel test price variants of the 1970s have been well-known for many years, there is an increasing fascination with other price and distribution variants in some portions of the marketplace. The 35¢ variants remain very hot and the earlier 30¢ Marvel price variants also gathered steam this year. At the same time, a number of other variants began to gain increased attention, and experienced some substantial price increases. This trend was probably led by Canadian cover price variants, which can credibly be argued (although actual print run data is scant) to represent about 2% of total print runs for some Copper age books. This makes these books elusive (especially in high grade), and in NM- or better these books will often command 200% to 1000% of current Guide prices. There was also strengthened interest in early direct market books, late newsstand editions, Whitman variants, and UK pence price variants, all from the 1970s and 1980s, and Marvel Pressman and DC Universe cover logo variants from the 1990s. Many of these books are extremely scarce, but so little is known about supply and distribution that prices can still vary widely. Nonetheless, there is a clear market trend to increased value for these books, and the 35¢ Star Wars #1 variant is a clear indication of how far these trends can go over time.”
— Brock Dickinson; OPG #48 page 116

The comparison to 35¢ variants is apt — and when I think of 35¢ variants my mind immediately goes to the person I consider the foremost expert on them: Jon McClure. Before Jon’s 1997 article in Comic Book Marketplace, only a select few of these variants were known to collectors, and seemingly little-to-no attention whatsoever was paid to their rarity characteristics as a “class” of comics. That all changed with Jon’s efforts to research how they came to exist and the extent of their existence, discovering hundreds of variants and writing about them extensively. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to work with Jon on our CPV guide, to hear first-hand the parallels he sees between Type 1 and Type 1A cover price variants, and of course when it comes to the Overstreet guide it is great to read his extensive market reports! I highly recommend reading Jon’s full report; you can also reach out to Jon via jonmcclurescomics.com. He talks about variants so extensively that it is hard to choose just one excerpt to share… but I’ll share this one below:

“CBCS’s groundbreaking decision to call Type 1A books “variants” on the labels is a positive step forward in understanding what they are and how to discuss them intelligently. Check out the free new online Price Guide for Type 1A Canadian cover price Marvel and DC comics from the 1980s at rarecomicsblog.com.”
— Jon McClure, jonmcclurescomics.com; OPG #49 page 177

🙂 Definitely read Jon’s whole report if you have picked up a copy of OPG #49 — or reach out to him on his site — because literally all of it is relevant and important reading if you are a Type 1A collector and there’s too much to quote here without going on for pages and pages. My fellow pence price variant issue guide collaborator Steve Cranch is mentioned in Jon’s report as well (go Steve)! 🙂 Something else to read from Jon is his market report from our 2019 CPV guide which you can find online here. And then I’ll just mention one more thing from Jon’s report… he mentions his OPG #40 article on page 176 and then says, “An updated version is in progress for the 50th annual OPG.” Woo hoo! Another spotlight variant article from Jon McClure, in next year’s OPG! Now I know for sure that I’ll be buying next year’s Overstreet! 🙂

My other fellow guide collaborators also put out great reports; and I was very happy to see that Bob Overstreet quoted Paul Clairmont within his main market report! Paul wrote a fantastic report — thanks Paul for the shout-out in the beginning! It has been great working with you as well! 🙂 Here’s a short excerpt from Paul’s report and then I highly recommend reading the full report in OPG #49 — you can also reach out to Paul at pnjcomics.com:

“…[S]ales [of Canadian Price Variants] were the strongest we have ever witnessed in our six years of business in 2018. We posted some of the sales results earlier in this report but keys had a very short shelf life and we had our best results by being “first to market” with many of the single highest graded copies.”
— Paul Clairmont, pnjcomics.com; OPG #49 page 112

You can also find Paul’s 2019 CPV guide market report, online, here. And I actually want to also quote Paul’s #48 market report too below, in an insightful section where he talks about modern age newsstand comics in general, and the treasure-hunt aspect of finding them in dollar bins where the dealer doesn’t realize/recognize the newsstand vs. direct edition distinction:

“People have started to hunt down newsstand copies in this era as a way to enhance their treasure hunting. There is a premium being paid for Image newsstand books such as Spawn #1. What makes this area interesting is that it is relatively new so there is no exact checklist of what was distributed in newsstand format. You can bet the numbers are low so finding them in high grade out in the wild on your adventures might be like spotting Sasquatch. Most dealers don’t make the distinction between newsstand and direct of this era so they are most likely populating the $1.00 and $2.00 bins at this time. Likely, that is where many will remain as its another niche area but Spawn #1 is a fine example of an issue that certainly garners higher premiums.”
— Paul Clairmont, pnjcomics.com; OPG #48 page 111

The thrill of the hunt! The joy of finding at “regular price” that rare variant you’ve been hunting for! That’s definitely what’s driven me to love CPV (and newsstand) collecting.

And it has been the thrill of my “collecting career” to collaborate with others in the hobby who are also passionate about the same niche collecting areas, and work with them on writing articles/guides. I feel that collectively we’ve made a real impact on the hobby in the Type 1A variant niche and contributed something great; and I am so happy that my collaborators are seeing a positive impact on their businesses — while for me comics is just a hobby, for others on our guide team comics is how they make a living, and I am very happy when I see these friends succeed in business! I’ll end this discussion with an excerpt from Doug Sulipa’s OPG #49 market report — I’ll say here once again that I hope you read Doug’s full report (you can also contact him at dougcomicworld.com) and I also hope you’ll read Doug’s 2019 CPV guide market report online here as well.

“The Canadian Newsstand Cover Price Variants are now officially recognized as Variants on the CBCS labels. Since the online Price Guide went live last year, demand has gone up around 400% and record prices are being set every week. Do an internet search for “2019 Price Guide for 1980s Marvel & DC Newsstand Canadian Cover Price Variants (Type 1A).” Archie comics might be added in next year’s Guide. When Gemstone published an article in the Scoop online e-newsletter, there was yet another big spike in demand.”
— Doug Sulipa, dougcomicworld.com; OPG #49 page 223

I hope all of these excerpts were helpful to see and have encouraged you to read the full market reports! 🙂 There are more excerpts that I could quote too but I’ll leave it there.  And I’ll make one last mention that our CPV guide has a whole market reports section with many great articles you can read online (here).

Happy Collecting! 🙂
– Ben

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Archie Canadian Price Variants

By Benjamin Nobel, June 1, 2019

My fellow Canadian Price Variant Price Guide collaborators and I are very fortunate to be working with Toronto-based researcher Salvatore Miceli, who has been investigating other publishers including Archie that we have yet to cover in our guide (thus far we’ve covered only 1980’s Marvel and DC). Earlier this year I shared Sal’s Gladstone research with you, and today I’m writing to share Sal’s Archie research. Big thanks to Sal for all his efforts! 🙂 The list of Archies Sal uncovered will be presented at the end; first, I want to give some introductory thoughts. [Also, please note: Archie published 35¢ Canadian price variants in the 1950’s and 1960’s; they also published Canadian price variant digests; but for this post we will be focusing on Archie’s 1980’s (onward) Canadian price variant comics.]

Ah, the Canadian Price Variants!

Hopefully all readers of this post are already familiar with our Marvel & DC guide and already know from reading our guide intro — for context — that those two publishers generally produced three versions of each issue during their respective cover price variant windows: a direct edition version with multiple prices (direct-sold to comic dealers/shops at a discount but on a non-returnable basis), and two single-price newsstand versions (copies sold to the general public on newsstands, where unsold copies were returnable by the newsstand for refund/credit) — the two newsstand types were a higher cover price version (the Type 1A Price Variant) and a lower cover price version. (I say the word “generally” above because sometimes there were issues that were direct edition exclusives).

For contrast, when a Marvel or DC Canadian price variant occurred it was one of three types (two single-price newsstand, one multi-price direct edition)

That’s important context to have (for contrast) when it comes to thinking about Archie’s 1980’s Canadian price variant rarity characteristics, because Archie marched to the beat of their own drum, and depending on the year we’re looking at and the specific comic in question there might be two versions…

Jughead #325: Two types, both newsstand

… or possibly three (like we’re used to with Marvel & DC)…

Three types of TMNT Adventures #72: two single-price newsstand and one dual-price direct edition

… or possibly four …

Four single-price types were published for Life With Archie #268: two newsstand and two direct edition.

… and there were even situations where the price variants weren’t single-price like we’re used to but rather were published with dual prices covering distribution across both Canada and the UK (see this separate post about those)!:

Betty and Veronica #1, 6/1987. Left: regular 75¢ cover price copy; Right: 95¢/40p cover price variant.

Another thing to know for context when it comes to thinking about Archie Canadian price variants is that Archie’s price variant window covers a comparably huge span of time compared to Marvel & DC: It turns out that as far as starting point, Archie beat Marvel & DC to the “variant punch” by a month, with their first 1980’s CPVs being published in September of 1982 (Marvel and DC both started in October), and then as far as the ending point, incredibly, whereas Marvel ended their price variant window in 1986 and DC ended theirs in 1988, Sal found Archie CPVs all the way out to May of 1997!

