From time to time, we all make mistakes... I know I do. But mistakes are lessons and reminders of our imperfections and fragile humanity. We are not machines... we are not perfect... nor were we meant to be.

And that is true of any and all government, group, organization, individuals, and even professional third party grading companies.

What am I babbling about?

Take a look at my latest acquisition. It is a glorious 9.8 example of Warlock Volume 1, Number 9. The cover illustration is what I like to call "The Apotheosis of Adam Warlock". Although I have only the greatest amount of respect and admiration for the geniuses of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Roy Thomas, and Gil Kane, it is in my humble opinion (an opine shared by many other fans of Adam Warlock) the definitive take of Adam Warlock by the master, Jim Starlin.

But that's not what this journal is about. This journal's topic is about the error in the key comments as it appears on the CGC Universal Blue Label.

Can anyone guess what the error is?

Give up?

The error is "New Costume Warlock."

Why? The "new" costume, as seen on the cover, actually debuted in Strange Tales Volume 1, Number 180... on its cover no less. But I forgive the CGC and the graders for missing this fact. And I can easily understand why the error occurred. Many collectors are not aware that after The Power of Warlock was cancelled with issue number 8 in October, 1973, Adam Warlock resurfaced a few years later in the pages of Strange Tales Volume 1, Numbers 178 -- 181, under the authorship of Jim Starlin. On the strength and success of those Starlin-led Strange Tales issues, Marvel jumped-started Warlock's main title, beginning with issue 9, continuing the numbering order from the last issue as if nothing happened.

I am guessing the graders at CGC must have looked at this issue, made a comparison to issue 8, took notice of the different costumes and automatically assumed the "Pulse-Pounding Premiere Issue" also hailed a new look. But the truly funny thing... the CGC Key Comments for this issue also read, "Story continued from Strange Tales #181". So it's safe to say, the CGC was well aware Adam Warlock had a short run in Strange Tales. And all someone had to do was consult a copy of Strange Tales 180 or 181 and realize the new costume made its debut prior to this issue.

But I forgive... things happen... no one is perfect. Neither am I.

However, in replace of "New Costume Warlock", I would like to add what I feel are the more accurate Key Comments for Warlock Volume 1, Number 9:

*1st Full Appearance of the Magus.

*Origin of the Magus.

*1st Appearance of the In-Betweener (in a 1-panel Cameo).

This graded copy is a gorgeous 9.8 example with a vintage CGC Blue Universal Label (see scan). I'm so very happy with this purchase, and it has been added to my "Keys to the Kingdom" set, resting on the top spot for Adam Warlock keys.

Thanks for reading... and as always... Happy Collecting!

SW3D

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