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Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) comic books

  • Issue #22
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 22

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    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dick Briefer, Harry Lucey, Woody Hamilton, Carl Hubbell, Bob Montana, George Tuska, Norman Maurer, Alan Mandel, Lev Gleason and Charles Biro. Numbering continues from Silver Streak Comics (1939) #21. Erroneously listed as issue #23 on cover (#22 in indicia). The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The series kicks off with the true story of 1930s mobster Louis Lepke Buchalter, the gangster who created the Murder, Inc. killer-for-hire operation. The Wild West gunfighter "Wild Bill" Hickok becomes a figure of legend. Paralyzed polio survivor Bill Reed develops a set of prosthetic wings and becomes the superhero War Eagle, in his sole adventure. Crime Kings: The Real Story Behind Lepke, Mad Dog of the Underworld; Wild Bill Hickok; Officer Edward Maher and the Mad Dog Killers of Fifth Avenue; The Saga of Harpshead Road; Two-Legged Rats; The Mad Musician and His Tunes of Doom; The Crime Corner Presents: Hollywoods Panther Man, The Jersey Devil; The Case of the Twisted Cigarettes; The Blackout Murder Mystery; Dickie Dean, The Boy Inventor; The War Eagle. 64 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #23
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 23

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    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dick Briefer, Woody Hamiilton, Norman Maurer, Richard Norman, Bob Montana, Carl Hubbell, Alan Mandel and Charles Biro. Issue #22 was mistakenly listed as #23 on cover; this issue features issue #23 on both the cover and indicia. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The FBI plants a trap for notorious outlaw John Dillinger outside a Chicago movie theater. Dillinger's cohort Baby Face Nelson is part of the gang that robs the First National Bank in Mason City, Iowa. In 1903, religious leader Edmund Creffield starts a religious cult among the women of Corvalis, Oregon that soon spirals into a series of notorious murders. Crime Kings: The True Story of John Dillinger; Cop Hero of the Month; Baby Face Nelson and the Mason City Bank Robbery; Pancho Villa; The Ridiculous Riddle of the Murdered Major!; The White-Masked Terror; Three Isolated Murders; Two-Legged Rats; The Monster of Munsterburg; The Fire Fiends of Missouri! 64 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #24
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 24

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    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dick Briefer, Woody Hamilton, Dick Wood, Bart Tumey, Buriokoff, Alan Mandel, Norman Maurer, Frank Giacoia and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The first appearance of spectral story host Mr. Crime, as he relates the rise and fall of Prohibition gangster Legs Diamond. The chilling true tale of the Philadelphia poison ring, in which gangsters killed unsuspecting victims for insurance payouts. Wild West gunfighter and outlaw Billy the Kid dies at age 21, but not before becoming a legend. The True Story of Jack Legs Diamond; The Mystery of Indian Dick and the Phantom Gold Mine; His Mothers Ghastly Vision; Death Works Overtime!!: The True Story of Philadelphias Poison Ring; The Amazing Mystery of the Murders of Maltese Mansion; The Strange Case of the Four-Legged Witness; Billy the Kid; Corpses for Sale; The Millen-Faber Case. 68 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #25
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 25

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    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dick Wood, Bob Wood, Dick Briefer, Norman Maurer, Alan Mandel, Dan Barry and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. Dutch Schultz was done in by his own cronies when the heat got too hot, but thanks to a buried treasure and some cryptic last words, his legend only grows after his death. After Schultz's murder, his attorney Dixie Davis takes over the lucrative numbers racket. Female gunfighter Belle Starr becomes a legend in the Old West. The True Life Story of Dutch Shultz; Dixie Davis; So Mean Hed Kill His Own Mother; The Uncanny Mystery of the Jewel of Death; Belle Starr; The Deadly Fox of the Mohawk; Death in Dreamland; The Mailbox Thief; The Oklahoma Prison Break. 68 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

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    $375 CRIME DOES NOT PAY #25 CGC Qualified 4.5

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  • Issue #26
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 26

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    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dick Wood, Mike Roy, Norman Maurer, Bob Wood, Alan Mandel and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. Lucky Luciano created modern organized crime as we know it, but was still able to cut a deal for his freedom. In 1880s England, John Lee manages to elude the reaper despite being falsely accused of murder, in a story with art by Dick Briefer. Old West outlaws the Dalton Brothers gain a reputation for bank and train robberies. The True Life Story of… Charles Lucky Luciano; The Elusive Corpse; The Man Who Couldnt Be Killed; The Boy Detective and the Butchered Corpse; The Mystery of the War Bond Drive; Death Gives a Lesson; Thisll Kill You; The Case of the Cross-Eyed Killer; The Dalton Boys. 64 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #27
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 27

