What are the hardest Conan the Barbarians to get in High Grade? (BWS Run)

[bronze johnny]

I wanted to know what the hardest CTB to get in high grade (9.2 and above) between nos. 1 through 24 (the BWS run).

 

Sincerely,

 

BronzeJohnny

[nocomics]

Far and away #18 is the hardest to get. There is only one copy graded better than 9.4. A few of the other harder issues are #12 and #14. Only issues #11 and #14 have no copies in 9.8.

[Buck Biggins]

Isn't issue 11 a giant size?

[bronze johnny]

Thanks nocomics. I looked at the census and saw that CTB #18 appears to be the most difficult one to get. I don't understand why. It's an orange cover and it's not a 25 cent book like CTB #'s 10 & 11. It's not a black cover like CTB #'s 12, 15, 17, & 21. The black covers are usually the more difficult ones to find in high grade (9.2 & above).

Anyone want to try and explain to me why this is so for the BWS Conan 1-24 run?

 

BronzeJohnny

[ArAich]

Probably because the cover blows and nobody wanted it...not one of GK's finest...

[namisgr]

Can't disagree with the "cover blows" theory, but another factor may have been the distribution. Kane wound up doing the book when BWS got behind on the series. Speculation: it may be that the art was rushed to the printer at the 11th hour, and the print run and book distribution hampered in comparison with surrounding issues. I was collecting the title back then, and bought on the stands issues 17 and 19-24, but missed buying an 18. Don't remember why it slipped past me, but poor distribution could be an explanation.

[nocomics]

Yep, #11 is a 52-pager, as is #10.

[nocomics]

While we are on the topic, if anyone reading owns the #18 9.8 or knows who does, please PM me. Raw 9.6+ copies are welcome as well.