Auctions: comic books 1952

Batman (1940) 71 FR 1.0 (R)

Trimmed

TRIMMED. Near full length spine split. Tape along entire spine. Heavy water damage.

Cover by Win Mortimer. Hop On the Welfare Wagon! public service announcement with Superman, script by Jack Schiff, art by Win Mortimer. "The Jail For Heroes!", script by David Vern, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Stan Kaye; Gang lord Scar Brink has built a huge prison where he places every law enforcer that he captures; Keeping them locked in the prison is hard, but the inmates behave after Brink captures Batman and Robin and threatens to unmask the heroes if there are any more escape attempts. Half-page Shorty story by Henry Boltinoff. "Commissioner Gordon's Greatest Case!", script by David Vern, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Commissioner Gordon starts an investigation campaign to discover Batman's real identity; Batman and Robin investigate the recent crimes of The Masked Mystic. -page Private Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. 2-page Jerry the Jitterbug story by Henry Boltinoff. The Fantastic Story of the Paris Gun article, art by Raymond Perry. Half-page Varsity Vic story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Mask of Mister Cipher!", script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; The Gotham City Police Department and Batman learn that an underground criminal operation allows criminals to change their facial structure; The criminal behind it all is Mister Cipher, a masked man who runs a large criminal operation in Gotham. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Batman (1940) 72 FR/GD 1.5 (R)

Restored (see item notes)

RESTORATION. Tear seals, TRIMMED. Pieces of tape on interior cover spine. 6" Cumulative spine split (taped).

Cover by Win Mortimer. It's Smart to Check -- And Double Check! public service announcement starring Superman, script by Jack Schiff, art by Winslow Mortimer. "The Jungle Batman!", script by David Vern, pencils by Bob Kane (Batman and Robin figures only) and Lew Sayre Schwartz, inks by Charles Paris; After capturing the feared Sinister Eight, Commissioner Gordon asks the Dynamic Duo to deliver the crooks by radio-controlled ship to their prison at Satan's Island; The ship is torpedoed and sunk during a storm at sea. Two-page Varsity Vic story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Legion of Faceless Men!", pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin get invited to a party at The Maskers Club, which is formed by people who wear masks at their jobs; After the party, crime ensues. Half-page Private Pete story by Henry Boltinoff. One-page Peg story by Henry Boltinoff. Changing Styles In Magic article by David Kahn (as Donald King), art by Raymond Perry. Half-page Shorty story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Death-Cheaters of Gotham City!", script by David Vern, art by Jim Mooney (as Bob Kane); Batman becomes a member of the strange "Death Cheaters Club," but a wanted criminal, who fits the qualifications for membership, is denied the same--and vows vengeance against all the members! Casey the Cop one-page story by Henry Boltinoff. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Classics Illustrated 095 All Quiet on the Western Front 1A VG/FN 5.0 HRN 96

Sticker on splash page.

All Quiet on the Western Front, 1st Printing, Painted Cover. (HRN 96, with 5/52 date). The time is World War I - the scene, the battlefield, the story, told by one who was in the midst of it. Here is the unglorious, the unexciting, the unglamorous side of war and death...here is the story of the soldiers who fight. Here is the soul-stirring drama of the frontlines. Cover price $0.15.

Classics Illustrated 097 King Solomon's Mines (1952) 1 VG/FN 5.0

Sticker on splash page.

King Solomon's Mines, 1st Printing, Painted Cover. (HRN 96, with 7/52 date). Through steaming jungles, facing danger at every turn came the expedition - three men and a native with only a crude, hand-drawn map to guide them in the unknown depths of darkest Africa. Their destination - King Solomon's Mines; their destiny - thrilling adventure, a fabulous fortune in jewels...and death. Cover price $0.15.

Classics Illustrated 098 The Red Badge of Courage (1952) 1 VG/FN 5.0

Sticker on splash page.

The Red Badge of Courage, 1st Printing, Painted Cover. (HRN 98, with 8/52 date). This is no epic history of great generals, glorious victories or dire defeats. This is simply the story of what befell only one young lad on that fateful day when he came face to face with the monster called war. Cover price $0.15.

Fightin' Marines (1951 St. John/Charlton) 6 GD- 1.8

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Cover by Matt Baker. Stories and art by Gene L. Coon, Matt Baker and Gene Colan. Charlton's long-running series focused on the miliary exploits of the US Marines throughout the 20th century. Canteen Kate tries to put Al in the General's good graces when she finds out the General loves gardening, in a story with art by good-girl art legend Matt Baker. In Tokyo on leave, Leatherneck Jack sets out to track down a missing buddy last seen with a Russian dancer named Olga, in a story with early art by future Marvel legend Gene Colan. A Marine sergeant in Korea stumbles on trouble when he sees a sampan ship carrying contraband. Plus an early prose story by future Star Trek screenwriter Gene L. Coon, a veteran of Korea and WWII. Cover by Baker. Tankers Test; Tripoli Shores: Operation Rescue; Canteen Kate: Ready…Aim…Fire!; Express to Extinction; Major Error; Leatherneck Jack: Strategy for Suicide. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Four Color (1942-1962 Dell 2nd Series) 408 VG 4.0

Cover art by Carl Barks. The Golden Helmet, script by Carl Barks; The ducks and a museum curator race Azure Blue, a descendant of the Vikings, to the coast of Labrador to find a golden helmet left by a Viking explorer; once the helmet is saved from Blue, the curator and Donald have visions of ruling the continent. Rigged-Up Lawn Roller; Donald is angry because the nephews have lent his lawn roller. Awash in Success; The nephews sell towels to the victims of an over-active park fountain. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.

