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

Add to cart CGC 4.5 $299.00 View scans Paper: Cream to off white Slab: Other - see grading notes Scuffing to front and back of slab. Label #0107969003 Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Fred Guardineer, George Tuska, Lee Teaford 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. Criminal brothers Bud and Don Hoover have a lifelong feud that escalates into murder. The story of notorious real-life gunman Pretty Boy Floyd. Bloodshed results when neighborhood laundries fight back against Johnny Spanish's protection racket. The Hoover Brothers; Pretty Boy Floyd The Two-Faced Terror; Killers' Jinx; Washed in Blood; The Telltale Scar; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by 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. The true tale of real-life bank robber Baby-Face Nelson. In the early 1900s, rural nurse Bertha Gifford becomes one of the first female serial killers. Cowardly Marty Durkin wins the name "Trigger Happy" for his deadly habit of shooting his way out of any situation. Baby Face Nelson vs. the U.S.A.; Trigger-Happy Durkin; This'll Kill You!; Crime Quiz; Bertha Gifford, Killer of 19 People; Murder Is a False Friend; The Woman Who Wouldn't Die; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Fred Guardineer, George Tuska, Paul Parker 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 serial killer H.H. Holmes and his infamous "murder castle" in 1890s Chicago. Carlo Barrone never met a crime he didn't like, murdering pretty much every other character in his story except the judge who sentences him to the chair. A story that dares the reader to figure out who poisoned a baseball player in the middle of a game. Charles Barrone the Murderous Bully; The Master of Murder Castle; This'll Kill You!; Crime Quiz; Reunion in Death; The Beast of Brooklyn; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Fred Guardineer, George Tuska, Ed Moore, Dick Ericson 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. Peter tries to make his way in the Mob, but he's not quite smart enough to stay ahead of the cops. The unkillable Michael Malloy survives multiple murder attempts. A story that dares the reader to figure out the killer. Also featuring purported letters from prisoners to Crime Does Not Pay, detailing how the comic has set them straight. Crime's Dumbest Wise Guy, Peter Treadway; Her Name Was Clarence; This'll Kill You!; Crime Quiz; Mike Malloy The Man Who Wouldn't Die!; Death Thumbs a Ride; On The Level; Whodunnit. 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, Fred Guardineer, Bob Moore, 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 mobster Louis Lepke Buchalter, the gangster who created the Murder, Inc. killer-for-hire operation during the 1930s. Gerald Chapman, known as The Gentleman Bandit, became the first Public Enemy Number One. Bootlegger Annie French raises her son Don to be a killer. Leo Lepke Buchalter; Gerald Chapman, "Cop Killer"; Crime Quiz; Money's Worth of Murder; Shoe-Box Annie; On The Level; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Ed Moore, 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. Squealer Big Mouth Luciano finds himself pursued by the Mob and cops alike. The "Flatheads" gang commits the first-ever armored car robbery on March 11, 1927. The murderous Bender family targets hapless travelers crossing frontier Kansas. Also featuring a vintage ad for an "Authentic Dick Tracy Tommy Gun and Detective Badge." The True Story of Big Mouth Nick Luciano; Three on a Rampage of Death!; Crime Quiz; Jim Gordon, Badman; Murder Deals in Death; The Murderous Benders; Whodunnit. 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Bert Bushell, 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 life story of the female half of the notorious bank-robbing Bonnie & Clyde gang, Bonnie Parker. Psychopath Herman Duker kills because he enjoys it - first animals, then people. The cabin boy stumbles on Captain Cross's plot to sink his own ship for the insurance money. Also featuring a vintage ad for an "Authentic Dick Tracy Tommy Gun and Detective Badge." Bonnie Parker; On The Level; Crime Quiz; The Wild Spree of the Laughing Sadist - Herman Duker; Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Blood; Get Those Killers; The Short But Furious Crime Career of Irene Dague and Her Yes-Man Husband; This'll Kill You!; Whodunnit: The Case of the Murdered Bathing Beauty. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, 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. Fourteenth-century Scottish pirate Thomas Dun becomes a figure of legend. The Jersey Kid carefully plans out his crimes, but he didn't reckon on the wrath of a woman scorned. Also featuring a vintage ad for an "Authentic Dick Tracy Tommy Gun and Detective Badge." Kid Dropper; The Policeman's Son Was a Bandit; Crime Quiz; Thomas Dun Single-Handed Killer of Thousands!; Paths to the Grave; The Bloody Manhunt for the Jersey Kid; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, 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. Ineligible for the WWII draft because he's an ex-con, Vic decides to wage a one-man war on his own behalf. The story of Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, the gangster once given the title of "Public Enemy #1" by the FBI. The Whyo Gang terrorizes New York in the 1880s with their murder-for-hire ring and raids on gambling houses. Vic Everhart, the Kill-Crazy Scoundrel; Alvin Karpis, Public Enemy No. 1; Cut Rate Murder; This'll Kill You; Highway to Murder; Financier of Death; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart GD+ 2.5 $24.00 Centerfold detached.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Ed Moore 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 Verne Miller and the Kansas City Massacre. A look at legendary Old West outlaw Jesse James, and the legends that grew after his death, making him a folk hero. A French tavern owner with a violent temper is accused of killing her workers, but when the killings continue after she's jailed, scientific investigation reveals the real culprit. Verne Miller; Jesse James: Good Guy or Bad Guy?; The Murderess Smoked Cigars; The Crooks Who Couldn't Get Together!; Was She a Monster?; Whodunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart FR 1.0 $23.00

