Shadowman Black

Valiant, published Date: April 2012.

This was a promotional issue of Shadowman #1 for the series re-launch in 2012. The comic features a "virgin" cover and thirteen pages of non-color interior art by Patrick Zircher, which is also "virgin" (i.e. it is missing the dialogue and word balloons).

Each copy came in a black cardboard sleeve (above), which was barcoded on the rear. Interestingly, CBCS are known to grade the comics in their sleeves, giving a grade to both the sleeve and the comic:

Note that the CGC label (below) neglects to mention this is a preview without text, whereas CBCS (above) states "13-page preview of Shadowman #1 with no text".

At the time of writing (October 2019), CGC had 61 gradings of Shadowman Black #nn (no number) recorded in their census with 35 in the top grade of 9.8 (near mint / mint).

Realized sale prices for these have come down in recent times: a CGC/CBCS 9.8 would set you back around $450 in 2015 but could be picked up for under $250 in late 2019. Raw copies can be found under $50 but will likely be of lower grade and might also be missing the sleeve.