In the beginning of Archie’s price variant window we see just two versions of each Archie issue… and both of those versions were newsstand. The number of different 1st print types (and the distribution characteristics of each type) is important to know for context, because when we think about the total surviving copies out there for any given issue number as a “pie,” we can mentally divide that pie into slices when thinking about Canadian price variant rarity as a percentage of the pie. And differing distribution circumstances can greatly impact how the pie looks!

Depending on the number of first print types and their distribution characteristics, we can wind up with a much-different-looking Canadian price variant (blue slice) rarity picture as a percentage of the total pie of surviving copies. I peg the surviving-copies-pie for the Archie-two-newsstand-types situation as looking like the pie at left, versus the Marvel-three-types situation as looking like the pie at right.

Lets have a look now at a few of these different distribution situations that occurred during Archie’s price variant window.

Upon ranking the universe of Sal’s identified Archie CPVs by non-variant guide value and looking at the top most valuable issues, I observe three main “groupings” of higher-value comics — and it turns out that examining each of these three groups in turn will help to illustrate three different sets of distribution characteristics/circumstances:

(1) Cheryl Blossom group
(2) TMNT Adventures group
(3) Sonic the Hedgehog group

Situation 1: Cheryl Blossom / Archie And The Gang

Archie with red maple leaf

The first group of keys I want to discuss comes from the “Archie and the gang” line of comics and features the 1st appearance of Cheryl Blossom (Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica #320, with baseline non-variant value listed most recently at $415). Among the issues published by Archie that Sal identified as having CPV’s, the early Cheryl Blossom keys from the Archie-and-the-gang group feature the top 5 most highly valued issues (by non-variant 9.2 value), and, also, the only 4 issues from Archie’s CPV window to be valued at $100 or higher. So it makes sense that we examine these with special attention.

Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica #320, 75¢ Price Variant

Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica #321, 75¢ Price Variant

Jughead #325, 75¢ Price Variant

Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica #322, 75¢ Price Variant

Archie’s Pals ‘n Gals #161, 75¢ Price Variant

Each of these early Cheryl Blossom keys has just the two newsstand versions for each issue number (no Archie direct editions existed yet, at the time they were published): a “regular” 60¢ cover price version and the 75¢ variant sold on Canadian newsstands.

Two types were published for Archie’s Girls Betty & Veronica #320, a 60¢ newsstand type and a 75¢ newsstand type (the Type 1A price variant)

So when we consider the ratio of CPV copies to “regular” copies for these issues, we must keep in mind that in the beginning of Archie’s 1980’s window, one of the main rarity-driving aspects we’re used to thinking about with Marvel and DC — the division of the Canadian market between newsstand and direct editions — just wasn’t in play for Archie as we enter their price variant window: Archie was 100% newsstand to 0% direct edition.

And as we move forward through the years of their price variant window, even late in Archie’s CPV window we must keep in mind that Archie-and-the-gang comics remained very concentrated on newsstands. In this 2014 article, John Jackson Miller states as follows about the main Archie title:

“As the comic-shop market grew in the 1980s, Archie’s publishing focus remained on the newsstand; sales recovered a little in the late 1980s thanks in part to added attention to its subscription business, but the flourishing of the comic book market helped Archie less than most publishers, given its younger target demographic. Enough so that when the early 1990s brought a colossal boom in the comics shop market, it’s barely noticeable from the title’s sales.”

– John Jackson Miller

This is a remarkable observation: during the huge comic-shop-driven boom of the 1990’s, Archie meanwhile saw a barely noticeable sales impact from the boom — their direct edition sales of the Archie title were so low that boom times for comic shops hardly moved the needle of the Archie title’s total sales!

We went looking for the first direct edition in the Archie title and it appears to be from all the way out in September of 1988 with issue #360.

And interestingly, it doesn’t have dual US and Canadian prices on the cover, but rather, we find two types with the “Artist of the Month, Dan Decarlo” logo box, one with 75¢ cover price and the other an elusive 95¢ cover price logo version! I would have taken one look at these 95¢ direct editions and presumed they were sold exclusively in comic shops, but it turns out that may not be the case — my fellow price guide collaborator Bill Alexander has researched these 95¢ logo copies extensively, he’s only ever found them mixed in among newsstand collections and to date Bill has confirmed the existence of 95¢ logo copies for Archie #360, Life with Archie #268, and Archie Giant Series Magazine (AGSM) #586-587 … and he thinks there may be more out there from 9/88 – 10/88:

“All Direct Market 95¢ CPV issues I’ve confirmed to exist are indicated below by an asterisk sign. Based on seeing these in the marketplace mixed in with large newsstand collections, I feel almost certain that all the below were available for sale on newsstands as part of a Test Marketing. In my experience of many years looking for these I’ve seldom ever seen them and have only been able to confirm a handful of the total I believe should exist from 9/88 (and 10/88 for AGSM). Outside of these two months, no other Archie Direct Market 95¢ CPVs have yet to be discovered, as far as I am aware.

Archie Regular Size Comics 9/88 Direct Market/Test Market 95c CPVs
Archie 360*
Archie Giant Series Magazine 583-585
Archie’s Pals N Gals 200
Betty’s Diary 20
Betty and Me 170
Betty and Veronica 13
Life with Archie 268*
The New Archies 8

Archie Regular Size Comics 10/88 Direct Market/Test Market 95c CPVs (only done on Archie Giant Series Magazine)
Archie Giant Series Magazine 586*
Archie Giant Series Magazine 587* (1st appearance of The Explorers of The Unknown)
Archie Giant Series Magazine 588
Archie Giant Series Magazine 589
Archie Giant Series Magazine 590 (1st Back to the Future Jughead issue pre dates Jughead’s Time Police #1)”
– Bill Alexander

Looking at Bill’s list above and the four confirmed-to-date 95¢ logo copies, Archie Giant Series Magazine #587 (baseline non-variant value in 9.2 of $6) stands out as far as storyline significance, featuring the first appearance of the Explorers of the Unknown team, which was a parody of Jack Kirby’s Challengers of the Unknown. Although neither CGC nor Overstreet currently make mention of this appearance, Comic Vine does list AGSM #587 as the team’s first appearance.

Archie Giant Series Magazine #587, 95 cent with logo, 1st Explorers of the Unknown

But if these 95¢ logo copies were only from 9/88 (and 10/88 for AGSM) as Bill’s research suggests (with these variants existing only for those issues where the corresponding 75¢ direct editions have the “Dan Decarlo” logo box), that raises the question of what direct editions Archie sent up to Canadian comic shops after those and up until the addition of Canadian and UK prices onto the direct edition covers?? Did Canadians just get a great deal on their direct editions at comic shops, receiving 75¢ cover price copies? Or, are there even-more-elusive single-price 95¢ direct editions still waiting to be discovered out there from 11/88, 12/88, etc.? There’s a definite chance they might exist out there so keep your eyes out (and let us know if you find any)!

At Archie #360 we see two single-price direct edition types; by Archie #379 we have one direct edition type with multiple prices.

Moving forward through the 1990’s and into the 2000’s, John Jackson Miller notes that the Archie title did eventually become less reliant on newsstand sales, reaching what pencils out to ~44% direct edition by 2013:

“Further, the title is increasingly less tied to the flagging fortunes of the newsstand market: comics shops accounted for about four out of every nine copies that visited a cash register in 2013.”

– John Jackson Miller

Learning of this heavy newsstand reliance for the Archie title is informative for our consideration of the group of Archie-and-the-gang titles, when it comes to CPV rarity as a percentage of total copies: even after the introduction of direct editions we’re going to be heavily newsstand for this group of comics, so whenever we split the Canadian market for Archie-and-the-gang comics into pie slices by newsstand and direct edition in our consideration of rarity, we must remember that newsstand is going to dominate the pie by size.

And then there’s the market size difference itself which also needs special consideration in the case of Archies: Over in the world of Marvel and DC price variants, we’re used to using the population size difference as our guidepost to understanding the market size difference. But that doesn’t hold for Archie-and-the gang, which was a very specific “niche” type of comic book: I learned from fellow price guide collaborator Doug Sulipa that Canadians, as it turns out, were incredibly fond of Archie-and-the-gang titles versus Americans. Doug pegged that Canada might have represented as much as 15% or so of Archie’s newsstand market copies, on account of reports that Archie-and-the-gang sold far better per capita in Canada than any other country where Archie sold their comics. Highlighting the importance of Canada to Archie we see that the cover of Archie Giant Series Magazine #620 features the Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada, and there is even a 100-page Archie All-Canadian Digest #1.