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Bob Moore, Fred Kida, Bob Fujitani, Bert Bushell 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. Escaped convict Clay Fogelman tortures the hapless couple whose home he's using as a hideout. Johnny Socks Lazia rises to be the supreme gang boss in Kansas City of the late 1920s, in a story with early art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. A story that dares the reader to figure out which of four boarders in a boardinghouse killed the owner's beautiful daughter. Also featuring purported letters from mothers of children, approving the content of Crime Does Not Pay comics. Clay Fogelman, Meanest Man of Crime; The Rise and Fall of Johnny "Socks" Lazia, King of the Alky Rackets; On the Level; Killers' Payoff; The Electric Chair and the Murderess; This'll Kill You; Whodunnit: Who Murdered Beautiful Mary Lawson? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart GD 2.0 $39.99 View scan 1 1/2" spine split from bottom. Cover detached. Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.

Cover by George Tuska (credited as Charles Biro). Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Bob Fujitani, 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. British highwayman John Nevison earns the nickname Swift Nick after supposedly making a 200-mile trek to establish an alibi. Wild West gunfighter and outlaw Billy the Kid dies at age 21, but not before becoming a legend. A story that dares the reader to figure out who killed a millionaire. Frank Scarcini: The Betrayer of Pals -- Master of the Double-Cross!; William Nevinson, The Terror of the Roads!; William Bonney, Alias Billy the Kid; Murder Pays the Hangman; Leo Hall: The Man Without Conscience; Mercy; Honor; Human Decency; Whodunnit: Who Killed Millionaire Ellis Blackton? 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Mike Roy, John Belfi, Tony DiPreta 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 life and crimes of real-life bank robber Wilbur Underhill, known as "The Tri-State Terror." In 1924, Felix Sloper is dubbed the "Lone Wolf" for his daring bank robberies in California. The story of killer Paul Chretien was singled out by Wertheim in the anti-comics classic Seduction of the Innocent, because of its glee in portraying the main character's violent ways. Also featuring an article listing 12 rules for the Lev Gleason code, an early attempt to deflect criticism that preceded the Comics Code. Possibly discussed in the text of Seduction of the Innocent, p. 306. A Message; Felix Sloper; On the Level; Wilbur Underhill; Paul Chretien, Father of Murderers; A Lesson in Murder; Benny Mickson; Human Decency; Whodunnit? 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Bob Fujitani, 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. Walter Legenza is the king of the rackets until he encounters the widow who blames him for her husband's murder. Deserters and bandits of the Old West, Quantrill's Raiders gave many outlaws their start, including Frank and Jesse James. Robert James' wives have a habit of dying after he takes out insurance policies on them. Also featuring an article listing 12 rules for the Lev Gleason code, an early attempt to deflect criticism that preceded the Comics Code. Possibly discussed in the text of the anti-comics classic Seduction of the Innocent, p. 306. Walter Legenza: The Gangster; On the Level; This'll Kill Ya!; Robert James; Will Quantrill: General of an Army of Murderers!; Death Stalks in the Night; Who Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart GD+ 2.5 $50.00

