Auctions: comic books 1953-1955, graded by CGC

Adventures Into the Unknown (1948 ACG) 44 CGC 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4363506011

"Red Moonlight," "The Creeper," "The Phantom Fiend," and "The Devil and the War Bride." Edited by Richard E. Hughes. Cover by Ken Bald. Stories by Jon Blummer, Ken Bald, Paul Gattuso, and Pete Riss. Spine-chilling tales of suspense, horror, and the supernatural—prepare yourself for Adventures into the Unknown! 36 pages, full color. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Black Magic (1950-1961 Prize/Crestwood) Vol. 3 #3 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4363506004

Cover by Jack Kirby. Art by John Prentice, Alden McWilliams, Manny Stallman, George Roussos, Bob McCarty, Bill Draut, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Captain America creators Joe Simon and Jack Kirby present their own contribution to the horror comics trend of the 1950s, featuring tales of ghosts and the paranormal. Issue # 21 on cover; listed as Vol. 3, issue #3 in indicia. A feathered snake god appears to a tourist at an ancient ruin. A scientist sends a volunteer 500 years into the past. A visitor to Germany's Black Forest encounters a Brigadoon-like enchanted village, but only for one night. The Feathered Serpent; Warning Voice!; The Practical Joker; Vigil; Valley of Phantoms!; The Mind Reader; The Magic Million; A Ghost Story! 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Chamber of Chills (1952-1954 Harvey 2nd Series) 22 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4405340004

Cover by Lee Elias. Stories and art by Jack Sparling, Howard Nostrand, Joe Certa, John Giunta and Manny Stallman. Harvey Comics joins the parade of pre-Code horror comics pioneered by EC in the 1950s. A disfigured man knows he must eventually show his face to the woman he loves. A fugitive criminal forces a scientist to use his reincarnation machine on him. Scientists discover a subterranean society and its sinister lottery. The Ugly Duckling; A Model Girl; Reincarnation; Lottery; Chilly Chamber Music: Songs from the Spook Box; The Satchel; The Skeptic! 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.

Crime Illustrated (1955) 1 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4378731002

Cover by Joe Orlando. Stories by Al Feldstein, Jack Oleck, John Larner, and Richard Smith. Art by Jack Kamen, Joe Orlando, Reed Crandall, and Johnny Craig. Part of EC's Picto-Fiction line, published in response to the Comics Code, featuring tales of law and outlaws in text stories copiously illustrated by EC's lineup of artists. A private eye investigating a woman's disappearance finds a vital clue in a mystery novel, but fails to notice the title, "Fall Guy For Murder," adapted from a story that originally appeared in Crime Suspenstories (1950-55 E.C. Comics) #18. In a noirish story, a chance encounter on the street gets Ben involved with the dangerous lives of Myra and her sister. Another historic moment occurs in Mother's Day (adapted from a story that originally appeared in Crime Suspenstories (1950-55 E.C. Comics) #21), when writer Al Feldstein uses the soon-to-be-famous moniker "Alfred E. Neuman." Vivid cover by Joe Orlando definitely would not have passed muster with the new Comics Code. Fall Guy For Murder; The Sisters; Fools Gold; Farewell To Arms; Mothers Day 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 60 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Crime Suspenstories (1950-55 E.C. Comics) 19 CGC 4.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4386574004

Cover art by Al Feldstein. "The Killer," script and art by Reed Crandall; Jonathan worked hard at his work, never wanting to follow in the footsteps of his father. Then he met Elsie, whom he intended to marry after he had established himself; However, because Jonathan's father was not a member of a guild, Jonathan was denied his opportunity to make a living, and reluctantly accepted doing his father's line of work. "Wined-Up!", script by Bill Gaines (plot) and Albert B. Feldstein (plot, script), art by George Evans; Charles, in a wheelchair since an auto accident, learns that the accident was no accident at all, and that his wife Laura wanted to kill him because she was sick and tired of living with him; She now informs him that is going to try again by wheeling him out on a pier, attaching a wire to it so that she can pull the chair into the lake as she goes swimming. "Rendezvous!" text story, script by Albert B. Feldstein, art by Marie Severin. "Murder May Boomerang," script and art by Johnny Craig; Nearly inseparable, a father and son did everything in life together until that one day when a prisoner from a nearby penitentiary discovers the pair's cabin, where he steals clothing and nearly beats the father to death. "About Phase," script by Albert B. Feldstein, art by George Evans; 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.10.