    This item is not in stock at MyComicShop. If you use the "Add to want list" tab to add this issue to your want list, we will email you when it becomes available.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dick Wood, Jack Alderman, Sam Burlockoff, Norman Maurer, Alan Mandel, Bob Wood, Dick Briefer and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The story of notorious real-life gunman Pretty Boy Floyd. An angel frees a wrongly convicted man from Hell, and he becomes the skull-faced Mr. Destin while tracking down the real killer. Crack marksman Marty Durkin uses his sharpshooting skills to aid his career in crime. Crime Kings: Pretty Boy Floyd; The Dead-Eye Romeo; Thisll Kill You; The Strange Saga of Rafael Red Lopez; Two-Legged Rats: Dimiran the Demon; Cut-Throat Cassie; The Weird Tale of Mister Destin; The Terrible Touhys; A Voice From the Grave Cheated the Chair. 64 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #28
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 28
    • 2" Cumulative spine split. Cover detached. Water damage.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.
      Other items consigned by humble cow

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dick Wood, Norman Maurer, Sam Burlockoff, Dick Briefer, Jack Alderman, Bob Wood and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. Early gangster Kid Dropper helps create New York's Prohibition underworld, but doesn't live to see it prosper. Irish-American mob boss and prohibition-era bootlegger Roger Touhy gets set up for a crime he actually didn't commit. Wild Bill Longley was considered one of the deadliest and most ruthless gunfighters in the Old West. Crime Kings: Kid Dropper; Touhy Mob Captured; Wanted: Husband Who Wont Object to Being Murdered; Mad Murders in Minnesota; Hex Horror; Dodging Death with Big Bill Longley; Whodunnit? The Catnip Club Murder. 60 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

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    $76 CRIME DOES NOT PAY #28 FAIR 1943 GOLDEN AGE

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  • Issue #29
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 29
    • 3.5" Cumulative spine split. Centerfold detached. Water damage.
    • Paper: Off white
    • Centerfold Detached.
    • Label #0285779003
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.
    • Centerfold coming loose at single center staple. Miswrap/cut.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.
      Other items consigned by humble cow
    • INCOMPLETE. Missing first and center wrap (affects "The Count of Gramercy Park", "This'll Kill You" and text stories). 7" Cumulative spine split with splitting tp interior wraps. Cover detached at single center staple.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.
      Other items consigned by humble cow

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dick Wood, Norman Maurer, Dick Briefer, Alan Mandel, Bob Wood, Jack Alderman and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The unkillable Michael Malloy survives multiple murder attempts. "Two Gun" Crowley's 1931 shootout with police becomes national news and helps create the image of the Prohibition-era gangster. Gunfighter Luke Short survives numerous gunfights and finances some of the best-known saloons in the Old West. Crime Kings: The Phantom of Fort Wayne; The Poison Dove; Two-Gun Crowley; The Count of Gramercy Park; The Killer Who Died Laughing; Thisll Kill You; Little Luke Short; The Corpse That Would Not Stay Dead!; Whodunnit? Be a Detective. 60 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #30
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 30
    • Paper: Off white to white
    • Label #0285779004
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.
    • Cover coming loose at single center staple. Water damage.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.
      Other items consigned by humble cow

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Carmine Infantino, Dick Wood, R. W. Hall, Dick Briefer, Milton Kramer, Bob Wood, Jack Alderman and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The Eastman Gang becomes the ruling underworld organization in New York in the period between the 1890s and the 1910s. A killer's shoes identify him among Texans' cowboy boots, in a story with early art by comics legend Carmine Infantino. Crime Does Not Pay editors Charles Biro and Bob Wood investigate a murder and find the trail leads right back to their own office, in a whimsical whodunit with art by Dick Briefer. Crime Kings: The True Story of Monk Eastman; The Killer the Law Couldn't Kill; The Texas Terrors; Mirthful Murder and the Crazy Killers; The Praying Corpse; Sing Sing Prison Break; Crime Close-Ups; The Patent Leather Killer!; Whodunnit? Be a Detective. 60 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #31
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 31