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of killer-for-hire Happy Malone, in a story with early art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. George Kelly, aka Machine Gun Kelly, kidnaps oil tycoon Charles Urschel for a $200,000 ransom. A story that dares the reader to figure out who murdered the Bodin farm family. They Called Him "Happy" Malone Because He Never Smiled!; On the Level; This'll Kill Ya!; Albert Judson; Machine-Gun Kelly; The Ghastly Clues; What's So Funny?; A True Crime Story Who Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart GD/VG 3.0 $30.00 View scans

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, 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. Sicilian siblings the Genna Brothers rule Chicago's Little Italy, until they come up against Capone's Chicago Outfit. The history of the Brady Gang that terrorized Maine, and their bloody finish. An insane killer becomes known as the Nebraska Fiend and kills more than a dozen people in the 1870s. The Savage Genna Brothers: Bootleggers; On the Level; The Ferocious Brady Gang; Don't Die Laughing; Dick Richards, A Two-Legged Rat If There Ever Was One!; Crazy Dan Zarella and His Stupid Stooge, Vincent Furo; Who Dunnit? 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Mike Alex, who found a loophole in the law, in a story with early art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. The bank-robbing O'Malley Gang stages a desperate prison break. After one of his inventions accidentally kills his wife, eccentric Edward Small gets an insurance payout and a deadly idea. Mike Alex; Once There Were Three Killers From Brooklyn Called Shapiro - Now There Are None!; On the Level; The End of the Deadly OMalley Gang; Edward Small, The Crackpot Inventor!; Rough, Tough Lona Flanders and Her Three Stupid Stooges; Crime Quiz; Who-Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart VG+ 4.5 $30.00 View scans Chew to back cover. Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, John Belfi 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Hymie Nabosco, the holdup man whose penchant for pretty scents makes him easy for witnesses to identify. Fast-shooting showgirl Belle Shirley becomes a gambler and gunslinger in the Old West. A story that dares the reader to figure out the killer before a Mountie does in 1899 Canada. Little Hymie Nabosco; Belle Shirley, The Angel-Faced She-Devil; On the Level; This'll Kill Ya!; Marvin and Selma Burgess; Edward Corwin; Who Dunnit? Arctic Assassin. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart VG+ 4.5 $115.00 View scans Only one staple (manufacturing).

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of John Ross, a phony magician who kills to conceal his cons, in a story with early art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. Tiger Harkness masterminds a daring prison escape by taking the entire parole board hostage, but none of them get far. A story that dares the reader to figure out the killer of gambler Eddie Dyke in 1934 New York. John Ross the Magician; "Tiger" Harkness; On the Level; This'll Kill Ya!; Our Police Hall of Fame; The Gruesome Foursome; Who Dunnit? Murder of Eddie Dyke. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Brock Larsen, whose artificial steel larynx makes him a sort of low-grade bionic supervillain, in a story with early art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. A detective seeks the killer of two women whose bodies were found an ocean away from where they were murdered. Bumbling Edward Daley fails several times to kill his wife for the insurance, but manages to take himself out without trying. Brock Larsen, the Human Robot of Crime; Who Killed Rene and Olga Duval?; Science vs. the Criminal; This'll Kill Ya!; Our Police Hall of Fame; Laugh These Off; Edward Daley; Who Dunnit? The Haunted Skyscraper Murder Case. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Fred Kida 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Hank Charters, who stays one step ahead of the cops until a missing jewelry stickpin connects him to a murder. Trapped by police on a freight car, William Howard shoots his way out, but only succeeds in becoming a fugitive cop-killer. A story that dares the reader to figure out the killer of a blackmailer who left behind plenty of suspects. Hank Charters; Booze, Guns and Zeke Toller; Science vs. the Criminal; This'll Kill Ya!; Our Police Hall of Fame; On The Level; There Is No Escape for a Cop-Killer; Who Dunnit: Who Killed Link Grantley? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Crag Denby, who wants to use his talents for crime to strong-arm his way to Hollywood stardom. A superstitious hood is undone by the "unlucky" card the four of hearts, just as he had feared. A story that dares the reader to figure out the killer of an heiress in her penthouse. Crag Denby the Movie-Struck Egomaniac; Andy Yole; Superstitious Bill Clements; This'll Kill Ya!; Our Police Hall of Fame; On The Level; Who Dunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart VG- 3.5 $20.00 View scan