Betty and Veronica at the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada

Doug reasons that since Canadians were particularly fond of the Archie-and-the-gang titles, they might have saved more copies than the average American who might have been a more casual reader. Between higher per capita popularity and potentially-higher preservation of Archie-and-the-gang titles, we might expect to see surviving variants represent well in excess of ten percentage points of total issues graded by CGC, and as it turns out, that’s exactly what we observe when looking at the CGC Census for the Cheryl Blossom group of Archie keys:

Title	Issue	Significance	Regular Census Count	75c Variant Census Count	Variant Percentage
Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica	320	1st Appearance Of Cheryl Blossom	118	36	23%
Jughead	325	2nd Appearance Of Cheryl Blossom	25	11	31%
Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica	322	Cheryl meets Archie for the first time	24	2	8%
Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica	321	Cheryl Blossom appearance	12	4	25%
Archie’s Pals ‘n Gals	161	3rd Appearance of Cheryl Blossom	34	1	3%
		Total:	213	54	20%

While we’re dealing with very small total census counts here (so one or two individual submissions could really skew the numbers), and the variant percentage observed on census varies quite a bit issue to issue, we can observe that as a group, the price variants highlighted above come in at just about 20% of total census copies as of this writing. For Archie’s Girls Betty & Veronica #320 we observe a total of 154 copies of the issue on census, with 36 of those being the 75¢ variants — that’s ~23%. Since the price variants may be more compelling to actually send in versus regular copies due to higher market value, I find it valuable to also look at the ratio on census in grade where, for example, we can see that in 9.0-and-higher there are 11 CPV copies out of 72 total or 15% of copies graded “9-and-up” for B&V #320.

I’d also comment that the mere 154 total copies we see on record at CGC for what is the most highly-valued (by non-variant 9.2) Archie key falling within their price variant window should strike us as a very low total number relative to what we’re used to seeing over at Marvel and DC. For contrast, Amazing Spider-Man #238 has 5,495 total copies on record at CGC as of this writing, of which 98, or 1.7%, are the 75¢ variant. This sharp contrast helps illustrate that with Archie, we’ve got comics that were sold mostly to readers, and smaller total sales numbers as well.

And looking at sales numbers moving forward from the 1980’s, as the years progressed Archie saw smaller sales of their comics, but really seems to have found their footing selling digests. Doug Sulipa described how readers began to focus on buying the better-value-for-the-reading-dollar digests, but it still made sense for Archie to continue putting out new material in comics in order to accumulate new material to later reprint as digests!

“Used ARCHIE DIGESTS were some of my Bestselling Back issues in the Last Years of my Winnipeg Store from 1988-1996 (People would buy 10 or 20 or More at a Time for Themselves, Kids, & Grandkids, to take to the Cabin, Road Trips, etc.)”

– Doug Sulipa, dougcomicworld.com

Indeed, Archie has referred to their digests as their “bread and butter” — and their particular specialty and expertise in digests was so strong that Marvel turned to Archie in 2017 to package and distribute their Marvel Comics Digests (in that press release is the below quote).

“For years, Archie has made the digest format our bread and butter.”

– Jon Goldwater, CEO of Archie Comics

All of this adds up to Archie comics having lower and lower print runs over time during their price variant window, especially as we get into the later 1990’s.

But in addition to the Archie-and-the-gang comics, Archie also published superhero comics. Presumably these had different distribution characteristics versus Archie-and-the-gang, because we see direct editions used much earlier in the window: One example early in the window is The Fly (by Steve Ditko), where we see Direct Editions published with both US and CAN cover prices, plus two newsstand versions, early in 1984:

The Fly #5: Dual-price Direct Edition (left), single-price 75¢ newsstand (middle), and single-price Type 1A $1.00 newsstand (right)

Also among the superhero comics published by Archie under their “Archie Adventure Series” were TMNT Adventures and Sonic the Hedgehog (is Sonic a “superhero”? I think it is fair to say so but I guess that’s debatable). And these happen to have some stand-out issues when it comes to guide value. Next, let’s move to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures group, where similar to the 9/1988 Archie-and-the-gang issues, the early TMNTA price variants had the interesting and unique twist as far as distribution circumstances, of being among four first-print versions!

Group 2: TMNT Adventures

The most highly valued Archie TMNT comic (by non-variant value in 9.2) from their price variant window is one I’ve written about in the past, because for a long time the 1st appearance of Krang in comics had gone uncredited by CGC — but that changed and CGC now credits Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #1 (1988 Mini-Series) with the 1st appearances of Krang, Bebop, and Rocksteady. The 9.2 baseline (non-variant) issue value was most recently listed at $28.

Four Types of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #1

Above are the four first-print types Archie published for issue #1 of the TMNTA mini-series, and we can observe that the full mini-series and the first 11 issues of the ongoing series have that same “quirk” when it comes to the cover price variants: Instead of placing both US and CAN prices on their direct editions and having single-price newsstand editions, for these early TMNTA comics Archie published two single-price newsstand versions plus two single-price direct edition versions, for a total of four first print types (and there is also the “Salute to Victor Gorelick” logo cover of issue #1 of the 1989 series; also note that some of the early TMNTA comics went out to multiple printings, for example the CGC census has issue #1 of the 1989 series out to a fifth printing)! [See more TMNTA price variant examples in this separate post]

As of this writing, CGC does not differentiate Newsstand from Direct Edition except in certain special situations they deem “variant-worthy”, and that stance carries through to the TMNTA $1.25 cover price variants where both direct editions and newsstand editions exist: CGC simply lumps together both types by cover price… all $1.25 copies in “one pile” and all regular $1.00 copies in “another pile”. This means that we cannot tell from the census how many of the $1.25 price variants are newsstand versus how many are direct edition but based on the fact that 21 of the $1.25 cover price census copies are in the 9.8 tier for issue #1 of the mini-series, my guess is that the vast majority of those were direct editions that had been carefully preserved and stored away. I myself am personally responsible for a nice bunch of those 9.8’s on census, having found a stash of pristine direct edition #1’s from a comic shop in Toronto — I bought the whole stack and I sent them all in to CGC (one or two submissions from a focused collector can really skew the ratio on census when the total graded copy counts are this low!).

With both the newsstand and direct edition portions of the Canadian comic book market having gotten single-price $1.25 copies — and those copies all lumped together on the CGC census — we might expect that we’d see somewhere in the neighborhood of 10% of these TMNTA issues showing up as the Canadian Price Variant (keeping in mind the low census counts make the numbers rough), based on our guidepost of using the population split to inform us about the market size difference (i.e. assuming Canadians had roughly the same per-capita interest in buying Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics as their American counter-parts). And taking a look at a group comprised of TMNTA issues #1-3 of the mini-series plus #1-3 of the ongoing series, while there is a good deal of variability from issue to issue, as a group we observe a census breakdown of ~10% price variants to ~90% regular copies — which is right in line with the population split.

Title	Issue	Significance	Regular Census Count	$1.25 Variant Census Count	Variant Percentage
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Mini Series	1	1st appearances of Krang, Bebop, and Rocksteady in comics. Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	278	42	13%
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Mini Series	2	Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	22	5	19%
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Mini Series	3	Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	17	5	23%
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures	1	Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	208	8	4%
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures	2	Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	17	4	19%
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures	3	Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	14	0	0%
		Total:	556	64	10%

Group 3: Sonic the Hedgehog

The final group of keys I want to showcase are from the Sonic the Hedgehog group, with the top three most highly-valued issues (by 9.2 non-variant value) landing in the $55-75 range. These were published starting in 1993, with the final Sonic variant published May of 1997 — so we’re right at the later part of Archie’s price variant window with this group of comics. And the Sonic variants were done in the more “traditional” way (that we’re used to from Marvel and DC) — i.e. three types were published: (1) a direct edition type with both US and CAN prices, (2) a single-price lower cover price newsstand type for US newsstands, and (3) a single-price higher cover price newsstand type for Canadian newsstands (our Type 1A price variants).

Three types for Sonic #0: Direct Edition with dual US & CAN prices, single-price $1.25 newsstand, and single-price $1.50 newsstand (Type 1A price variant)

And that contrast in distribution circumstances compared to the other two groupings we looked at shows up loud and clear in the CGC census: examining the below example group of Sonic comics, the $1.50 cover price variants show up on census with just 1% of the total copies.

Title	Issue	Significance	Regular Census Count	$1.50 Variant Census Count	Variant Percentage
Sonic the Hedgehog Mini Series	0	Early Sonic comic	106	1	1%
Sonic the Hedgehog Mini Series	1	Early Sonic comic	78	0	0%
Sonic the Hedgehog Mini Series	2	Early Sonic comic	23	0	0%
Sonic the Hedgehog Mini Series	3	Early Sonic comic	16	0	0%
Sonic the Hedgehog	1	Early Sonic comic	165	2	1%
Sonic the Hedgehog	2	Early Sonic comic	26	0	0%
Sonic the Hedgehog	3	Early Sonic comic	9	0	0%
		Total:	423	3	1%

The List!

With that introduction laid down, I now want to proceed to share some more example pictures and Sal’s price variant research: the list of titles and issues he identified where CPV’s exist!

But first, there’s one last thing I want to mention: just like the other publishers of 1980’s Type 1A’s that we’ve explored in the past, we find that the indicia and interiors of Archie’s price variants are 100% identical to the regular copies, and the Archie price variants are indeed US-published Type 1A price variants in all respects, by Jon McClure’s definition.