Donald Duck (1952-1980 Dell/Gold Key/Whitman/Gladstone) 37 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4163880010

#37, 9-10/54, 10c. Issue features Donald Duck in three untitled stories. Inside covers and back cover have one-page gag strips. Entire issue is comic, no advertisements. Story and art credits: unknown. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.

Foxhole (1954) 1 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4388597001

Cover by Jack Kirby. Stories and art by Jo Albistur, Bill Walton, John Prentice, and Bill Draut. Gritty war comics "produced by veterans" (as the tagline proclaims) from Mainline, the publisher founded by comics legends Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, creators of Captain America. An American soldier captured during the Korean War is subjected to brainwashing techniques by the enemy. A soldier writes a letter home to his mother, but the visuals in the story provide a stark counterpoint to his reassuring lies about a trip to the beach. American soldiers stationed in Britain woo two beautiful women during the London Blitz. Cover by Jack Kirby is based on a painting by acclaimed artist Joseph Hirsch. Brain Wash; Casualty; A Day at the Beach; Fox-Hole Joe; Operation Foul-Up; Eight Ball Hero; Fruit Salad. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.

Foxhole (1954) 2 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4388597002

Cover by Jack Kirby. Stories and art by Jack Kirby, Hy Fleishman, and Bill Draut. Gritty war comics "produced by veterans" (as the tagline proclaims) from Mainline, the publisher founded by comics legends Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, creators of Captain America. In a suspenseful Kirby tale, a soldier slowly approaches a seemingly deserted Korean farmhouse. A Korean spy tries to lure American soldiers into a trap, but he makes one crucial mistake. Sarge and his men know they must fight their way out of the Hotbox. Booby Trap; Action; Walkie-Talkie; Hot Box; Dishonorable Discharge; Yellow; Replacement. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Foxhole (1954) 3 CGC 5.0 Restored

Restored: C1

Paper: Off white to white

Restoration includes: cover reinforced.

Label #4388597003

Cover by Jack Kirby. Stories and art by Jack Kirby, Bob McCarty, Art Gates, Jo Albistur, and Jack Oleck. Gritty war comics "produced by veterans" (as the tagline proclaims) from Mainline, the publisher founded by comics legends Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, creators of Captain America. A US soldier in WWII gets a chance to see liberated Paris with an unlikely colleague. An injured fighter pilot has visions of a man he rescued from the Nazis. A soldier's-eye view of the Pacific theater from Pearl Harbor to Bataan. Chicken; Listen to Me, Sam; Joyride; Snow; The Face; G.I. Yaks; Office Upstairs. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Foxhole (1954) 4 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #4388597004

Cover by Jack Kirby. Stories and art by Jack Kirby, Jo Albistur, Bob McCarty, Art Gates, Bill Draut, Ted Galindo, and Jack Oleck. Gritty war comics "produced by veterans" (as the tagline proclaims) from Mainline, the publisher founded by comics legends Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, creators of Captain America. An unarmed medic is the only defense against an Axis sniper. Axis POWs being transported to Australia manage to take over an Allied plane. A WWII submarine crew is assigned to take out a Japanese armada. Simple but eye-catching cover by Jack Kirby. First issue with the Comics Code seal on the cover. 30 Year Man; Suicide Run; Mayhem in the Sky; Coward; Find and Fire; Mess Sarge; Its Mutual; G.I. Yaks. Final issue published by Mainline; Charlton took over the series with issue #5. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Foxhole (1954) 5 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4388597005

Cover by Jack Kirby. Stories and art by Jack Kirby, Carl Wessler, Jo Albistur, Bob McCarty, Art Gates, Bill Draut, Ted Galindo, and Jack Oleck. Charlton picks up the war series "produced by veterans," (as the tagline proclaims) created and originally published by comics legends Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. A soldier is lucky at cards and hopes his luck extends to the battlefield, in a story that may have been scripted by Jack Kirby. In an unusual story, a Kamikaze pilot flashes back on his life. A veteran WWII artillery specialist is disgusted with the task of launching propaganda leaflets in Korea. Glide Into Glory; Three Bagger; Soundin Off; Lucky Stiff; Kamikaze Joe; Masquerade; Fun in a Foxhole; "Hip Pockets" and the Paper Bullets; Morale!; Bell Bottom Bill. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Foxhole (1954) 6 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4388597006