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of two-bit hood Peter Feflin, who wages war against another street gang on the rooftops of the New York tenements. Al Jennings becomes obsessed with getting the man he's convinced was responsible for sending him to prison. Mayhew and Johns, described in the story as "stir-mad, kill-mad morons," go on a spree of murder and robbery across the South. Also featuring vintage ads for "Amazing Life-Like Rubber Masks" and "Animated Lilliputiana." Two Gangs at War and Peter Feflin; Al Jennings, the Man Who Squealed on Himself!; How the Police Stopped the Murder Rampage of Dennis Mayhew and Everett Johns; This'll Kill Ya!; Our Police Hall of Fame; On The Level; Who Dunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart VG 4.0 $25.00 View scan Interior margin tears. Water spotting.

Add to cart GD/VG 3.0 $26.00

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Nick Durin, who convinces his brothers that they can take over the city's rackets if they join forces. Cops use a hidden microphone to get the goods on a killer named William Gaines (the name of the rival publisher of EC Comics). A story that dares the reader to figure out who killed two eccentric brothers in their own museum. The 5 Durin Brothers; Science vs. the Criminal; Clue in a Poker Hand!; Laugh These Off; This'll Kill Ya!; Our Police Hall of Fame; On The Level; Tony Krug and Pete Tatum; Who Dunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Dan Barry, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, Clyde Lamb 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Chuck Danner, who isn't a very brave man unless he's got a gun in his hand, in a story with early art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. A killer tries to make a getaway aboard a train by impersonating someone else, but the telegraph trips him up. A story that dares the reader to figure out the killer of a wealthy man in his remote hunting cabin, when an ex-convict and a hobo were both seen in the area. Cover and first page feature a photo endorsement from Mary Sullivan, NYPD Women's Bureau Chief, approving of "this magazine as a good moral influence on our youth." Chuck Danner; Science vs. the Criminal; Russell Grant; Thug-Uglies; Laugh These Off; This'll Kill Ya!; Our Police Hall of Fame; On The Level; Richard Davis and John Conners; Who Dunnit: The Ogler Murder Case. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Clarence Reese, who wants to be like the famous gangsters he idolizes. Police investigate a shooting at a circus full of suspects, in a whodunit featuring the line "Who'd have believed that Waldo, the mind-reading midget, would turn out to be a blackmailer?" Killer Wilbur Stiles is undone by his well-known addiction to watching college basketball. Cover and first page feature a photo endorsement from police Captain Felix Lynch, approving of "this magazine as a good reading for red-blooded American youngsters." This endorsement was later cited (negatively) in the text of the classic anti-comics tome Seduction of the Innocent. Clarence Reese the Hero-Worshipper; Wilbur Stiles; Laff It Off; This'll Kill Ya!; On The Level; The Case of the Kidnapper's Pigeon; Who Dunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Mac Royce, who ran a mob of bootleggers from his grocery store. After their accomplice is killed, two young aspiring criminals are outsmarted by an elderly watchman. A small-town sheriff captures two hoodlums on the run from the big city. Cover and first page feature endorsements from police Captain Felix Lynch and Mary Sullivan, NYPD Women's Bureau Chief, approving of "this magazine as a good reading for red-blooded American youngsters." Mac Royce; Science vs. the Criminal; "Spots" Norton and the Brand Brothers; Police Detection Quiz; On The Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; Sheriff Ted Benton; Who Dunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Link Gage, whose attempt to take over his hometown rackets leads to a shootout on a parade float. Holdup men foolishly leave maps to their planned crimes where police can find them. A story that dares the reader to figure out who killed a concert violinist in the middle of a symphony performance. Cover and first page feature endorsements from police Captain Felix Lynch and Mary Sullivan, NYPD Women's Bureau Chief, approving of "this magazine as a good reading for red-blooded American youngsters." Also featuring a vintage ad for "Amazing Lifelike Rubber Masks." Link Gage; This'll Kill Ya; The Taxi Killers; On The Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; Al Hodges and John "Shorty" Gross; Who Dunnit. 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Spike Spitz, who double-crosses his partners after they help him swindle a gold mine, in a story with possible art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. Jack Roscar tries to use the theater as a cover for his crimes, and finds a lot of bad actors to enable him. A story that dares the reader to figure out which heir killed for an $11 million payoff - and one of the suspects is a ghost. Cover and first page feature a photo endorsement from Mary Sullivan, NYPD Women's Bureau Chief, approving of "this magazine as a good moral influence on our youth." Spike Spitz; This'll Kill Ya; Jack Roscar; On The Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; Frankie Darrell vs. Lieutenant Jim Scott; Who Dunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart VG+ 4.5 $41.50 View scans