Here for example is the indicia for Laugh #374 published September of 1982 — that’s one month earlier than when Marvel and DC started publishing their CPVs — and in this first month of Archie’s variants it is interesting to observe that they hadn’t yet changed the indicia price to 75¢ in Canada, instead showing 60¢:

Picture Slideshow:

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Title List:

Adventures of Bayou Billy
Sep ’89 – Jun ’90
5 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.25	Sep ’89		$3
#2	$1.25	Nov ’89		$3
#3	$1.25	Jan ’90		$3
#4	$1.20	Apr ’90	Lower Price for this month only	$3
#5	$1.25	Jun ’90		$3
Archie
Sep ’82 – May ’97
102 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#319	$0.75	Sep ’82		$6
#320	$0.75	Oct ’82		$6
#321	$0.75	Dec ’82		$6
#322	$0.75	Mar ’83	E.T. story	$8
#323	$0.75	May ’83		$6
#324	$0.75	Jul ’83		$6
#325	$0.75	Sep ’83		$6
#326	$0.75	Nov ’83	Early Cheryl Blossom story	$20
#327	$0.75	Jan ’84		$6
#328	$0.75	Mar ’84		$6
#329	$0.75	May ’84		$6
#330	$0.75	Jul ’84		$6
#331	$0.75	Sep ’84		$6
#332	$0.75	Nov ’84		$6
#333	$0.75	Jan ’85		$6
#334	$0.75	Mar ’85		$6
#335	$0.75	May ’85		$6
#336	$0.75	Jul ’85	Michael Jackson parody	$12
#337	$0.75	Sep ’85		$6
#338	$0.75	Nov ’85		$6
#339	$0.75	Jan ’86		$6
#340	$0.75	Mar ’86		$6
#341	$0.75	May ’86		$6
#342	$0.95	Jul ’86		$6
#343	$0.95	Sep ’86		$6
#344	$0.95	Nov ’86		$6
#345	$0.95	Jan ’87		$6
#346	$0.95	Mar ’87		$6
#347	$0.95	May ’87		$6
#348	$0.95	Jun ’87		$6
#349	$0.95	Jul ’87		$6
#350	$0.95	Aug ’87		$6
#351	$0.95	Sep ’87		$5
#352	$0.95	Oct ’87		$5
#353	$0.95	Nov ’87		$5
#354	$0.95	Jan ’88		$5
#355	$0.95	Mar ’88		$5
#356	$0.95	May ’88		$5
#357	$0.95	Jun ’88		$5
#358	$0.95	Jul ’88		$5
#359	$0.95	Aug ’88		$5
#360	$0.95	Sep ’88	Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	$5
#361	$0.95	Oct ’88		$5
#362	$0.95	Nov ’88		$5
#363	$0.95	Jan ’89		$5
#364	$0.95	Feb ’89		$5
#365	$0.95	Mar ’89		$5
#366	$0.95	Apr ’89		$5
#367	$0.95	May ’89		$5
#368	$1.15	Jul ’89		$5
#369	$1.15	Aug ’89		$5
#370	$1.15	Sep ’89		$5
#371	$1.15	Oct ’89		$5
#372	$1.15	Nov ’89		$5
#373	$1.20	Jan ’90		$5
#374	$1.20	Feb ’90		$5
#375	$1.20	Mar ’90		$5
#376	$1.20	Apr ’90		$5
#377	$1.20	May ’90		$5
#378	$1.20	Jun ’90		$5
#379	$1.20	Aug ’90		$5
#380	$1.20	Sep ’90		$5
#381	$1.20	Oct ’90		$5
#382	$1.20	Nov ’90		$5
#383	$1.20	Dec ’90		$5
#384	$1.20	Feb ’91		$5
#385	$1.20	Mar ’91		$5
#386	$1.20	Apr ’91		$5
#387	$1.20	May ’91		$5
#388	$1.20	Jun ’91		$5
#389	$1.20	Jul ’91		$5
#390	$1.20	Aug ’91		$5
#391	$1.20	Sep ’91		$5
#392	$1.20	Oct ’91		$5
#393	$1.20	Nov ’91		$5
#394	$1.20	Dec ’91		$5
#395	$1.20	Jan ’92		$5
#396	$1.20	Feb ’92		$5
#397	$1.20	Mar ’92		$5
#398	$1.20	Apr ’92		$5
#438	$1.65	Aug ’95		$3
#439	$1.65	Sep ’95		$3
#440	$1.65	Oct ’95		$3
#441	$1.65	Nov ’95		$3
#442	$1.65	Dec ’95		$3
#443	$1.65	Jan ’96		$3
#444	$1.65	Feb ’96		$3
#445	$1.65	Mar ’96		$3
#446	$1.65	Apr ’96		$3
#447	$1.65	May ’96		$3
#448	$1.65	Jun ’96		$3
#449	$1.65	Jul ’96		$3
#450	$1.65	Aug ’96		$3
#451	$1.65	Sep ’96		$3
#452	$1.65	Oct ’96		$3
#453	$1.65	Nov ’96		$3
#454	$1.65	Dec ’96		$3
#455	$1.65	Jan ’97		$3
#456	$1.65	Feb ’97		$3
#457	$1.65	Mar ’97		$3
#458	$1.65	Apr ’97		$3
#459	$1.65	May ’97		$3
Archie 3000
May ’89 – Jul ’91
16 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$0.95	May ’89		$4
#2	$1.15	Jul ’89		$3
#3	$1.15	Aug ’89		$3
#4	$1.15	Oct ’89		$3
#5	$1.15	Nov ’89		$3
#6	$1.20	Jan ’90		$3
#7	$1.20	Mar ’90		$3
#8	$1.20	May ’90		$3
#9	$1.20	Jul ’90		$3
#10	$1.20	Aug ’90		$3
#11	$1.20	Sep ’90		$3
#12	$1.20	Oct ’90		$3
#13	$1.20	Dec ’90		$3
#14	$1.20	Feb ’91		$3
#15	$1.20	May ’91		$3
#16	$1.20	Jul ’91		$4
Archie and Friends
Aug ’95 – Apr ’97
8 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#15	$1.65	Aug ’95		$6
#16	$1.65	Nov ’95		$3
#17	$1.65	Feb ’96		$4
#18	$1.65	May ’96		$4
#19	$1.65	Aug ’96		$5
#20	$1.65	Nov ’96		$4
#21	$1.65	Feb ’97		$3
#22	$1.65	Apr ’97		$3
Archie and Me
Oct ’82 – Feb ’87
26 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#136	$0.75	Oct ’82		$6
#137	$0.75	Dec ’82		$6
#138	$0.75	Feb ’83		$6
#139	$0.75	May ’83		$6
#140	$0.75	Aug ’83		$6
#141	$0.75	Oct ’83		$6
#142	$0.75	Dec ’83		$6
#143	$0.75	Feb ’84		$6
#144	$0.75	Apr ’84		$6
#145	$0.75	Jun ’84		$6
#146	$0.75	Aug ’84		$6
#147	$0.75	Oct ’84		$6
#148	$0.75	Dec ’84		$6
#149	$0.75	Feb ’85		$6
#150	$0.75	Apr ’85		$6
#151	$0.75	Jun ’85		$6
#152	$0.75	Aug ’85		$6
#153	$0.75	Oct ’85		$6
#154	$0.75	Dec ’85		$6
#155	$0.75	Feb ’86		$6
#156	$0.75	Apr ’86		$6
#157	$0.95	Jun ’86		$6
#158	$0.95	Aug ’86		$6
#159	$0.95	Oct ’86		$6
#160	$0.95	Dec ’86		$8
#161	$0.95	Feb ’87		$8
Archie at Riverdale High
Oct ’82 – Feb ’87
26 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#88	$0.75	Oct ’82		$6
#89	$0.75	Dec ’82	Early Cheryl Blossom appearance	$26
#90	$0.75	Feb ’83	Early Cheryl Blossom appearance	$26
#91	$0.75	May ’83		$6
#92	$0.75	Aug ’83	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$20
#93	$0.75	Oct ’83		$6
#94	$0.75	Dec ’83		$6
#95	$0.75	Feb ’84		$6
#96	$0.75	Apr ’84	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$20
#97	$0.75	Jun ’84	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$20
#98	$0.75	Aug ’84		$6
#99	$0.75	Oct ’84	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$20
#100	$0.75	Dec ’84		$8
#101	$0.75	Feb ’85		$6
#102	$0.75	Apr ’85		$6
#103	$0.75	Jun ’85	Archie dates Cheryl Blossom	$20
#104	$0.75	Aug ’85		$6
#105	$0.75	Oct ’85		$6
#106	$0.75	Dec ’85		$6
#107	$0.75	Feb ’86		$6
#108	$0.75	Apr ’86		$6
#109	$0.95	Jun ’86		$6
#110	$0.95	Aug ’86	Godzilla story	$8
#111	$0.95	Oct ’86		$6
#112	$0.95	Dec ’86		$6
#113	$0.95	Feb ’87		$8
Archie Giant Series Magazine
Sep ’82 – Feb ’92
111 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#520	$0.75	Sep ’82		$9
