Secret Origins #3 Value Guide

Secret Origins #3 is a pivotal 1986 anthology issue that redefined Shazam's Golden Age backstory for the post-Crisis DC Universe. It is highly collectible for its historical significance in bridging the gap between classic Captain Marvel lore and modern continuity.

What affects the value of Secret Origins #3?

• Condition is paramount, with Near Mint (NM) copies fetching the top end of the $8-$12 range.
• Presence of spine stress marks, color breaks, or corner blunting significantly reduces market value.
• Page quality, specifically the level of yellowing or tanning of the newsprint, affects desirability.
• Professional grading by services like CGC or CBCS can increase the realized sale price for high-grade specimens.

How to Identify Secret Origins #3?

• Verify the July 1986 cover date and the 75 cent original cover price.
• Check for the distinct cover art featuring Shazam (Captain Marvel) by Jerry Ordway.
• Confirm the presence of two staples and the newsprint interior characteristic of mid-1980s DC publications.
• Look for the 'Secret Origins' title logo with the number 3 prominently displayed in the upper left corner.

History of Secret Origins #3

Secret Origins was a DC Comics anthology series that revisited and retold the beginnings of major characters. The 1986 Secret Origins #3 focuses on Shazam, reintroducing his Golden Age/canonical backstory during the post-Crisis era when DC updated many characters. Issues like this were produced during the mid-1980s Bronze Age/early Modern Age of comics and are collected by fans for their historical reinterpretation of classic heroes.