Cover by Jack Kirby. Stories and art by Jack Kirby, Carl Wessler, Jo Albistur, Art Gates, Bill Draut, and Rocke Mastroserio. Gritty war comics "produced by veterans," (as the tagline proclaims) created and originally published by comics legends Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. A wounded American soldier hides out in a French house that is soon occupied by Nazis. An American and a Nazi soldier have a fateful encounter. A WAC caught in the Battle of the Bulge has a secret reason for her battlefield bravery, in a rare action-girl story for the era. Decision at Dieppe!; Hazard; Even Steven!; G.I. Laughs; Secret; Listen to the Boidie; The 50th Man; Dear Joan! 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Frankenstein Comics (1945) 28 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4393003006

Stories and art by Dick Briefer and Marvin Stein. Cover by Dick Briefer. Prize Comics revives Dick Briefer's Frankenstein series in line with the horror trends of the Pre-Code 1950s. A mad scientist creates a female monster, but he has a sinister motive; Explorers discover a floating crystal sphere that is the tool of an alien race; Tourists on Java visit an island supposed to be haunted by a mountainous monster. Also featuring a full-page, full-color ad for a "Mystery Fish-Bowl" and other toys from "Uncle Bernie's Toy Shop." The She-Monster; Alladine's Flashlight; Crystal Ball; Ghost Pilot; The Monster. 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Frankenstein Comics (1945) 30 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4393003007

Stories and art by Dick Briefer and Marvin Stein. Cover by Dick Briefer. Prize Comics revives Dick Briefer's Frankenstein series in line with the horror trends of the Pre-Code 1950s A mad sculptor decides to make a statue by encasing the Frankenstein Monster in molten bronze. A computer scientist builds an intelligent supercomputer, and is surprised when it runs amuck and builds a robot army. A mad doctor ill-advisedly enlists the Frankenstein Monster to secure fresh bodies for his experiments. Frankenstein; Tiger Fangs; Electronic Brain; The Hitchhiker; Half Alive; The Mark of the Skull. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Ghost Comics (1951 Fiction House) 11 CGC 2.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4400403006

Cover art by Maurice Whitman. Lords of the Upper Air, art by John Belcastro [as "Johnny Bell"]; A group of mountain climbers in the Himalayan stumble upon a tribe of snowmen with supernatural powers. Grab-Bag, pencils by Bill Benulis, inks by Jack Abel; A group of girls is being haunted by the ghost of a mysterious evil woman, whose stylish accessories came into the girls possession. The Witch's Doll, script by Marilyn Mercer, pencils by Jerry Grandenetti and Will Eisner; Dr. Drew hunts down the missing explorer Leander Miles, who is torturing the actress Jennie Paris--by means of an African "kaffir" witch doll. This black magic works like voodoo. Untitled story, art by George Evans; a magic bottle containing a miniature ship arrives at the house of an old acquaintance. 36 pgs. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Haunt of Fear (1950 E.C. Comics 2nd Series) 24 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4390315003

Cover art by Graham Ingels. Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes...--The Witch's Cauldron!, script by Otto Binder, art by Graham Ingels; A blob story that features a cuckolded moonshine-swilling mountain man as the vengeful blob creature that is created when his wife and her lover shove him into a still to drown and be dissolved with a bag of lye. ...Only Sin Deep--The Vault of Horror!, script by Otto Binder, art by Jack Kamen; A heartless young woman pawns her beauty for 1000.00 to a shopkeeper she assumes is a crank. The Secret--Haunt of Fear, script by Carl Wessler, art by George Evans. Head-Room!--The Crypt of Terror, script by Carl Wessler, art by Jack Davis. 36 pgs. $0.10. NOTE: Used in Senate Investigative Report, page 8. Cover price $0.10.

Haunt of Fear (1950 E.C. Comics 2nd Series) 25 CGC 4.0 Restored

Restored: C1

Paper: Off white to white

Restoration Includes: Small Amount of color Touch on Cover, Small Amount of Glue on Spine of Cover.