#521	$0.75	Sep ’82		$9
#522	$0.75	Oct ’82		$9
#523	$0.75	Oct ’82		$9
#524	$0.75	Jan ’83		$9
#525	$0.75	Jan ’83		$9
#526	$0.75	May ’83		$9
#527	$0.75	Aug ’83		$9
#528	$0.75	Aug ’83	Josie and the Pussycats appearance	$18
#529	$0.75	Aug ’83		$9
#530	$0.75	Sep ’83		$9
#531	$0.75	Sep ’83		$9
#532	$0.75	Oct ’83		$9
#533	$0.75	Oct ’83	Sabrina appearance	$18
#534	$0.75	Jan ’84		$9
#535	$0.75	Jan ’84		$9
#536	$0.75	Jan ’84		$9
#537	$0.75	Jun ’84		$9
#538	$0.75	Aug ’84		$9
#539	$0.75	Aug ’84		$9
#540	$0.75	Aug ’84	Josie and the Pussycats appearance	$18
#541	$0.75	Sep ’84		$9
#542	$0.75	Sep ’84		$9
#543	$0.75	Oct ’84		$9
#544	$0.75	Oct ’84	Sabrina appearance	$18
#545	$0.75	Jan ’85		$9
#546	$0.75	Jan ’85		$9
#547	$0.75	Jan ’85		$9
#548	$0.75	Jun ’85		$9
#549	$0.75	Jun ’85		$9
#550	$0.75	Aug ’85		$9
#551	$0.75	Aug ’85	Josie and the Pussycats appearance	$12
#552	$0.75	Sep ’85		$6
#553	$0.75	Sep ’85		$6
#554	$0.75	Oct ’85		$6
#555	$0.75	Oct ’85		$6
#556	$0.75	Jan ’86		$6
#557	$0.75	Jan ’86		$6
#558	$0.75	Jan ’86		$6
#559	$0.95	Jun ’86		$6
#560	$0.95	Aug ’86		$6
#561	$0.95	Aug ’86		$6
#562	$0.95	Aug ’86	Josie and the Pussycats appearance	$12
#563	$0.95	Sep ’86		$6
#564	$0.95	Sep ’86		$6
#565	$0.95	Oct ’86		$6
#566	$0.95	Jan ’87		$6
#567	$0.95	Jan ’87		$6
#568	$0.95	Jan ’87		$6
#569	$0.95	Jul ’87		$6
#570	$0.95	Sep ’87		$6
#571	$0.95	Sep ’87	Josie and the Pussycats appearance	$12
#572	$0.95	Sep ’87		$6
#573	$0.95	Oct ’87		$6
#574	$0.95	Oct ’87		$6
#575	$0.95	Oct ’87		$6
#576	$0.95	Oct ’87		$6
#577	$0.95	Oct ’87		$6
#578	$0.95	Nov ’87		$6
#579	$0.95	Jan ’88		$6
#580	$0.95	Jan ’88		$6
#581	$0.95	Jan ’88		$6
#582	$0.95	Jul ’88		$6
#583	$0.95	Sep ’88		$6
#584	$0.95	Sep ’88	Josie and the Pussycats appearance	$12
#585	$0.95	Sep ’88		$6
#586	$0.95	Oct ’88	Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	$6
#587	$0.95	Oct ’88	1st appearance of Explorers of the Unknown; Newsstand AND Direct Variant CPV exist	$6
#588	$0.95	Oct ’88		$6
#589	$0.95	Oct ’88		$6
#590	$0.95	Oct ’88	Jughead “Back From The Future!” story	$6
#591	$0.95	Nov ’88		$6
#592	$0.95	Jan ’89		$6
#593	$0.95	Jan ’89		$6
#594	$0.95	Jan ’89		$6
#595	$1.15	Aug ’89		$6
#596	$1.15	Sep ’89		$6
#597	$1.15	Sep ’89	Josie and the Pussycats appearance	$12
#598	$1.15	Sep ’89		$6
#599	$1.15	Oct ’89		$6
#600	$1.15	Oct ’89		$6
#601	$1.15	Oct ’89		$4
#602	$1.15	Oct ’89		$4
#603	$1.15	Nov ’89		$5
#604	$1.15	Nov ’89		$4
#605	$1.20	Jan ’90		$4
#606	$1.20	Jan ’90		$4
#607	$1.20	Jan ’90		$4
#608	$1.20	Aug ’90		$4
#609	$1.20	Sep ’90		$4
#610	$1.20	Sep ’90	Josie and the Pussycats appearance	$7
#611	$1.20	Sep ’90		$4
#612	$1.20	Oct ’90		$4
#613	$1.20	Oct ’90		$4
#614	$1.20	Oct ’90		$4
#615	$1.20	Nov ’90		$4
#616	$1.20	Nov ’90		$4
#617	$1.20	Jan ’91		$4
#618	$1.20	Jan ’91		$4
#619	$1.20	Jan ’91		$4
#620	$1.20	Aug ’91	Edmonton Mall	$4
#621	$1.20	Sep ’91		$4
#622	$1.20	Oct ’91		$4
#623	$1.20	Oct ’91		$4
#624	$1.20	Oct ’91		$4
#625	$1.20	Nov ’91		$4
#626	$1.20	Nov ’91		$4
#627	$1.20	Jan ’92		$4
#628	$1.20	Jan ’92		$4
#629	$1.20	Jan ’92		$4
#630	$1.20	Feb ’92		$4
Archie Meets the Punisher
Aug ’94
1 issue
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$3.75	Aug ’94		$8
Archie’s Christmas Stocking
1993 – 1996
4 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	1993		$5
#2	$2.50	1994		$4
#3	$2.50	1995		$4
#4	$2.50	1996		$4
Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica
Oct ’82 – Apr ’87
28 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#320	$0.75	Oct ’82	1st Appearance Of Cheryl Blossom	$415
#321	$0.75	Dec ’82	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$100
#322	$0.75	Feb ’83	Cheryl meets Archie for the first time	$125
#323	$0.75	Apr ’83		$6
#324	$0.75	Jun ’83	Cricket O’Dell appearance	$15
#325	$0.75	Aug ’83	Cricket O’Dell appearance	$15
#326	$0.75	Oct ’83		$6
#327	$0.75	Dec ’83	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$42
#328	$0.75	Feb ’84	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$42
#329	$0.75	Apr ’84		$6
#330	$0.75	Jun ’84		$6
#331	$0.75	Aug ’84		$6
#332	$0.75	Oct ’84	Superhero costume party	$18
#333	$0.75	Dec ’84		$6
#334	$0.75	Feb ’85		$6
#335	$0.75	Apr ’85		$6
#336	$0.75	Jun ’85		$6
#337	$0.75	Aug ’85		$6
#338	$0.75	Oct ’85		$6
#339	$0.75	Dec ’85	Betty dresses as Madonna	$18
#340	$0.75	Feb ’86	Lower print run	$10
#341	$0.75	Apr ’86	Lower print run	$10
#342	$0.75	Jun ’86	Lower print run	$10
#343	$0.95	Aug ’86	Lower print run	$10
#344	$0.95	Oct ’86	Lower print run	$10
#345	$0.95	Dec ’86	Lower print run	$10
#346	$0.95	Feb ’87	Lower print run	$10
#347	$0.95	Apr ’87	Lower print run	$12
Archie’s Joke Book Magazine
Sep ’82 – Nov ’82
2 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#287	$0.75	Sep ’82		$6
#288	$0.75	Nov ’82		$7
Archie’s Love Showdown Special
1994
1 issue
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	1994		$4
Archie’s Pal Jughead Comics
Aug ’95 – May ’97
22 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#71	$1.65	Aug ’95		$3
#72	$1.65	Sep ’95		$3
#73	$1.65	Oct ’95		$3
#74	$1.65	Nov ’95		$3
#75	$1.65	Dec ’95		$3
#76	$1.65	Jan ’96		$3
#77	$1.65	Feb ’96		$3
#78	$1.65	Mar ’96		$3
#79	$1.65	Apr ’96		$3
#80	$1.65	May ’96		$3
#81	$1.65	Jun ’96		$3
#82	$1.65	Jul ’96		$3
#83	$1.65	Aug ’96		$3
#84	$1.65	Sep ’96		$3
#85	$1.65	Oct ’96		$3
#86	$1.65	Nov ’96		$3
#87	$1.65	Dec ’96		$3
#88	$1.65	Jan ’97		$3
#89	$1.65	Feb ’97		$3
#90	$1.65	Mar ’97		$3
#91	$1.65	Apr ’97		$3
#92	$1.65	May ’97		$3
Archie’s Pals ‘n Gals
Sep ’82 – Sep ’91
65 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#160	$0.75	Sep ’82		$6
#161	$0.75	Nov ’82	3rd Appearance of Cheryl Blossom	$85
#162	$0.75	Jan ’83		$6
#163	$0.75	May ’83		$6