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of illegal arms trafficker Vince Grey, and his showdown with police at a coal refinery. A look at the uses of black light in crime detection and police work in the 1940s. A story that dares the reader to figure out who killed a big-game hunter on the eve of his wedding announcement. Cover and first page feature a photo endorsement from Mary Sullivan, NYPD Women's Bureau Chief, approving of "this magazine as a good moral influence on our youth." Vince Grey; This'll Kill Ya; Out To Murder!; On The Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; Science vs. the Criminal; The Body in the Woods; Who Dunnit. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of patrolman Al Drews, who goes up against Matt Cornish, The Scourge of the Fishing Fleets, and winds up clinging to a buoy for dear life. Police investigate a series of suspicious suicides and uncover a car-theft ring. The "Tear Gas Killers" try to escape the city by hijacking a boat, but a ham-radio operator manages to outsmart them. Cover and first page feature a photo endorsement from Detective Walter Clancy, approving of "this magazine as a strong moral force for youth." Deadly Matt Cornish, The Scourge of the Fishing Fleets!; On the Level; It Looked Like Suicide!; The Tear Gas Murders!; Our Police Hall of Fame; Who Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Tony DiPreta, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Natural Gilbey, a hard-luck hobo who recruits an army of criminals, in a story with possible art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. Burglars discover where wealthy families keep their valuables by listening to the servants on their night off. A sheriff enlists the Feds and the Coast Guard to catch a gang of killers operating from a houseboat off the Gulf Coast. Death in the Hobo Jungle; On the Level; How They Were Trapped!; Laugh These Off; The Case of the Thursday Burglars!; Our Police Hall of Fame; This'll Kill Ya; Savage Houseboat Mob!; Who Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Tony DiPreta, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Les Voyles, whose capture by the police involves a chase across a roller-skating rink, in a story with possible art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. In 1919, a cop uses chemical analysis to discover the truth about a double murder in a small-town. A story that dares the reader to figure out which member of a formerly wealthy family killed their ex-hired hand, who managed to turn the tables on them. The Long Manhunt for Les Voyles; On the Level; The Photo-Finish of Josiah Gingham; Our Police Hall of Fame; Once a Killer!; Who Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Tony DiPreta, Fred Guardineer, 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Ben "The Leech" Dore, who must choose between informing on a mob boss or frying for the murder himself, in a story with possible art by future "Flash Gordon" artist Dan Barry. During Prohibition, a cop goes after the Jerry Morton Gang, who murdered guards during an armored-car heist. A story that dares the reader to figure out who killed a wealthy woman during an opera performance. Death House Blues; Mad-Dog Roundup; Our Police Hall of Fame; Captured by a Mail Order Sleuth!; Who Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by Tony DiPreta, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Fred Kida 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Ape, Frank and Jim, killers caught fleeing police on a window-washer's platform high up on a building. Ex-con Bob gets a new job with his shady pal Dave, but Bob's wife is concerned that Dave is a racketeer. A cop goes undercover to infiltrate the Bayfront Mob, whose mysterious boss communicates with the gang through recorded messages. Police Teamwork and 3 Blind Rats!; Confession of a Racketeer's Widow; This'll Kill Ya; On the Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; The Ambitious Frank Hardy; Who Dunnit? 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart GD+ 2.5 $16.25 View scan Cover detached. Water damage.

