Eightball Issues: A Collector's Reference

Eightball is the twenty-three-issue anthology comic by Daniel Clowes, published by Fantagraphics (1989–2004). It is the single most important alternative comics series of the 1990s — the venue through which Clowes serialized Ghost World, David Boring, Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron, Ice Haven, and The Death-Ray, alongside standalone stories and strips.

Issue-by-Issue Highlights

#1 (October 1989): First issue. Includes “Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron” chapters and early strips. Near mint: $30–$75. #2–10: Continuation of “Velvet Glove” and standalone stories. $10–$30 each. #11–18: Serialization of Ghost World. These are the most sought-after issues after #1. $15–$40 each. #19–21: Serialization of David Boring. $10–$25 each. #22 (2001): Complete standalone story “Ice Haven.” Oversized format. $15–$40. #23 (2004): Complete standalone story “The Death-Ray.” Final issue. Oversized format. $15–$40.

Collecting Strategy

A complete run of Eightball in fine condition is a significant achievement. Issues #1–10 are the scarcest — published before the alternative comics boom created a preservation-minded collector base. Issues #22 and #23 are the most artistically significant, as complete standalone works in an expanded format that pointed toward Clowes’s graphic novel future.

Signed Issues

Signed individual issues carry a premium of $20–$50 above unsigned values. A complete signed run would be an extraordinary acquisition — Clowes has never done a systematic signing of all twenty-three issues.