#164	$0.75	Jul ’83		$6
#165	$0.75	Sep ’83		$6
#166	$0.75	Nov ’83		$6
#167	$0.75	Jan ’84		$6
#168	$0.75	Mar ’84		$6
#169	$0.75	May ’84		$6
#170	$0.75	Jul ’84		$6
#171	$0.75	Sep ’84		$5
#172	$0.75	Nov ’84		$5
#173	$0.75	Jan ’85		$5
#174	$0.75	Mar ’85	New Archies Band	$6
#175	$0.75	May ’85		$5
#176	$0.75	Jul ’85	Cyndi Lauper cover	$6
#177	$0.75	Sep ’85		$5
#178	$0.75	Nov ’85		$5
#179	$0.75	Jan ’86		$5
#180	$0.75	Mar ’86		$5
#181	$0.75	May ’86		$5
#182	$0.95	Jul ’86		$5
#183	$0.95	Sep ’86		$5
#184	$0.95	Nov ’86		$5
#185	$0.95	Jan ’87		$5
#186	$0.95	Mar ’87		$5
#187	$0.95	May ’87		$5
#188	$0.95	Jun ’87		$5
#189	$0.95	Jul ’87		$5
#190	$0.95	Aug ’87		$5
#191	$0.95	Sep ’87		$5
#192	$0.95	Oct ’87		$5
#193	$0.95	Nov ’87		$5
#194	$0.95	Jan ’88		$5
#195	$0.95	Mar ’88		$5
#196	$0.95	May ’88		$5
#197	$0.95	Jun ’88		$5
#198	$0.95	Jul ’88	Archie on strike	$6
#199	$0.95	Aug ’88		$5
#200	$0.95	Sep ’88		$6
#201	$0.95	Oct ’88		$4
#202	$0.95	Nov ’88		$6
#203	$0.95	Jan ’89		$4
#204	$0.95	Mar ’89		$4
#205	$0.95	Apr ’89		$4
#206	$1.15	Jun ’89		$4
#207	$1.15	Jul ’89		$4
#208	$1.15	Aug ’89		$4
#209	$1.15	Sep ’89		$4
#210	$1.15	Oct ’89		$4
#211	$1.15	Nov ’89		$4
#212	$1.20	Jan ’90		$4
#213	$1.20	Mar ’90		$4
#214	$1.20	Apr ’90		$4
#215	$1.20	Jun ’90		$4
#216	$1.20	Jul ’90		$4
#217	$1.20	Aug ’90		$4
#218	$1.20	Sep ’90		$4
#219	$1.20	Nov ’90		$4
#220	$1.20	Jan ’91		$4
#221	$1.20	Mar ’91		$4
#222	$1.20	May ’91		$4
#223	$1.20	Jul ’91		$4
#224	$1.20	Sep ’91		$6
Archie’s R C Racers
Sep ’89 – Mar ’91
10 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.15	Sep ’89		$6
#2	$1.15	Nov ’89		$4
#3	$1.20	Jan ’90		$3
#4	$1.20	Mar ’90		$3
#5	$1.20	May ’90	Elvis parody	$4
#6	$1.20	Jul ’90		$4
#7	$1.20	Sep ’90		$4
#8	$1.20	Nov ’90		$3
#9	$1.20	Jan ’91		$3
#10	$1.20	Mar ’91		$4
Archie’s Spring Break
1996
1 issue
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	1996		$4
Archie’s Super Teens
1994 – 1996
4 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	1994		$5
#2	$2.50	1995		$4
#3	$2.50	1995		$4
#4	$2.50	1996		$4
Archie’s TV Laugh-Out
Feb ’83 – Feb ’86
19 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#87	$0.75	Feb ’83		$8
#88	$0.75	Apr ’83		$8
#89	$0.75	Jun ’83		$8
#90	$0.75	Aug ’83		$8
#91	$0.75	Oct ’83	Early Cheryl Blossom story	$40
#92	$0.75	Dec ’83	A-Team parody	$10
#93	$0.75	Feb ’84	Parody appearances of Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman	$15
#94	$0.75	Apr ’84		$8
#95	$0.75	Jun ’84		$8
#96	$0.75	Aug ’84	MASH parody	$10
#97	$0.75	Oct ’84		$8
#98	$0.75	Dec ’84		$8
#99	$0.75	Feb ’85		$8
#100	$0.75	Apr ’85	Michael Jackson parody	$18
#101	$0.75	Jun ’85	Lower print run	$9
#102	$0.75	Aug ’85	Lower print run	$9
#103	$0.75	Oct ’85	Lower print run	$9
#104	$0.75	Dec ’85	Lower print run	$9
#105	$0.75	Feb ’86	Hulk Hogan parody	$15
Archie’s Vacation Special
Summer 1994 – 1996
4 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	Summer 1994		$5
#2	$2.50	Winter 1995		$4
#3	$2.50	Summer 1995		$4
#4	$2.50	1996		$4
Betty
Aug ’95 – May ’97
22 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#28	$1.65	Aug ’95		$3
#29	$1.65	Sep ’95		$3
#30	$1.65	Oct ’95		$3
#31	$1.65	Nov ’95		$3
#32	$1.65	Dec ’95		$3
#33	$1.65	Jan ’96		$3
#34	$1.65	Feb ’96		$3
#35	$1.65	Mar ’96		$3
#36	$1.65	Apr ’96		$3
#37	$1.65	May ’96		$3
#38	$1.65	Jun ’96		$3
#39	$1.65	Jul ’96		$3
#40	$1.65	Aug ’96		$3
#41	$1.65	Sep ’96		$3
#42	$1.65	Oct ’96		$3
#43	$1.65	Nov ’96		$3
#44	$1.65	Dec ’96		$3
#45	$1.65	Jan ’97		$3
#46	$1.65	Feb ’97		$3
#47	$1.65	Mar ’97		$3
#48	$1.65	Apr ’97		$3
#49	$1.65	May ’97		$3
Betty and Me
Sep ’82 – Mar ’92
68 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#130	$0.75	Sep ’82		$7
#131	$0.75	Nov ’82		$5
#132	$0.75	Jan ’83		$5
#133	$0.75	Apr ’83		$5
#134	$0.75	Jul ’83		$5
#135	$0.75	Sep ’83		$5
#136	$0.75	Nov ’83		$5
#137	$0.75	Jan ’84		$5
#138	$0.75	Mar ’84		$5
#139	$0.75	May ’84		$6
#140	$0.75	Jul ’84		$5
#141	$0.75	Sep ’84		$6
#142	$0.75	Nov ’84		$5
#143	$0.75	Jan ’85		$5
#144	$0.75	Mar ’85		$5
#145	$0.75	May ’85		$5
#146	$0.75	Jul ’85		$5
#147	$0.75	Sep ’85		$5
#148	$0.75	Nov ’85		$6
#149	$0.75	Jan ’86		$5
#150	$0.75	Mar ’86		$5
#151	$0.75	May ’86		$5
#152	$0.95	Jul ’86		$5
#153	$0.95	Sep ’86		$5
#154	$0.95	Nov ’86		$5
#155	$0.95	Jan ’87		$6
#156	$0.95	Mar ’87		$5
#157	$0.95	May ’87		$5
#158	$0.95	Jun ’87		$5
#159	$0.95	Jul ’87		$6
#160	$0.95	Aug ’87		$6
#161	$0.95	Sep ’87		$4
#162	$0.95	Oct ’87		$4
#163	$0.95	Dec ’87		$4
#164	$0.95	Jan ’88		$4
#165	$0.95	Mar ’88		$4
#166	$0.95	May ’88		$4
#167	$0.95	Jun ’88		$4
#168	$0.95	Jul ’88		$4
#169	$0.95	Aug ’88		$4
#170	$0.95	Sep ’88		$6
#171	$0.95	Oct ’88		$4
#172	$0.95	Jan ’89		$4
#173	$0.95	Mar ’89		$4
#174	$0.95	May ’89		$4
#175	$1.15	Jun ’89		$4
#176	$1.15	Jul ’89		$4
#177	$1.15	Aug ’89		$4
#178	$1.15	Sep ’89		$4
#179	$1.15	Oct ’89		$4
#180	$1.20	Jan ’90		$4
#181	$1.20	Mar ’90		$4
#182	$1.20	May ’90		$4
#183	$1.20	Jun ’90		$4
#184	$1.20	Jul ’90		$4
#185	$1.20	Aug ’90		$4
#186	$1.20	Sep ’90		$4
#187	$1.20	Oct ’90		$4
#188	$1.20	Jan ’91		$4
#189	$1.20	Mar ’91		$4
#190	$1.20	May ’91		$4
#191	$1.20	Jul ’91		$4
#192	$1.20	Aug ’91		$4
#193	$1.20	Sep ’91		$4
#194	$1.20	Oct ’91		$4
#195	$1.20	Nov ’91		$4
#196	$1.20	Jan ’92		$4
#197	$1.20	Mar ’92		$4
Betty and Veronica
Jun ’87 – May ’97
72 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$0.95	Jun ’87		$10
#2	$0.95	Jul ’87		$6
#3	$0.95	Aug ’87		$6
#4	$0.95	Sep ’87		$6
#5	$0.95	Oct ’87		$6
#6	$0.95	Nov ’87		$6
#7	$0.95	Dec ’87		$6
#8	$0.95	Feb ’88		$6
#9	$0.95	Apr ’88		$6
#10	$0.95	Jun ’88		$6
#11	$0.95	Jul ’88		$4
#12	$0.95	Aug ’88		$4
#13	$0.95	Sep ’88		$4
#14	$0.95	Oct ’88		$4
#15	$0.95	Nov ’88		$4
#16	$0.95	Dec ’88		$4
#17	$0.95	Feb ’89		$4
#18	$0.95	Mar ’89		$4
