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The Vegas Comic Kingdom

X-Factor (1986) #85 Sealed Poly Bag- (X-Factor Key)

X-Factor (1986) #85 Sealed Poly Bag- (X-Factor Key)

$20.00 USD
$20.00 USD
Sale Sold out
X-Factor (1986) #85 – Marvel Comics
X-Factor (1986) #85 (December 1992), written by Peter David with pencils by Jae Lee, inks by Al Milgrom, and cover art by Jae Lee, is a Copper Age issue in the original X-Factor series, priced at $1.25 and approved by the Comics Code Authority. Titled “Snikts and Bones,” this issue is part of the “X-Cutioner’s Song” crossover event, a major 1992 X-Men storyline spanning Uncanny X-Men, X-Men, X-Factor, and X-Force. The story focuses on X-Factor—Havok, Polaris, Multiple Man, Strong Guy, Wolfsbane, and Quicksilver—teaming up with X-Men members (Archangel, Bishop, Colossus, Gambit, Iceman, Psylocke, Rogue, Storm, Wolverine) and X-Force members (Boomer, Cannonball) to confront the Mutant Liberation Front (MLF), including Forearm, Reaper, and Wildside, led by Stryfe. The narrative centers on intense battles and the unraveling of Stryfe’s schemes, tied to Cable’s origins and Apocalypse’s legacy. Peter David’s script blends high-stakes action, character drama, and crossover synergy, while Jae Lee’s atmospheric, stylized pencils deliver a visually striking depiction of the mutant conflict. Jae Lee’s cover, showcasing X-Factor and the MLF clash, is a collector’s highlight. This issue is likely a Direct Edition (per your prior request), but I’ll address both Direct and Newsstand Editions, with the possibility of a Sealed Polybag Edition (common for “X-Cutioner’s Song” issues with trading cards).
Highlights
  • Part of the “X-Cutioner’s Song” crossover with X-Factor, X-Men, and X-Force.
  • Battles against the Mutant Liberation Front (Forearm, Reaper, Wildside) and Stryfe’s plans.
  • Peter David’s dynamic script with intense action and team interplay.
  • Jae Lee’s stylized pencils and atmospheric cover art.
  • Key issue in the government-era X-Factor with crossover significance.
Featured Characters
  • X-Factor: Havok (Alex Summers), Polaris (Lorna Dane), Multiple Man (Jamie Madrox), Strong Guy (Guido Carosella), Wolfsbane (Rahne Sinclair), Quicksilver (Pietro Maximoff).
  • X-Men: Archangel (Warren Worthington III), Bishop, Colossus, Gambit, Iceman (Bobby Drake), Psylocke, Rogue, Storm, Wolverine.
  • X-Force: Boomer (Tabitha Smith), Cannonball.
  • Mutant Liberation Front (MLF): Forearm, Reaper, Wildside.
  • Stryfe (referenced): Central antagonist of the crossover.
Direct Edition Details
  • Identification: Direct Editions, sold to comic shops, lack a UPC barcode (replaced by a logo or blank space) on the cover. X-Factor #85 Direct Editions show a Marvel logo or blank space in the bottom left corner, priced at $1.25 (US).
  • Sealed Polybag Potential: While not explicitly confirmed for #85, “X-Cutioner’s Song” issues (e.g., X-Factor #84) often came in Sealed Polybag Editions with trading cards. If sealed, the polybag is clear or opaque, preserving the comic and card (likely featuring characters like Wolverine or Havok), visible through the bag with Jae Lee’s cover. Sealed polybags are rarer and command a premium.
  • Condition: Direct Editions, especially sealed polybags, are more likely to be NM or better due to comic shop handling and polybag protection, though bag creasing or card shifting can affect CGC grading.
Newsstand Edition Details
  • Identification: Newsstand Editions feature a UPC barcode on the cover (bottom left) with $1.25 (US) and $1.50 (Canada) pricing.
  • Scarcity: Newsstand copies are rarer, comprising ~10–20% of the 1992 print run, with high-grade copies scarcer due to retail handling (bending, stickers). Sealed Polybag Newsstand Editions are exceptionally rare, as polybags were primarily Direct Edition promotions.
  • Condition: Newsstand copies are harder to find in NM due to retail exposure, making high-grade or sealed Newsstand polybags highly valuable.
Value & Trends
  • Current:
    • Raw NM Direct Edition (standard) copies sell for $5–$15 on eBay and MyComicShop; VF copies at $3–$8; CGC 9.8 at $40–$80.
    • Raw NM Direct Edition Sealed Polybag copies (if applicable) fetch $10–$25, with VF at $5–$12; CGC 9.8 Sealed Polybag at $60–$120, driven by rarity and potential trading card.
    • Raw NM Newsstand Edition (non-polybag) copies sell for $8–$20; CGC 9.8 at $50–$100. Newsstand Sealed Polybag copies (if they exist) could reach $15–$30 (NM, raw) or $80–$150 (CGC 9.8, estimated).
    • [eBay listings show raw NM Direct at $8–$12, CGC 9.8 Direct at $50–$75; raw NM Newsstand at $10–$18; raw NM Sealed Polybag Direct at $12–$22.]
    • CGC 9.9 or 10.0 copies (any edition) are rare, potentially reaching $150–$300.
    • The X-Factor by Peter David trade paperback (Vol. 1, 2007) or X-Cutioner’s Song collections include this issue, selling for $15–$30.
  • Trends: The X-Men ’97 animated series (2024–2025) boosting X-Factor and X-Men’s profile, Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) hype, and “X-Cutioner’s Song”’s cult status could drive 15–20% price hikes in 6–12 months, especially for Sealed Polybag Editions. CGC 9.8 Sealed Polybag Direct Editions may hit $120–$180 in 2–3 years if Polaris, Bishop, or Stryfe gain MCU focus (X-Men projects). Jae Lee’s growing reputation (Inhumans, Sentry) and Peter David’s run add speculative value. Comic-Con 2025 news or reprints could spike demand. The issue’s value is strong due to the crossover, though overshadowed by keys like X-Factor #6 (1st Apocalypse).
  • Market: Copper Age X-Factor issues with Peter David’s writing, Jae Lee’s early art, and “X-Cutioner’s Song” ties are prized by X-Men collectors, with Sealed Polybag Direct Editions or high-grade Newsstand copies commanding premiums for rarity.
Why Buy?
X-Factor #85 Direct Edition (Sealed Polybag, if applicable) is a Copper Age gem, integral to the “X-Cutioner’s Song” crossover, featuring X-Factor, X-Men, and X-Force against the MLF. Peter David’s dynamic storytelling, Jae Lee’s atmospheric art, and Jae Lee’s striking cover make it a must-have for X-Men collectors. Secure it in NM or CGC-graded condition, especially a Sealed Polybag, before X-Men ’97 or X-Men’s cinematic surge boosts prices!
Price:
  • Direct Edition (Standard, Non-Polybag): $5–$15 (NM, raw); $40–$80 (CGC 9.8); $3–$8 (VF, raw).
  • Direct Edition Sealed Polybag (if applicable): $10–$25 (NM, raw); $60–$120 (CGC 9.8); $5–$12 (VF, raw).
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