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Publishers / Marvel / Hero for Hire (1972) / #4
4December 1972
$0.20

Hero for Hire #4

Marvel · December 1972 · on sale September 12, 1972

First appearance: Phil FoxFirst appearance (cover): Phantom of 42nd StreetFirst appearance: Phantom of 42nd StreetDeath of Phantom of 42nd Street
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How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
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Identification plate

Series
Hero for Hire (Marvel, 1972 series)
Issue
#4
Publication date
December 1972
Key date
December 1972
On-sale date
September 12, 1972
Indicia publisher
Magazine Management Co. Inc.
Price
$0.20
Pages
36
Rating
Approved by the Comics Code Authority

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Phil Fox - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance (cover) of Phantom of 42nd Street - the earliest appearance on record is a cover, not an interior story.

First appearance of Phantom of 42nd Street - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

Death on record for: Phantom of 42nd Street.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0The Phantom of 42nd Street!cover1pencils: Billy Graham; inks: Billy Graham; letters: John CostanzaLuke Cage, Phantom of 42nd Street First
1Cry Fear... Cry Phantom!comic story20script: Archie Goodwin; pencils: Billy Graham; inks: Syd Shores; letters: John CostanzaPhil Fox First, Luke Cage, Phantom of 42nd Street First, Phantom of 42nd Street First
2Dramatic Data, Dynamic Dispatches, and Death-Defying Declarations of Decidedly Dubious Distinction!in-house column1script: Stan Lee
3-letters page1letters: typeset

Where to read it

CollectionYear
Essential Luke Cage, Power Man #1
ISBN 0-7851-1685-0		2005On eBay ›
Marvel Masterworks: Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1
ISBN 978-0-7851-9180-3		2015On eBay ›
Retribution
ISBN 978-1-302-92831-5		2020On eBay ›
Luke Cage Omnibus #[nn]
ISBN 978-1-302-94496-4		2021On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Canadian and Whitman editions exist for many bronze books; match the barcode area to the plate.
  • Look for Mark Jewelers inserts and date stamps - they affect collector preference, not authenticity.

Series context

‹ #34 of 16#5 ›

Sources

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