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    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Alvin Hollingsworth, Dick Wood, Bob Montana, Dick Briefer, Bob Wood, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. Outlaws plan a high-dollar robbery in a Western tale with early art by pioneering African-American artist Alvin Hollingsworth. Small-time hoods encounter The Curse of the Hand, in a story with early art by Archie creator Bob Montana, or possibly Plastic Man creator Jack Cole. Don Costello collects heads from corpses, in a horrific tale with art by Dick Briefer. Crime Kings: The True Story of Jean Cavaillac; James O'Connor, Master of Jailbreak; Million Dollar Robbery; Two-Legged Rats -The Curse of the Hand; The Wrong Hero; The Horror Hobby; Smart Guy of Crime; Whodunnit? The Mystery of the Symphony of Death. 56 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #32
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 32

    This item is not in stock at MyComicShop. If you use the "Add to want list" tab to add this issue to your want list, we will email you when it becomes available.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Louis Trakis, Dick Briefer, Alan Mandel, Bob Wood, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The inventor of a silent firearm sees its obvious advantages in committing crimes, in a story narrated by Mr. Crime. Silver-mine heiress Carmen seeks revenge with a whip and a gun after the man she loves cheats her of her fortune, in a story with some fun bad-girl art by an unknown artist. A madman is somehow killing the women of a small town, in a tale with some weird and creepy art by Dick Briefer. Also featuring a vintage ad for wartime "Victory Glasses": a set of mildly risque tumblers featuring members of each branch of the US armed services smooching a cute civilian. The Man Who Loved Murder; Screaming Death; Senorita of Sin; Conny the Convict; The Last Stick-Up; Mad Dogs of Oklahoma; Playboys of Crime; Whodunnit? Death Pulls the Trigger. 60 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #33
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 33
    • Paper: Cream to off white
    • Slab: Minor side/edge crack(s)
    • Label #4120935025
    • INCOMPLETE. Multiple pages missing. Interrupts art and story.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Dick Briefer, Bob Wood, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. A woman is dubbed a "female Bluebeard" after doing away with her husbands, in a story with art by Dick Briefer. The story of Nolan the Notorious features early art by pioneering African-American artist Alvin Hollingsworth. The murderer of Mary Lawson is revealed by a burnt match, in a tale with art by Dick Briefer. Also featuring a vintage PSA for wartime paper drives, an early recycling program. Career of Carrington Hill; Four Crooks and a Coffin; Female Blue Beard; Murder Master; Angel Face of Crime; The Case of the Missing Monster; Nolan the Notorious; Whodunnit? Who Murdered Beautiful Mary Lawson?; A Crimebuster Special. 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #34
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 34
    • Paper: Off white to white
    • Slab: Scratch on front of case
    • Label #0709679004
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Dick Briefer, Robert Q. Sale, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. A criminal gang becomes known in the press as the Suede Glove Bandits. An Alcatraz inmate distinguishes himself as being tougher than the rest. A Hollywood murder mystery dares the reader to figure out who killed a movie star, in a whimsical whodunit with art by Dick Briefer. Also featuring an ad for the following issue's Jimmy Durante Murder Case. Career of Walter Cahill and the Suede Glove Bandits; 27 Years of Murder!; The Grave Gamble; Terror on the Tracks; The Man in Wolf's Clothing; Four Steps to Doom; Tough Guy of Alcatraz; Whodunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #35
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 35

    This item is not in stock at MyComicShop. If you use the "Add to want list" tab to add this issue to your want list, we will email you when it becomes available.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Dick Briefer, Dick Hall, Robert Q. Sale, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. A convict helps build the gas chamber in San Quentin, little realizing that he'll see it again soon. A Hollywood murder mystery features comedy star Jimmy Durante, in a whimsical whodunit with art by Dick Briefer. Also featuring a vintage PSA for wartime paper salvaging, an early recycling program. Help Beat the Axis by Collecting Waste Paper; One Man Crime Wave; Pranzini of Paree; The Case of the Missing Toe; The Case of the Jersey Kid; The Man Who Built His Own Doom; Mystery Killing in the North Country; How Jimmy "Schnozzola" Durante Solved the Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #36
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 36
    Auction opens April 6
    • Restored: C1
    • Paper: Off white
    • Restoration includes: small amount of glue on staple.
    • Label #4296800005

    "Kill Crazy Keast" (script by Dick Wood, art by Rudy Palais), "Landru the Terrible" (script by Wood, art by Bob Q. Siege), "Twin Idols of Evil," "Phantom in the Fire" (art by Gates), "Mr. Crime Finds Mike Casalino" (script by Wood, art by Siege), "The Case of the White Eyed Butcher" (script by Wood), and "Who Dunnit?" (art by Dick Briefer). Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #37
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 37