Cover by Charles Biro. Stories and art by George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Joseph Gaguardi 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. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Johnny, who sees a golden opportunity when a hood drops a gun into his lap. Crime reporter Dave Stratton follows a lead from an art show into a two-fisted, gun-blazing adventure. A story that dares the reader to figure out who murdered a woman for a fortune in jewels. Foolish Johnny Wagner; I Was a Crime Reporter!; This'll Kill Ya; Thug-Uglies; On the Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; Invitation to Murderer!; Who Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart VG- 3.5 $22.00 View scan Water damage.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, George Tuska, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, 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 introduction of tough private eye Chip Gardner, soon to be a regular feature in Crime Does Not Pay, includes a great cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of extortionist couple Mr. and Mrs. Slade, who blackmail hapless people with their dark secrets. An ordinary citizen catches Joe Visco, who escapes prison by turning an inner tube into an improvised bomb. The Rock-a-Bye Baby Murder; Mr. and Mrs. Shakedown; This'll Kill Ya; The Case of Joe Visco and Box 777!; On the Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; How They Were Trapped!; Who Dunnit? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, George Tuska, 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner finds a substitute nephew at Marcy Mansion, featuring a great cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. A cop narrates the tale of handsome Johnny Buck's feud with ugly gangster Knucks Mauler. A story that dares the reader to figure out who murdered a racetrack watchman while switching horses. Chip Gardner: Death Carries a Torch; Tip-Off; Broadway Nightmare; On the Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; How They Were Trapped!; Who Dunnit?: A Horse of Another Color. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Carl Wessler, Joseph Gaguardi, Al Borth 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner is framed for murder, featuring a great cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. Bertham thinks he's committed the perfect murder, but a red carnation gives him away. A story that dares the reader to figure out who murdered a nightclub owner while wearing mismatched socks. Also featuring a vintage ad for a device to make your own (vinyl) records. Chip Gardner: The Escort Murder Case; The Clue of the Red Carnation!; The Squealer; On the Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; How They Were Trapped!; Who Dunnit?: The Double-or-Nothing Murder Case! 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart GD 2.0 $17.00 View scan 2" interior spine split through all wraps. Cover and interior oxidation.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, Jerry Fasano, Al Borth 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner seeks the gambling bosses who roughed up his reporter pal, featuring a great cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of feuding couple Mr. and Mrs. Gordon, who each hire the same hit man to kill the other. Chip Gardner: The Alhambra Club Murders in The Case of the Losing Winners; Over My Dead Body!; Better Schools Make Better Communities; On the Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; Unexpected Guest; Who Dunnit?: The Mandarin Murder Case! 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Carl Wessler, Al McWilliams 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner tries to prove the innocence of a man on Death Row, featuring a great cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. Mr. Crime narrates the tale of Letty, who gets a little too close to the wealthy man she's supposed to be swindling. A story that dares the reader to figure out who murdered a crooked investment banker who was having an affair. Chip Gardner: Death Watches the Clock; Murder Plays Hide-and-Seek; On the Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; I'll Die Laughing; Who Dunnit?: Murder by Moonlight! 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart GD+ 2.5 $23.00 View scan Foxing. Soiling.

Add to cart VG- 3.5 $60.00 View scan Water damage. Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor. Other items consigned by Bud Plant

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Tony DiPreta, Carl Wessler 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner tries to prove an accident in a steelworks was murder and winds up in a barrel, featuring a great cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. A man leaping from a building flashes back on the events that led him there. A story that dares the reader to solve a murder at a costume party in the Mephisto Club during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Also featuring a vintage ad for the book "How to Get Along with Girls." Chip Gardner: The Payroll Bonus Murders; Fall Guy; On the Level; Our Police Hall of Fame; Rabbit's Foot; Who Dunnit?: The Death of the Grand Demon! 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart VG 4.0 $34.00 View scans 1" spine split from bottom of comic.

Add to cart VG- 3.5 $39.00 View scan Staples added (not manufacturing). Consignment. 3% buyer's premium charged at checkout. Graded by MCS, not consignor. Other items consigned by Bud Plant

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Tony DiPreta, Al McWilliams 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner is hunted through the Florida swamps by a larceny and kidnapping gang, featuring a great cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. An ex-con's search for the hidden loot from a robbery leads to a shootout in a carnival funhouse. A story that dares the reader to figure out who murdered an eccentric millionaire with a bomb hidden in a toy boat. Also featuring a vintage ad for the book "How to Get Along with Girls." Chip Gardner: The Ostrich Murder Case; Loot!; Laff It Off; Our Police Hall of Fame; Go Home and Wait for Death!; Who Dunnit?: Murder by Parcel Post! 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart VG 4.0 $34.00 View scans

