Villains United Issue No. 4
Original comic book print on mass-produced newsprint/glossy stock and cardstock cover • Cover art by J.G. Jones; Interior art by Dale Eaglesham and Wade von Grawbadger; Written by Gail Simone
Style & Movement
Modern Age of Comics / Bronze Age legacy style, emphasizing gritty realism and muscular dynamic action
Medium & Technique
Digital commercial illustration, offset lithography with four-color process (CMYK), utilizing dynamic perspective and digital rendering for lighting effects
Creation Period
August 2005
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10.125 x 6.625 inches; Portrait orientation; Standard American comic book format
Subject Description
Composition features the 'Secret Six' team members including Catman (center), Deadshot, Scandal Savage, and Cheshire. The narrative context involves a rebellion of various villains against Lex Luthor's Secret Society of Super Villains.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good (Estimated 6.0 - 7.5 on the Comic Book Grading Scale). Visible light corner blunting and some slight cover scuffing through the protective polypropylene bag.
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $8.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$2.00 - $5.00 USD (higher if slabbed and graded as 9.8)
Provenance History
Mass-market publication by DC Comics; currently housed in a secondary market retail environment (shelving/storage bin), likely acquired via direct market distribution.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as part of the 'Infinite Crisis' expansion within the DC Universe, marking the revitalization of the Secret Six, which became a cult-favorite property in the mid-2000s.
Notable Features
Features the DC Comics 'Bullet' logo (2005 era), barcode for direct market sales, and the signature emblem of artist J.G. Jones in the lower right corner.
Condition Issues
Minor shelf wear, potential spine stress lines (hidden by bag), light color breaking at the corners, and common oxidation (yellowing) of internal newsprint pages depending on storage quality.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free Mylar 'Mylite' bag with an acid-free backing board. Keep in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent cover fading.