Label #4405338004

Cover art by Graham Ingels. The New Arrival--The Witch's Cauldron!, script by Otto Binder, art by Graham Ingels; This story is told by a mansion; The occupant is a lunatic old woman who lost her mind when her husband was killed in WWI and kept her new born infant uneducated and in shackles for 40 years. Indisposed!--The Vault of Horror!, art by George Evans; A man uses his new garbage disposal to eliminate the remains of his wife's body, but his plumber friend who installed it doesn't have experience and connects it to the water intake. Out Cold--Haunt of Fear, script by Carl Wessler, art by Jack Kamen; The old witch tells us a story with two endings; The first ending relates what would have happened to the protagonist if he had pursued a relationship with a new office girl who turns out to be a ghoul using human meat to feed her mother's cats, but the old witch tells us that's not what actually happened. The Light In His Life!--The Crypt of Terror, script by Otto Binder, art by Jack Davis. 36 pgs. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Haunt of Fear (1950 E.C. Comics 2nd Series) 27 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4405338005

Cover art by Graham Ingels. About Face--The Witch's Cauldron!, script by Carl Wessler, art by Graham Ingels; A father thinks he has twins, a beautiful girl and a deformed girl. Game Washed Out!--The Vault of Horror!, script by Carl Wessler, art by George Evans; A man in a Puritan colony kills his wife and dumps her body with a weight attached into a pond in order to solicit another man's wife to run away with him. Silent Treatment--The Old Witch's Grim Fairy Tale!, art by Jack Kamen. Swamped--The Crypt of Terror, art by Reed Crandall. 36 pages, full color. $0.10. NOTE: An editorial urges readers to write to the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency, which had started investigating the comic industry. Cover price $0.10.

Journey into Unknown Worlds (1951 2nd Series) 37 CGC 5.0 Double Cover

Paper: Off white to white

Double Cover: 1st cover 4.5, interior cover 5.0

Label #4291924004

Dated September 1955 Cover price $0.10.

Mickey Mouse (1953-1987 Dell/Gold Key/Gladstone) 35 CGC 7.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4163880007

No ads in book. Entire issue from cover to cover is comic stories and one page strips. Mickey Mouse in "The Impossible Berries" in which Mickey and Goofy use some magical berries in their search for a missing explorer. Mickey also investigates missing oysters and deals with his overly playful nephews in two untitled stories. Last story continues onto the inside back cover and the back cover. No art/story credits given. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.

Mystery in Space (1951 1st Series) 17 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #2139595013

"The Last Mile of Space" (cover/story art by Murphy Anderson), "The Man in the Moon," "The Thought Pirate," and "The Magnetic Duel" (art by Anderson). Carmen Infantino art? Anderson cover. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Sensation Mystery (1952) 113 CGC 3.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4348396006

Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by John Giunta. The End of Death, script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Jerry Grandenetti, inks by Frank Giacoia; A criminal tries to convince Johnny Peril that he is being haunted by Death himself. The Sea Girl!, pencils by Jim Mooney, inks by Bernard Sachs; Jim Spencer is marooned on an enchanted island; He lives in the company of an undine, a dryad and a sylph; Spencer falls in love with Celia, the mermaid. Lantern in the Rain!, script by Jack Miller, art by Irwin Hasen; Did the ghost of John Logan flash his ghostly signal lantern to stop Luke Brownell from crashing his train? The Man Who Sold His Soul article, script by Jack Miller, art by Raymond Perry; Account of a strange story happening in Lima, Peru, in 1715. Legacy of Horror!, pencils by Murphy Anderson, inks by Sy Barry; Ralph Edgerton inherits millions from a distant relative, but has to spend time in a haunted house. 36 pgs. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Shock Illustrated (1955) 1 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4378731006

Painted cover by Jack Kamen. Stories by Daniel Keyes and Robert Bernstein. Art by Jack Kamen, Joe Orlando, Wally Wood, and Johnny Craig. Part of EC's Picto-Fiction line, published in response to the Comics Code, featuring slice-of-life tales in text stories copiously illustrated by EC's lineup of artists. This first issue focused on psychology-themed stories, similar to EC's 1955 comic Psychoanalysis. A key-swapping party for bored suburbanites results in a temporary split in Beth and Jim's marriage, and a trip to the psychiatrist. Teenage dope addict Peggy sees a psychiatrist after her life falls apart and she's jailed on multiple charges. A teen becomes a leather-jacked juvenile delinquent and murders a stranger with a switchblade, encompassing many of the fears of middle-class America of the 1950s. Featuring some stories by Daniel Keyes, later the author of the science fiction classic Flowers for Algernon. The Needle; Switch Party; The Jacket. 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 60 pages, B&W with single-color accents. Cover price $0.25.