#19	$0.95	Apr ’89		$4
#20	$0.95	May ’89		$4
#21	$1.15	Jul ’89		$4
#22	$1.15	Aug ’89		$4
#23	$1.15	Sep ’89		$4
#24	$1.15	Oct ’89		$4
#25	$1.15	Nov ’89		$4
#26	$1.20	Jan ’90		$4
#27	$1.20	Feb ’90		$4
#28	$1.20	Mar ’90		$4
#29	$1.20	Apr ’90		$4
#30	$1.20	May ’90		$4
#31	$1.20	Jun ’90		$3
#32	$1.20	Aug ’90		$3
#33	$1.20	Sep ’90		$3
#34	$1.20	Oct ’90		$3
#35	$1.20	Nov ’90		$3
#36	$1.20	Dec ’90		$3
#37	$1.20	Feb ’91		$3
#38	$1.20	Mar ’91		$3
#39	$1.20	May ’91		$3
#40	$1.20	Jun ’91		$3
#41	$1.20	Jul ’91		$3
#42	$1.20	Aug ’91		$3
#43	$1.20	Sep ’91		$3
#44	$1.20	Oct ’91		$3
#45	$1.20	Nov ’91		$3
#46	$1.20	Dec ’91		$3
#47	$1.20	Jan ’92		$3
#48	$1.20	Feb ’92		$3
#49	$1.20	Mar ’92		$3
#50	$1.20	Apr ’92		$3
#90	$1.65	Aug ’95		$3
#91	$1.65	Sep ’95		$3
#92	$1.65	Oct ’95		$3
#93	$1.65	Nov ’95		$3
#94	$1.65	Dec ’95		$3
#95	$1.65	Jan ’96		$3
#96	$1.65	Feb ’96		$3
#97	$1.65	Mar ’96		$3
#98	$1.65	Apr ’96		$3
#99	$1.65	May ’96		$3
#100	$1.65	Jun ’96		$3
#101	$1.65	Jul ’96		$3
#102	$1.65	Aug ’96		$3
#103	$1.65	Sep ’96		$3
#104	$1.65	Oct ’96		$3
#105	$1.65	Nov ’96		$3
#106	$1.65	Dec ’96		$3
#107	$1.65	Jan ’97		$3
#108	$1.65	Feb ’97		$3
#109	$1.65	Mar ’97		$3
#110	$1.65	Apr ’97		$3
#111	$1.65	May ’97		$3
Betty and Veronica Spectacular
Oct ’95 – May ’97
8 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#16	$1.65	Oct ’95		$3
#17	$1.65	Jan ’96		$3
#18	$1.65	Apr ’96		$3
#19	$1.65	Jul ’96		$3
#20	$1.65	Oct ’96		$3
#21	$1.65	Dec ’96		$3
#22	$1.65	Mar ’97		$3
#23	$1.65	May ’97		$3
Betty and Veronica Summer Fun
1994 – 1997
4 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	1994		$4
#2	$2.50	1995		$3
#3	$2.50	1996		$3
#4	$2.50	1997		$3
Betty’s Diary
Apr ’86 – Apr ’91
40 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$0.75	Apr ’86		$7
#2	$0.95	Jun ’86		$4
#3	$0.95	Aug ’86		$4
#4	$0.95	Oct ’86		$4
#5	$0.95	Dec ’86		$4
#6	$0.95	Feb ’87		$4
#7	$0.95	Apr ’87		$4
#8	$0.95	Jun ’87		$4
#9	$0.95	Jul ’87		$4
#10	$0.95	Aug ’87		$4
#11	$0.95	Sep ’87		$3
#12	$0.95	Oct ’87		$3
#13	$0.95	Nov ’87		$3
#14	$0.95	Dec ’87		$3
#15	$0.95	Feb ’88		$3
#16	$0.95	Apr ’88		$3
#17	$0.95	Jun ’88		$3
#18	$0.95	Jul ’88		$3
#19	$0.95	Aug ’88		$3
#20	$0.95	Sep ’88		$3
#21	$0.95	Oct ’88		$3
#22	$0.95	Dec ’88		$3
#23	$0.95	Feb ’89		$3
#24	$0.95	Apr ’89		$3
#25	$1.15	Jun ’89		$3
#26	$1.15	Jul ’89		$3
#27	$1.15	Aug ’89		$3
#28	$1.15	Sep ’89		$3
#29	$1.15	Oct ’89		$3
#30	$1.15	Dec ’89		$3
#31	$1.20	Feb ’90		$3
#32	$1.20	Apr ’90		$3
#33	$1.20	Jun ’90		$3
#34	$1.20	Jul ’90		$3
#35	$1.20	Aug ’90		$3
#36		Sep ’90	Unconfirmed if price is $1.20 OR $1.25. Test marketing issue.	$3
#37	$1.20	Oct ’90		$3
#38	$1.20	Dec ’90		$3
#39	$1.20	Feb ’91		$3
#40	$1.20	Apr ’91		$3
Blue Ribbon Comics
Feb ’84 – Dec ’84
10 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#5	$1.00	Feb ’84		$6
#6	$1.00	Mar ’84		$6
#7	$1.00	Apr ’84		$6
#8	$1.00	May ’84	Neal Adams art	$7
#9	$1.00	Jun ’84		$6
#10	$1.00	Jul ’84		$6
#11	$1.00	Aug ’84		$6
#12	$1.00	Sep ’84	Ditko art	$8
#13	$1.00	Oct ’84		$6
#14	$1.00	Dec ’84		$6
Carneys
Summer 1994
1 issue
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	Summer 1994		$4
Cartoon Network Christmas Spectacular
Dec ’96
1 issue
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	Dec ’96
Cartoon Network Presents Space Ghost
Mar ’97
1 issue
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Mar ’97		$6
Cheryl Blossom
Sep ’95 – Nov ’95
3 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Sep ’95		$18
#2	$1.65	Oct ’95		$9
#3	$1.65	Nov ’95		$9
Cheryl Blossom 2nd Series
Jul ’96 – Sep ’96
3 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Jul ’96		$7
#2	$1.65	Aug ’96		$7
#3	$1.65	Sep ’96		$7
Cheryl Blossom 3rd Series
Apr ’97 – May ’97
2 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Apr ’97		$12
#2	$1.65	May ’97		$6
Cheryl Blossom Goes Hollywood
Dec ’96 – Feb ’97
3 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Dec ’96		$7
#2	$1.65	Jan ’97		$7
#3	$1.65	Feb ’97		$7
Cheryl Blossom Special
1995 – 1996
4 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	1995		$9
#2	$2.50	1995		$9
#3	$2.50	1996		$9
#4	$2.50	1996		$9
Conservation Corps
Aug ’93 – Nov ’93
3 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.50	Aug ’93
#2	$1.50	Sep ’93
#3	$1.50	Nov ’93
Dilton’s Strange Science
May ’89 – May ’90
5 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$0.95	May ’89		$3
#2	$1.15	Aug ’89		$3
#3	$1.15	Nov ’89		$3
#4	$1.20	Feb ’90		$3
#5	$1.20	May ’90		$3
Everything’s Archie
Oct ’82 – Sep ’91
55 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#103	$0.75	Oct ’82		$5
#104	$0.75	Dec ’82	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$7
#105	$0.75	Mar ’83		$5
#106	$0.75	Jun ’83		$5
#107	$0.75	Sep ’83	Cheryl Blossom appearance	$7
#108	$0.75	Nov ’83		$5
#109	$0.75	Jan ’84		$5
#110	$0.75	Mar ’84		$5
#111	$0.75	May ’84		$5
#112	$0.75	Jul ’84		$5
#113	$0.75	Sep ’84		$5
#114	$0.75	Nov ’84		$5
#115	$0.75	Jan ’85		$5
#116	$0.75	Mar ’85		$5
#117	$0.75	May ’85		$5
#118	$0.75	Jul ’85		$5
#119	$0.75	Sep ’85		$5
#120	$0.75	Nov ’85		$5
#121	$0.75	Jan ’86		$4
#122	$0.75	Mar ’86		$4
#123	$0.75	May ’86		$4
#124	$0.95	Jul ’86		$4
#125	$0.95	Sep ’86		$4
#126	$0.95	Nov ’86		$4
#127	$0.95	Jan ’87		$4
#128	$0.95	Mar ’87		$4
#129	$0.95	May ’87		$4
#130	$0.95	Jul ’87		$4
#131	$0.95	Sep ’87		$4
#132	$0.95	Nov ’87		$4
#133	$0.95	Jan ’88		$4
#134	$0.95	Mar ’88		$4
#135	$0.95	May ’88		$4
#136	$0.95	Jul ’88		$4
#137	$0.95	Aug ’88		$4
#138	$0.95	Oct ’88		$4
#139	$0.95	Nov ’88		$4
#140	$0.95	Jan ’89		$4
#141	$0.95	Mar ’89		$4
#142	$0.95	May ’89		$4
#143	$1.15	Jul ’89		$4
#144	$1.15	Aug ’89		$4
#145	$1.15	Oct ’89		$4
#146	$1.15	Nov ’89		$4
#147	$1.20	Jan ’90		$4
#148	$1.20	Mar ’90		$4
#149	$1.20	May ’90		$4