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    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Dick Briefer, Dick Hall, Robert Q. Sale, C. L. Hartman, Alan Mandel and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. Ex-convict Vincent Piazzero decides to go into bootlegging upon his release. Daniel Jos uses his good looks and refined manner to con his way to a fortune in gems from wealthy suckers. A killer distinguishes himself by singing to his victims as he robs them, but this also provides his downfall (in a story featuring a victim named "Palais."). Also featuring a vintage PSA for wartime resource conservation on the home front. 10 Years of Terror, Vincent Piazzero; Connoisseur Of Crime; Case of the Confident Killer; The Old Man of Crime; Profit in Corpses; The Would Be Perfect Crime; The Singing Slayer; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #38
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 38

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    Cover pencils by Charles Biro. The Case of the Armored Car starring Mr. Crime, script by Dick Wook, pencils by Robert Sale (as Bob Q. Siege) - man being electrocuted in an electric chair panel. The Meek Murderer, penciled by Al Fagaly. Murder by Night penciled by Rudy Palais. Crime in Concrete, 2 pages text story by by Dick Wood. Who Dunnit, script by Dick Wood, penciled by Dick Briefer - Charles Biro, Dick Wood, & Dick Briefer's comic book counterparts appear to introduce this story. Crime Cries Out, script by Dick Wood, penciled by Dick Alderman. Wild Beasts of Paris, penciled by Art Mann - last panel has a hanging of three men. Solution to Who Dunnit, Wood & Briefer, 52 pgs. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #39
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 39

    This item is not in stock at MyComicShop. If you use the "Add to want list" tab to add this issue to your want list, we will email you when it becomes available.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Dick Briefer, Norman Maurer, Al Fagaly, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. Killer Ray Sutherland flees Eugene, Oregon in 1930 and finds a hideout in the mountains. The leaders of Paris's Apaches street gang become involved in a love triangle with a prostitute, in a story with bad-girl art by Rudy Palais. "Overcoat Joe" swindles hotels by pretending his suit was stolen, but finally gets caught without pants. Also featuring a vintage PSA warning against wartime inflation. Don't Get Hooked Again!; King Killer of the Mountain; The Case of the Missing Pants; Blonde Queen of Crime; The Fateful Letter; The Case of the Tell-Tale Watch; The Crime of Terry Almodovar; Whodunnit: The Case of the Mad Midget. 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

    The listing below is from eBay, and MyComicShop is not responsible for this item in any way. Some listings shown here may no longer be available if they sold or were ended by the seller after we last retrieved the listing details.

    $66 CRIME DOES NOT PAY #39 GOOD 1945 GOLDEN AGE

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  • Issue #40
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 40
    • Paper: Off white to white
    • Label #1970688003
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by C.C. Beck, Rod Reed, Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Milt J. Kramer, Robert Sale and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The feud between New Jersey neighbors turns violent when they both become involved in illegal cockfighting, gambling and mobsters. Also featuring a vintage Tootsie Roll ad, "Captain Tootsie and the Bumbershoot Jump!," with art by C.C. Beck and Rod Reed. Plus a vintage PSA for the American war effort. An Important Message to the American People; Little Adam; The Feud of Happy McNulty and Fancy Campbell; The Last Laugh of the Lone Wolf Bandit; Alibi Murderer; Francesco the Terrible; This'll Kill You!; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

    The listing below is from eBay, and MyComicShop is not responsible for this item in any way. Some listings shown here may no longer be available if they sold or were ended by the seller after we last retrieved the listing details.

    $350 Crime Does Not Pay #40 CGC 5.0 (1945 Gleason) Pre-Code Crime Dead Body Violent

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  • Issue #41
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 41
    • 1" Cumulative spine split. Cover and centerfold detached.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.
      Other items consigned by Bud Plant

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by C. L. Hartman, Jack Alderman, Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Norman Maurer, Robert Sale and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The origin of Mr. Common Sense, sometimes known as Officer Common Sense, a ghost cop who becomes an occasional story host like Mr. Crime. London is terrorized by The Ratcliff Highway murders in the early 1800s. Hoods terrorize a wealthy man with extortion threats against his children. Plus a vintage PSA for wartime tin-can recycling. Uncle Sam Needs Tin!; The Cocksure Counterfeiter; The Slippery Mr. Smith; The Smile of Death; The Saga of "Hungry Joe"; The Monster of Crime; The Meanest Crime; This'll Kill You!; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #42
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 42
    • Paper: Off white
    • Slab: Scuffing on front and back of case; Scuffing to inner well of case
    • Label #3985843009
    • Paper: Off white to white
    • Label #4112838002
    • Paper: Off white
    • Slab: Scratch on back of case; Scuffing to inner well of case
    • Label #1972664016
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.
    • Interior is complete, but brittle. Full length spine split through most interior wraps.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.
      Other items consigned by humble cow

    Charles Biro electric chair cover! A truly striking cover!