Add to cart VG 4.0 $34.00 View scans

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Dick Rockwell, Carl Wessler, Jerry Fasano, Al Borth 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner investigates corruption in a chain of beauty shops, featuring a great cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. A killer acquires a family fortune by marrying and murdering each of three sisters, but he falls for the last one for real. A puppeteer is unable to stop his puppet's murderous rampage, in a truly strange story. Also featuring a vintage ad for the book "Learn to Dance the Jitterbug." Chip Gardner: Source of Evil: The Case of the Vanishing Beauty Shops; Death Is Mr. Chelsey; The Classroom Secret; Wrong Alibi; Melick's Puppet?; Who Dunnit?: Holiday Homicide! 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Carl Wessler, Alden McWilliams 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner gets in a tight spot while seeking a missing man in Buffalo, featuring an action-packed painted cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. A killer breaks into prison to get rid of a witness. A story that dares the reader to figure out who really committed the murder an innocent man is being tried for. Also featuring a vintage ad for the "Lone Ranger Pen Set." Chip Gardner: Death in the Back Room (or The Case of the Buffalo Nickels); Murder for Sale; On the Level; A Corpse on the Beach; Having a Wonderful Crime; This'll Kill Ya; Who Dunnit?: Who Killed Homer Trent? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Carl Wessler, Al Borth 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner seeks a killer on a train, but first must collar a pet cheetah, featuring a great bad-girl cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. Theater couple Herbert and Marie Atwell are each secretly planning to do the other in. A story that dares the reader to figure out who really committed a murder on an isolated Florida key during a hurricane. Also featuring a vintage ad for the "Lone Ranger Pen Set." Chip Gardner: Alibi for Murder (The Case of the Movie Star's Double); No Tomorrow for Marty; Too Many Clues; Behind the Curtains; Who Dunnit?: Death in the Dark! 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Dick Rockwell 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner gets caught between two killers who each want to silence the other, featuring a great painted cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. A convict on Death Row plots his escape. A story that dares the reader to figure out which baseball player murdered an umpire during a major league game. Also featuring a vintage ad for the book "Learn to Rumba." Chip Gardner: Death on the Run; The Witness; The Body on the Cliff; The Last Mile for Tony; Who Dunnit?: Kill the Umpire! 52 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart PR 0.5 $37.00 INCOMPLETE. Multiple pages missing, interrupts art and story. Water damage.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Claude Moore, Al McWilliams, Carl Wessler, 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner is trapped by crooks who want his data on their gang, featuring a great painted cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. A man faking paralysis for an insurance scam encounters the serial killer who's been stalking the city in a red devil mask. A washed-up vaudevillian female impersonator decides to use his disguise skills for crime, and meets an ironic fate. Also featuring a vintage ad for "Lev Gleason Comics picture trading cards." Chip Gardner: Setup for Murder (The Case of the Ring That Cracked Itself); Shock Treatment; Fall Guy; Double Life; On the Level; This'll Kill Ya!; Who Dunnit?: I Didn't Kill Him! 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Add to cart GD+ 2.5 $17.00 View scans

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, George Tuska, Dick Rockwell, 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner faces a shootout high up in a skyscraper construction site, featuring an action-packed painted cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. A man plots to murder his successful twin brother, dispose of him in quicksand, and take over his life, in another off-the-wall story. A story that dares the reader to figure out who killed a gangster with the colorful name of "Dutch" Treat. Also featuring a vintage ad for the book "Learn to Rumba." Chip Gardner: The Case of the Death's Head Ruby; The Man Who Died Twice; The Case That Solved Itself; Reprieve Granted, Prisoner Is Dead; Who Dunnit?: The Green Goods Murder! 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Painted cover by Bob Fujitani. Stories and art by Bob Fujitani, Fred Guardineer, Al McWilliams, Dick Rockwell, 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. Tough private eye Chip Gardner investigates a deadly woman in red, featuring another action-packed painted cover by Bob Fujitani and a story possibly written by Walter Gibson, creator of The Shadow. A woman with gambling debts plots to use gas to murder her father, who is smell-blind, in another off-the-wall story with an ironic twist ending. A story that dares the reader to figure out who killed a treasure-hunting sea captain aboard his ship. Also featuring a vintage ad for "Lev Gleason Comics picture trading cards." Chip Gardner: The Case of the Jittery Patient; The Smell of Death; Carney Couldn't Squeal!; Mission: Murder!; Uncle Sam Has a Green Thumb; Who Dunnit?: Who Killed Rex Gotha? 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.