Space Adventures (1952 1st series) 7 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4006900009

Cover art by Dick Giordano. "Transformation," art by Dick Giordano; Anticipating nuclear war that would leave Earth barren of life, Lars Kranston convinces his colleagues to go to Mars; His paramour Betty Stone insists that she go as well; The ship crashes on Mars. "The Doomed Civilization," script by Carl Memling, pencils by Frank Frollo, inks by Vince Alascia; Commander Krait's crew begins receiving transmissions from an inhabitable planet called X-3-Z; Dr. Triple interprets the message; The message states society living there faces immanent destruction through war; Krait sends ships to stop the senseless destruction. "Simtone Saves the Space Officers" text story. "Homecoming," art by Stan Campbell; In the summer of 1953, Edmund Cranston presents his designs for a rocket ship to Dr. Corning at a large aircraft corporation; Cranston's only request is to be on the spacecraft maiden voyage to the moon. "Fateful Fluid," art by Art Cappello; When a professor perfects an elixir to transmute all it touches into gold, Kryn uses a "paralyzo ray" to freeze the professor; Kryn takes the potion for his own purposes. "Eternity in Space," art by Art Cappello; The Earth-Moon space station is a city floating between the Earth and the Moon; The city is constructed on an artificial wheel; Dr. Tero and Dr. Orso create two synthetic children; One is named Nors, the other Gri. Lars works on a fuel for spaceships; Both plan to win a contest for amazing feats. "Invasion" one-page story, art by Tony Tallarico. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.10.

Superhombre (Argentinian 1949 Editorial Muchnik) Superman 229 CGC 3.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Slab: Minor side/edge crack(s); See item notes

Chipping to top left corner of slab (back side). Argentina.

Label #4337623012

View items consigned by Siggy’s Comics: all items, auctions only

Argentinian Series. Stories by Jerry Coleman and Edmond Hamilton. Contains stories from Superman #87 and Batman #83. Spanish language. Full color.

Superman (1939 1st Series) 94 CGC 4.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4358958010

Cover art by Win Mortimer. Three Dooms For Metropolis starring Superman and The Hermit, script by Bill Woolfolk, pencils by Wayne Boring, inks by Stan Kaye. Little Pete humor two-pager by Henry Boltinoff. The Men Without a World starring Superman and three Blanthians (aliens from Blanth), script by Jerry Coleman, art by Al Plastino. The Night Climbers text story. Clark Kent's Hillbilly Bride, script by Bill Woolfolk, pencils by Wayne Boring, inks by Stan Kaye; Clark is set to marry a mountain girl named Marybelle. 44 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Superman (1939 1st Series) 101 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4376221005

Cover art by Al Plastino. Luthor's Amazing Rebus starring Superman and Lex Luthor, pencils by Wayne Boring, inks by Stan Kaye. The Meek Man's Club starring Superman, art by Al Plastino. The Rainbow Doom, art by Al Plastino; Superman accidentally turns Lois Lane into glass. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Tales from the Crypt (1950 E.C. Comics) 38 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4405338002

Cover by Jack Davis. "Tight Grip!", script by Al Feldstein, art by Jack Davis; This story is narrated by a trunk and concerns the murder of a woman the trunk is fond of; When the murderer attempts to hide in the trunk, he panics and shoots holes through it. "Only Skin Deep!", script by Al Feldstein, art by Reed Crandall; A man marries a woman at Mardi Gras who wears a hag mask. "Big Fish!" text story. "Last Laugh," script by Al Feldstein, art by Will Elder; An obese practical joker with a stomach problem visits a doctor and relates a practical joke involving getting old clothes and bloody butchered chunks of horse flesh to take down to the train yard near where some children regularly play. "Mournin' Mess," script by Bill Gaines (co-plot) and Albert B. Feldstein (co-plot, script), art by Graham Ingels (as Ghastly); The Grateful Hoboes, Outcasts, and Unwanteds' Layaways Society is run by a man who read 'Midnight Mess' in Tales from the Crypt #35, and offers a pleasant burial for the penniless. 36 pgs., full color. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Terrifying Tales (1953) 14 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4405338007

Cover by L. B. Cole. Pre-Code jungle adventures from L. B. Cole's Star Publications. Jungle Goddess Rulah meets a face from her past, featuring Rulah's origin story, and art possibly by Matt Baker. The treasure of pirate Black Elsie is sought by her modern-day, redheaded descendant, featuring some delightful bad-girl art. Blonde femme fatale Nita plots to do away with her husband on safari, unless Rulah can intervene. Yet another great cover with bondage elements by L. B. Cole. Rulah: The Weird Idol; Rulah: The Terrible Treasure; Trail's End; Rulah: The Carnivorous Blonde. 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Terrifying Tales (1953) 15 CGC 1.8