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Jack Alderman, Rudy Palais, Dick Wood, Norman Maurer, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. Leonard Scamici makes a name for himself as a killer for hire, but a New York bank job proves his undoing. The brilliant and well-mannered "Western George" Leslie masterminded robberies down to the tiniest detail. A story that dares the reader to figure out who killed an embezzler during a costume party at Mardi Gras. Also featuring a famous and oft-reprinted cover by Charles Biro. Willie the Actor; Million Dollar Burglar; Murder Will Out; The Saga of Sir Charles; The True Story of Leonard Scamici, Killer For Hire; The Case of the Phony Count Chivano; Whodunnit: Can You Solve the Murder at the Mardi Gras? 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

    The listings below are from eBay, and MyComicShop is not responsible for these items in any way. Some listings shown here may no longer be available if they sold or were ended by the seller after we last retrieved the listing details.

    $689 Crime Does Not Pay #42 - Lev Gleason Publications 1945 CGC 5.0 Electrocution cov
    $850 Crime Does Not Pay #42 CGC 5.5 1945 Electrocution Cover! Precode!!

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  • Issue #43
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 43
    • Interior is complete. Near full-length spine split, oxidation to cover.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Robert Bernstein, Jack Alderman, Rudy Palais, Woody Hamlton, Vernon Henkel, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. An unhinged circus clown, spurned by a woman after making a declaration of love (in full clown regalia), then murders her (still in full clown regalia). The infamous Burke and Hare get jobs providing corpses to early medical schools, but when they run out of bodies, they start making fresh ones. Drunken med-school reject "Doc" Moran becomes the underworld's favorite physician. Also featuring a vintage PSA about recognizing honorably discharged veterans. The Bookkeeping Bandit; Case of the Love Sick Clown; Ghouls' Gold; The Folly of Johnny Bananas; The Case of the Impossible Suicide; Doctor of Evil; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #44
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 44
    • Centerfold detached at single center staple.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Robert Sale, Jack Alderman, Rudy Palais, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The true story of the rise and fall of Prohibition gangster Legs Diamond. The terrifying Belle Gunness becomes one of the first American serial killers, and not even her children are safe, in a story featuring some truly unsettling art. A mad bomber destroys ships for the insurance money in 1870s Dresden, Germany. Also featuring several lurid text stories of the True Detective type, including one called "That's the Killer, Shrieked the Parrot." The True Story of "Legs" Diamond; Mrs. Bluebeard; The Riddle of the Bludgeoned Beauty; Murder One; That's the Killer, Shrieked the Parrot; Death in Dawson; The Devil of Dresden; Two Crimes in Three-Quarter Time; Whodunnit: Death on the Tracks. 68 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #45
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 45

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Robert Sale, Jack Alderman, Rudy Palais, Edd Ashe, Dan Tay, Ann Brewster, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The FBI plants a trap for notorious outlaw John Dillinger outside a Chicago movie theater. Arsonist Charles Bohme sets fires not for money, but because of a special kind of crazy. A story that dares the reader to figure out who poisoned a movie star on the eve of her wedding at a party full of suspects. Also featuring several lurid text stories of the True Detective type, plus a special introduction by Mr. Crime. Who'll Buy My Wares?; The Trigger Happy Cop Killer; Lesson for Today: 7 Crooks + $2,500,000 = Robbery, Murder and the Chair; The True Story of John Dillinger; This'll Kill You!; The Fire Fiend; Crime of the Friendly Enemy; The Slayer of Smithfield; Whodunnit. 64 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #46
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 46
    • INCOMPLETE. Three center wraps missing, affects art and story. First wrap detached. Lateral spine tear.
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.
      Other items consigned by humble cow

