Villains United #1 Sketch Variant
Print/Comic Book, portrait format on paper mass-market stock • J.G. Jones (cover artist); published by DC Comics
Style & Movement
Modern Age Comic Book Art / Heroic Realism
Medium & Technique
Black and white offset lithography reproducing graphite/pencil sketches, featuring cross-hatching and tonal shading
Creation Period
2005
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10.2 x 6.6 inches (Standard American Comic size), portrait orientation
Subject Description
A group portrait of the Secret Six (Lex Luthor's team), featuring Catman in the center surrounded by Deadshot, Cheshire, Scandal Savage, Ragdoll, and Parademon in a low-angle heroic pose
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible shelf wear, slight corner blunting, and non-flat surface (wavy paper)
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $30 USD (Raw/Ungraded)
Auction Estimate
$15 - $50 USD (depending on certified grading condition)
Provenance History
Direct market retail distribution; likely part of a private comic collection before being photographed in a retail or storage setting
Art Historical Significance
A key tie-in to the 'Infinite Crisis' event; significant for revitalizing the 'Secret Six' property and showcasing J.G. Jones's highly detailed anatomical rendering style
Notable Features
Features a 'Sketch' variant cover design, DC Comics logo, 'Villains United' masthead, UPC barcode, and a $2.50 USD original price point
Condition Issues
Visible surface warping (cockling), spine stress marks, potential fingerprints from handling, and minor edge wear on the top left corner
Conservation Recommendations
Place in an acid-free Mylar sleeve with a buffered backing board; store in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment away from UV light