Paper: Off white

Label #4405338008

Cover by L. B. Cole. Pre-Code jungle adventures from L. B. Cole's Star Publications. Rulah, Jungle Goddess learns the strange story of the mysterious Leatherman, featuring art possibly by Matt Baker. Rulah battles crocodiles and a gorilla holding an unconscious blonde in its arms, featuring some fun action-girl art. Tarzan-like Zago battles the queen of the lions. One more top-notch action-girl cover by L. B. Cole. Rulah: The Grim Secret; The First Americans!; Rulah: The Ghoul of Galhalla; The Rangers Best Shot; Zago, Jungle Prince: Queen of Simba Land! Final issue of ther series. 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Terror Illustrated (1955) 1 CGC 7.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4378731004

Cover by Reed Crandall. Stories by John Larner, Jack Oleck, and Al Feldstein (credited as Alfred E. Neuman). Art by Reed Crandall, Joe Orlando, George Evans, Graham Ingels, and Johnny Craig. Part of EC's Picto-Fiction line, published in response to the Comics Code, featuring horror tales in text stories copiously illustrated by EC's lineup of artists. A carnival barker plots to get away with murder by faking his own death, but he fakes it a little too well. Villagers learn the horrifying secret of the basket that Vincent always carries on his shoulder. A gorilla's paw purchased in a strange little shop grants wishes, but at a terrible price. Some stories are credited to Alfred E. Neuman, a name soon to be irrevocably connected to MAD Magazine. Lush cover by Reed Crandall. The Sucker; Sure-Fire Scheme; Rest In Peace; The Basket; The Gorillas Paw. 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 60 pages, B&W with single-color accents. Cover price $0.25.

True Life Secrets (1951 Capitol Publications Inc.) 23 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4278554019

Stories and art by Leon Winik and Ray Osrin. Early romance comics that include noirish tales of melodrama, scandal and deceit. Lola is contemptuous of her friends' make-do marriage plans, and sets out to find a wealthy husband. Nurse Ginny falls for Carl, the handsome doctor she works for, but hypochondriac Sandra wants Carl's attention for herself. Helen enjoys walking in the rain and brooding over her loneliness, but that's how she meets handsome Tod, who comes to her aid when she twists her ankle. Plus a romantic poem by Robert Louis Stevenson in comics form. Fast Track for Love; A Savage in Love; Romance; The Price I Paid; None But the Lonely. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Washable Jones and the Shmoo (1953) 1 CGC 6.0

Paper: White

Label #4405338014

Stories and art by Mell Lazarus and Art Helfant. The strange little creatures from the classic Li'l Abner comic strip have adventures with their young human friend, Washable Jones. It was only inevitable that the result of a shmoo comic book would be Super Shmoo; this issue features his origin. Washable Jones and his friends the shmoos set out to save Dogpatch from a termite invasion. P. J. Paunchby tries to one-up Turnip Towers by opening his own grand hotel. Super Shmoo: Shmoos and Saddles; Little Miriam; Terrible Termites; Philo and the Flying Carpet; Sheriff O'Shay; Shmooms Fo' Rent. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Weird Fantasy (1951 E.C. Comics 2nd Series) 21 CGC 1.8

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4405338001

"My Home" (art by Joe Orlando), "Saved" (art by Al Williamson with Roy Krenkel), "Planely Possible" (art by Jack Kaman), and "The Million Year Picnic" (pencils by John Severin, inks by Will Elder; based on the story by Ray Bradbury). Letters to the editor from comics writer Archie Goodwin and Bradbury praising "King of the Gray Spaces" in issue 19. Classic cover by Williamson/Frank Frazetta. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.

Weird Terror (1952) 3 CGC 3.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4405340001

Don Heck cover. Includes the particularly gruesome "Den of Horror," in which an evil playboy transforms his lavish drawing room into a...well, you know. Plus text pieces on sin eating and dowsing. Edited by Allen Hardy. Stories by Pete Morisi, Don Perlin, Abe Simon, and Rudy Palais. Horror, suspense, and Weird Terror tales patterned after the classic EC comics. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.