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Robert Sale, C. L. Hartman, Rudy Palais, Edd Ashe, Bert Bushell, Davy Johnson, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. "Two Gun" Crowley's 1931 shootout with police becomes national news and helps create the image of the Prohibition-era gangster. A crooked insurance salesman hires two killers to do away with a woman for the insurance money. A story that dares the reader to figure out who committed murder during the production of a pirate movie. Also featuring several lurid text stories of the True Detective type, plus a vintage ad for Pepsi starring Pepsi the Pepsi-Cola Cop. Cut-Rate Murder; A River, a Basket, a Stain of Red; Death Insurance; The True Story of Two-Gun Crowley; This'll Kill You!; Joe the Boss; Trio of Terror; Whodunnit. 68 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #47
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 47
    • Paper: Off white to white
    • Label #0780988001
    • Paper: Off white
    • Label #0241874006
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.
    • Paper: Cream to off white
    • Label #0987690001
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Fred Guardineer, Mike Roy, Sam Burlockoff, Rudy Palais, George A. Marko, Arne Arntzen, Jack Alderman, Red Woodbury, Harley M. Griffiths and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The Schroeder gang robs and kills its way across 1920s America, led by bereted blonde Irene, featuring some classic bad-girl art by Fred Guardineer. Mr. Crime narrates the story of killers Steve and Tony, featuring a lurid image of an electric chair high atop the pile of their victims' bodies. The true story of violent criminal Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll. Also featuring a vintage ad for Pepsi starring Pepsi the Pepsi-Cola Cop, and a photo of the Lev Gleason creative staff: Bob Wood, Lev Gleason and Charles Biro. Thug's Throne; Fingers of Death; The Tri-State Terror; Mad Dog Vincent Coll; Triple Death and the Trail of Terror; The Terror Down Under; The Horrible Halzingers; Whodunnit. 68 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #48
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 48
    Auction opens April 6
    • CGC Qualified
    • Paper: White
    • Centerfold missing.
    • Label #4300539001

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, Fred Guardineer, George Tuska, Joe Certa, Rudy Palais, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. Professor Blanc is actually a woman-killer known as the Plague of Paris, in an oft-reprinted story with art by Fred Guardineer. Frankie Yale helps to establish Brooklyn's protection mob, but his real contribution to history is owning the bar where young bouncer Al Capone became "Scarface." The story of the 1946 Alcatraz prison riot features early art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. Also featuring a vintage ad for Pepsi starring Pepsi the Pepsi-Cola Cop. The Greedy Gunman; Plague of Paris; On the Level; "Ma" Barker, Two Legged She-Rat; Butt Riley, King of the Hoodlums; Crime Quiz; Mutiny on the Rock; Whodunnit. 64 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #49
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 49
    • Paper: Cream to off white
    • Slab: Minor side edge crack
    • Label #0746647010
    • Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Ken Fitch, Fred Guardineer, George Tuska, Dick Wood, Rudy Palais, Bert Bushell, Jack Alderman, and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. With the encouragement of Mr. Crime and the Devil himself, Denvil Dotson works his way up from petty theft to killing cops. Police suspect a swindle when a painter's highly insured studio burns down and takes his art with it. Infamous Ma Barker births a criminal gang that includes her four sons, in a different story than the previous issue's Barker bio. Also featuring a vintage ad for Pepsi starring Pepsi the Pepsi-Cola Cop, and a classic bad-girl cover by Charles Biro. Devil's Diary; Mother of Murderers; On the Level; Brother Rats; Two-Timing Trio; Crime Quiz; Gyp Artist; The Case of the Voodooed Hangars; Whodunnit: Murder in the Penthouse. 64 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

  • Issue #50
    Crime Does Not Pay (1942-1955 Lev Gleason) 50

    Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, Fred Guardineer, George Tuska, Dick Briefer, Rudy Palais, Bob Moore, Jack Alderman, Walter Johnson and Charles Biro. The title that launched the crime comics genre, Crime Does Not Pay was noted for its violent pre-Code content and lurid tales of underworld life. The Fleagle brothers like to rob banks together, but superstitions may turn them against each other. Bespectacled killer Danny Iamascia is even more dangerous with his glasses off - to his fellow hoods and himself, in a story with early art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. A masked robber terrorizes the Massachusetts town of Belmont, so citizens organize a neighborhood patrol. The Kill-Crazy Fleagle Brothers; Danny Iamascia, Dutch Schultz's Triggerman; On the Level; Arkansas Killer; The Chicken-hearted Killer; Jail Didn't Save Them; The Belmont Bandit; Whodunnit: The Invisible Killer. 64 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.