X-Men #28 (1967, First Banshee)

The original X-Men run from the 1960s is one of those series that started slowly and built momentum over time. By issue #28, published in January 1967, the creative team was deep into introducing characters who would become foundational to the X-Men mythology for decades to come. This issue marks the first appearance of Banshee, the Irish mutant Sean Cassidy, whose sonic scream and complicated family dynamics would make him a key figure when the X-Men were relaunched in 1975's Giant-Size X-Men #1.

X-Men #28 is a solid Silver Age Marvel key that sits in the sweet spot for collectors: significant enough to carry genuine value, accessible enough to find in most grades, and connected to a character whose relevance spans multiple eras of X-Men storytelling.

The Story Behind the Issue

X-Men #28 was written by Roy Thomas with art by Werner Roth (pencils) and Dick Ayers (inks). The cover, which features Banshee prominently, was penciled by Jack Kirby, giving the issue the visual punch of Marvel's greatest cover artist during the Silver Age.

The story, titled "The Wail of the Banshee!" introduces Sean Cassidy as a villain working for the mysterious Factor Three organization. Banshee's sonic powers and Irish heritage are established immediately, and the X-Men must confront a threat unlike anything they have faced before. The character's initial villainous role adds interesting depth to his later heroic career.

Banshee would go on to appear sporadically through the late 1960s and early 1970s before his major resurgence as a member of the "All-New, All-Different" X-Men team starting in 1975. His role in that team, and his subsequent appearances across decades of X-Men stories, solidified his importance to the franchise.

The issue also features the first appearance of the Ogre, a lesser villain who has not achieved the lasting significance of Banshee but adds to the issue's key status.

What Makes It Collectible

First appearance status: First appearances are the foundation of comic book collecting. Banshee's debut in X-Men #28 gives this issue permanent key status in the Marvel universe.

X-Men franchise connection: The X-Men property has been one of the most commercially successful comic book franchises in history. Any first appearance connected to the X-Men carries franchise-driven demand.

Silver Age Marvel: Comics from Marvel's Silver Age (roughly 1961-1970) occupy a prestigious position in collecting. The combination of historical significance, finite supply, and nostalgic appeal keeps demand strong across market cycles.

Media appearances: Banshee has appeared in multiple X-Men films and animated series, including X-Men: First Class (2011), where he was portrayed by Caleb Landry Jones. Each media appearance introduces the character to new audiences and potentially new collectors.

Jack Kirby cover: The Kirby cover art adds visual appeal and additional collectibility. Kirby covers from this era are sought after independently of the issue's interior content.

Condition Grading Guide

Silver Age comics grading follows CGC/CBCS standards:

Grade	Description	Key Diagnostics
9.8 (NM/MT)	Nearly perfect	Virtually no flaws, perfect spine
9.4 (NM)	Near Mint	Minor imperfections, tight spine
9.0 (VF/NM)	Very Fine/Near Mint	Minor wear, excellent eye appeal
8.0 (VF)	Very Fine	Minor wear, slight spine stress
7.0 (FN/VF)	Fine/Very Fine	Minor creasing, light wear
6.0 (FN)	Fine	Moderate wear, minor creases
5.0 (VG/FN)	Very Good/Fine	Above average, some creasing
4.0 (VG)	Very Good	Average, noticeable wear
2.0 (GD)	Good	Significant wear, complete
1.0 (FR)	Fair	Heavy wear, heavily read

Specific Concerns for This Issue

Spine stress: The glossy cover stock used by Marvel in 1967 is prone to spine stress marks, particularly on well-read copies. These appear as white lines along the spine.

Marvel chipping: Some Marvel comics from this era exhibit "Marvel chipping," where small chips break away from the cover edges, particularly along the spine. This is a manufacturing defect that affects grading.

Color fading: The cover colors, particularly reds and yellows, can fade with light exposure. Compare the cover vibrancy to the interior pages to assess fading.

Subscription creases: Many Silver Age comics were folded for mailing to subscribers. A horizontal subscription crease across the center of the book limits the grade to approximately 5.0 or below regardless of other condition factors.

Market Values

Current market values for X-Men #28:

Grade	Raw (Ungraded)	CGC Certified
9.8 (NM/MT)	-	$15,000-25,000+
9.4 (NM)	-	$3,500-5,500
9.0 (VF/NM)	$800-1,200	$1,800-2,800
8.0 (VF)	$500-800	$1,000-1,600
7.0 (FN/VF)	$300-500	$600-1,000
6.0 (FN)	$200-350	$400-650
5.0 (VG/FN)	$150-250	$275-450
4.0 (VG)	$100-175	$200-325
2.0 (GD)	$50-90	$100-175
1.0 (FR)	$25-50	$60-100

The CGC census shows that 9.8 copies are extremely scarce for this issue. The majority of graded copies fall in the 4.0-7.0 range, which is typical for Silver Age books that were read and stored without collector-level care.

Authentication Tips

Page quality: Original 1967 Marvel comics were printed on newsprint that yellows over time. "White pages" (minimal yellowing) significantly enhance value. CGC notes page quality on their labels (White, Off-White to White, Off-White, Cream to Off-White, etc.).

Interior ads: The interior advertisements can help confirm authenticity. Period-correct ads for products like Sea Monkeys, Charles Atlas bodybuilding courses, and other Marvel titles should be present.

Print quality: The four-color printing process of the era produces distinctive dot patterns visible under magnification. Modern reproductions use different printing technology.

Staple condition: Original Marvel staples from this period are distinctive. Replacement staples or missing staples indicate restoration, which affects value.

Storage and Preservation

Silver Age comics require careful storage:

• Use acid-free bags and boards sized for Silver Age dimensions

• Store upright in comic boxes, not stacked flat

• Maintain temperature at 65-72 degrees F and humidity at 40-50%

• Keep away from direct light, which fades covers

• Handle with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves

• Consider CGC encapsulation for high-value copies

• Never attempt cleaning or pressing yourself; use qualified professionals

The Bottom Line

X-Men #28 is a well-positioned Silver Age key that offers collecting satisfaction across a wide range of budgets. Low-grade copies remain affordable enough for casual collectors, while high-grade examples provide genuine rarity and investment potential. Banshee's enduring role in the X-Men franchise ensures sustained demand, and the Jack Kirby cover art gives the issue visual appeal that transcends its story content.

For collectors building an X-Men key issue collection, X-Men #28 is a natural inclusion alongside Giant-Size X-Men #1, X-Men #1, and Uncanny X-Men #94. It fills the Silver Age slot in a character first-appearance collection and carries the weight of a character whose significance has only grown over time.

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