#150	$1.20	Jul ’90		$4
#151	$1.20	Aug ’90		$4
#152	$1.20	Nov ’90		$4
#153	$1.20	Jan ’91		$4
#154	$1.20	Mar ’91		$4
#155	$1.20	May ’91		$4
#156	$1.20	Jul ’91		$4
#157	$1.20	Sep ’91		$4
Explorers of the Unknown
Jun ’90 – Apr ’91
6 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.20	Jun ’90		$3
#2	$1.20	Aug ’90		$3
#3	$1.20	Oct ’90		$3
#4	$1.20	Dec ’90		$3
#5	$1.20	Feb ’91		$3
#6	$1.20	Apr ’91		$3
Faculty Funnies
Jun ’89 – May ’90
5 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.15	Jun ’89		$3
#2	$1.15	Sep ’89		$3
#3	$1.15	Dec ’89		$3
#4	$1.20	Mar ’90		$3
#5	$1.20	May ’90		$3
Flintstones
Sep ’95 – May ’97
21 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Sep ’95		$3
#2	$1.65	Oct ’95		$3
#3	$1.65	Nov ’95		$3
#4	$1.65	Dec ’95		$3
#5	$1.65	Jan ’95		$3
#6	$1.65	Feb ’96		$3
#7	$1.65	Mar ’96		$3
#8	$1.65	Apr ’96		$3
#9	$1.65	May ’96		$3
#10	$1.65	Jun ’96		$3
#11	$1.65	Jul ’96		$3
#12	$1.65	Aug ’96		$3
#13	$1.65	Sep ’96		$3
#14	$1.65	Oct ’96		$3
#15	$1.65	Nov ’96		$3
#16	$1.65	Dec ’96		$3
#17	$1.65	Jan ’97		$3
#18	$1.65	Feb ’97		$3
#19	$1.65	Mar ’97		$3
#20	$1.65	Apr ’97		$3
#21	$1.65	May ’97		$3
Fly
Feb ’84 – Oct ’84
5 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#5	$1.00	Feb ’84	Ditko art	$5
#6	$1.00	Apr ’84	Ditko art	$6
#7	$1.00	Jun ’84	Ditko art	$6
#8	$1.00	Aug ’84	Ditko art	$6
#9	$1.00	Oct ’84	Ditko art	$6
Hanna-Barbera All-Stars
Oct ’95 – Apr ’96
4 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Oct ’95		$4
#2	$1.65	Dec ’95		$4
#3	$1.65	Feb ’96		$4
#4	$1.65	Apr ’96		$4
Hanna-Barbera Presents
Nov ’95 – Oct ’96
8 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Nov ’95		$4
#2	$1.65	Jan ’96		$4
#3	$1.65	Mar ’96		$4
#4	$1.65	May ’96		$4
#5	$1.65	Jul ’96		$4
#6	$1.65	Aug ’96		$4
#7	$1.65	Sep ’96		$4
#8	$1.65	Oct ’96		$4
Jetsons
Sep ’95 – Apr ’96
8 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.65	Sep ’95		$3
#2	$1.65	Oct ’95		$3
#3	$1.65	Nov ’95		$3
#4	$1.65	Dec ’95		$3
#5	$1.65	Jan ’96		$3
#6	$1.65	Feb ’96		$3
#7	$1.65	Mar ’96		$3
#8	$1.65	Apr ’96		$3
Josie and the Pussycats
Oct ’82
1 issue
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#106	$0.75	Oct ’82		$20
Josie and the Pussycats 2nd Series
Nov ’93 – Mar ’94
2 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	Nov ’93		$5
#2	$2.50	Mar ’94		$5
Jughead
Oct ’82 – Jun ’87
28 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#325	$0.75	Oct ’82	2nd Appearance Of Cheryl Blossom	$150
#326	$0.75	Dec ’82		$4
#327	$0.75	Apr ’83		$4
#328	$0.75	Jun ’83		$4
#329	$0.75	Aug ’83		$4
#330	$0.75	Oct ’83		$4
#331	$0.75	Dec ’83		$4
#332	$0.75	Feb ’84		$4
#333	$0.75	Apr ’84		$4
#334	$0.75	Jun ’84		$4
#335	$0.75	Aug ’84		$4
#336	$0.75	Oct ’84		$4
#337	$0.75	Dec ’84		$4
#338	$0.75	Feb ’85		$4
#339	$0.75	Apr ’85		$4
#340	$0.75	Jun ’85		$4
#341	$0.75	Aug ’85		$4
#342	$0.75	Oct ’85		$4
#343	$0.75	Dec ’85		$4
#344	$0.75	Feb ’86		$4
#345	$0.75	Apr ’86		$4
#346	$0.95	Jun ’86		$4
#347	$0.95	Aug ’86		$4
#348	$0.95	Oct ’86		$4
#349	$0.95	Dec ’86		$4
#350	$0.95	Feb ’87		$4
#351	$0.95	Apr ’87		$4
#352	$0.95	Jun ’87		$4
Jughead 2nd Series
Aug ’87 – Apr ’92
32 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$0.95	Aug ’87		$7
#2	$0.95	Oct ’87		$4
#3	$0.95	Dec ’87		$4
#4	$0.95	Feb ’88		$4
#5	$0.95	Apr ’88		$4
#6	$0.95	Jun ’88		$4
#7	$0.95	Aug ’88		$4
#8	$0.95	Oct ’88		$4
#9	$0.95	Dec ’88		$4
#10	$0.95	Feb ’89		$4
#11	$0.95	Apr ’89		$3
#12	$1.15	Jun ’89		$3
#13	$1.15	Aug ’89		$3
#14	$1.15	Oct ’89		$3
#15	$1.15	Dec ’89		$3
#16	$1.20	Feb ’90		$3
#17	$1.20	Apr ’90		$3
#18	$1.20	Jun ’90		$3
#19	$1.20	Aug ’90		$3
#20	$1.20	Oct ’90		$3
#21	$1.20	Dec ’90		$3
#22	$1.20	Feb ’91		$3
#23	$1.20	Apr ’91		$3
#24	$1.20	Jun ’91		$3
#25	$1.20	Aug ’91		$3
#26	$1.20	Oct ’91		$3
#27	$1.20	Nov ’91		$3
#28	$1.20	Dec ’91		$3
#29	$1.20	Jan ’92		$3
#30	$1.20	Feb ’92		$3
#31	$1.20	Mar ’92		$3
#32	$1.20	Apr ’92		$3
Jughead’s Baby Tales
Spring 1994 – Winter 1994
2 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$2.50	Spring 1994		$4
#2	$2.50	Winter 1994		$4
Jughead’s Diner
Apr ’90 – Apr ’91
7 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.20	Apr ’90		$4
#2	$1.20	Jun ’90		$3
#3	$1.20	Aug ’90		$3
#4	$1.20	Oct ’90		$3
#5	$1.20	Dec ’90		$3
#6	$1.20	Feb ’91		$3
#7	$1.20	Apr ’91		$3
Jughead’s Jokes
Sep ’82
1 issue
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#78	$0.75	Sep ’82		$6
Jughead’s Pal Hot Dog
Jan ’90 – Oct ’90
5 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.20	Jan ’90		$4
#2	$1.20	Mar ’90		$3
#3	$1.20	May ’90		$3
#4	$1.20	Aug ’90		$3
#5	$1.20	Oct ’90		$3
Jughead’s Time Police
Jul ’90 – May ’91
6 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#1	$1.20	Jul ’90		$4
#2	$1.20	Sep ’90		$3
#3	$1.20	Nov ’90		$3
#4	$1.20	Jan ’91		$3
#5	$1.20	Mar ’91		$3
#6	$1.20	May ’91		$3
Katy Keene Special
Feb ’84 – Jan ’90
32 issues
Issue	CPV Cover Price	Month / Year	Notes	Baseline (Non-Variant) NM- Issue Value
#2	$0.75	Feb ’84		$5
#3	$0.75	Apr ’84		$5
#4	$0.75	Jun ’84		$5
#5	$0.75	Aug ’84		$5
#6	$0.75	Oct ’84		$5
#7	$0.75	Dec ’84		$5
#8	$0.75	Apr ’85		$5
#9	$0.75	Jun ’85		$5
#10	$0.75	Aug ’85		$5
#11	$0.75	Oct ’85		$6
#12	$0.75	Dec ’85	Spider-Man Parody	$6
#13	$0.75	Feb ’86		$6
#14	$0.75	Apr ’86		$6
#15	$0.95	Jun ’86		$6
#16	$0.95	Aug ’86		$6
#17	$0.95	Oct ’86		$6
#18	$0.95	Dec ’86		$6
#19	$0.95	Feb ’87		$6
#20	$0.95	Apr ’87		$6
#21	$0.95	Jun ’87		$6
#22	$0.95	Aug ’87		$6
#23	$0.95	Oct ’87		$6
#24	$0.95	Dec ’87		$6
#25	$0.95	Feb ’88		$6
#26	$0.95	Jun ’88	Low Print Run	$9
#27	$0.95	Aug ’88	Low Print Run	$9
#28	$0.95	Oct ’88	Low Print Run	$9
#29	$0.95	Feb ’89	Low Print Run	$9
#30	$0.95	May ’89	Low Print Run	$9
#31	$1.15	Aug ’89	Low Print Run	$9
#32	$1.15	Oct ’89	Low Print Run	$9
#33	$1.20	Jan ’90		$12