Four Color (1942-1962 Dell 2nd Series) 422 GD+ 2.5

Cover coming loose at one staple.

Cover art by Carl Barks. Stable Prices; Scrooge complains about the price at Donald's riding stable. Donald Duck and "The Gilded Man"; The ducks go to British Guiana in search of the world's rarest stamp, a one-cent magenta of 1856, and find it on a letter in the possession of El Dorado, a giant golden Indian; After they retrieve the letter, the ducks learn that it is addressed to a deceased Duckburg resident who named Gladstone her only heir. Armored Cat Rescue; Donald puts on sturdy clothing to bring Daisy's cat down from a telephone pole. All scripts and art by Carl Barks. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.

GI Joe (1951 Ziff Davis) 13 FR 1.0

INCOMPLETE. Small interior piece cut, interrupts art. 4" cumulative spine split. Cover and centerfold detached.

2 #13s exist. See previous Ziff Davis Series (1950-51). Painted cover art by Clarence Doore. The Sherry Lee Rolls Again starring G.I. Joe, art by Henry Sharp; A Sherry Lee medium tank has been knocked out and is made to run again by Joe and the sergeant. Just Like Willie starring Buddies, art by Henry Sharp; Eddie was going to war, and he had to fill the shoes of a man who had failed his country. Everybody's Pin-Up starring G.I. Joe, art by Carmine Infantino; Uncovering the secret past of lonely Pvt. Jimmy Brett of Baker Company. An Easy War, art by Henry Sharp; The first Joe Driscoll learns upon his return is that he had been fighting "an easy war". Hit the Silk starring The Yardbirds, pencils by Dan DeCarlo. Acey Deucey's Last Shuffle starring G.I. Joe, art by Henry Sharp. Home to Mom starring G.I. Joe, art by Henry Sharp. 52 pgs. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

GI Joe (1951 Ziff Davis) 16 GD 2.0

2" cumulative spine split. Cover detached. Oxidation.

Painted cover art by Rafael DeSoto. Jim Prentice Electric Football ad. Mamie's Mortar starring G.I. Joe, art by Henry Sharp; Sgt. Mamie took pride in his 81 mm Mortar. Don't Tell Frankie! starring Buddies, art by Frank Giacoia; Good food has won many a battle, but in the case of "Baker" Company good food almost started one. Camouflage Capers starring The Yardbirds, pencils by Dan DeCarlo; Windy and Whitey are painting camouflage on everything. Born in the Saddle starring Pvt. Danny O'Lowd, pencils by Flip. Hey, Gang! Start Your Own G.I. Joe Fan Club ad. The Sign of the Tigress starring G.I. Joe, art by Henry Sharp. The Ol' Hoss Pistol--Here Are Your Boys, script by Sam Daily, art by Bob Powell; Ed Doney gets an old cavalry pistol from his grandfather on his way to serve in Korea. Lexy's Glass Eye starring G.I. Joe, art by Henry Sharp. 52 pgs. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Hand of Fate (1951 Ace) 11 VG 4.0

Oxidation. Writing on interior cover.

Roots of the Evil Tree, art by Louis Zansky; Crazed artist Kurt Coleman shapes an "execution tree" into human form; It comes alive during a thunderstorm and follows him around like a pet. The Final Curtain, pencils by Lou Cameron, inks by Rocco "Rocke" Mastroserio; Actor Morissey kills his colleagues to get the leading part in "Hamlet", though he has been warned several times by Fate personally to refrain from these acts of murder. The Man Who Bought a Genie, pencils by Bill Molno, inks by Rocco "Rocke" Mastroserio; Antiques dealer Ridley buys a chest containing the genie of Kuo; Ridley wants to marry Annabelle for her money, the genie helps him achieving this goal; But Annabelle dies and Ridley is accused of murder. The Brew of Frightful Faces, pencils by Jim McLaughlin; In a cave in Central America, Van Jacobi discovers a potion which distorts a person's features; As Jacobi is a film studio's make-up man and jealous of the leading man, he applies the brew to his face. 36 pgs. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Jesse James (1950 Avon) 7 FN- 5.5

Water spotting.

Art by Everett Raymond Kinstler, Joe Kubert, Carmine Infantino, Vince Alascia and Howard Larsen. True tales (some slightly embellished) of Old West outlaws, focusing on the James brothers and other real-life figures from history. Frank and Jesse cross paths with a gunslinging female outlaw while escaping a posse; Jesse tries to prevent a woman from making a fatal mistake; Jesse joins forces with another outlaw to find the Apache Kids Treasure. Six-Gun Slaughter at San Romano; The Apache Kid Treasure; The James Boys Revenge; Payoff — in Lead; Death to Gringos! 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Joe Palooka (1945 Harvey) 66 GD- 1.8

Interior margin piece missing. Cover detached at one staple and coming loose at the other.

Stories and art by Ham Fisher and Bob Powell. Ham Fisher's comic-strip boxer has adventures both inside and outside the ring. Humphrey is feared dead after being lost swimming the English Channel. Meanwhile, Jerry is being visited by angelic Humphrey in his dreams. Plus an adventure of Chickie Ricks, the Flyin' Fool. Bondage cover (with Humphrey, of all characters, subject to torture) possibly by Al Avison. The Red Plot; Behind the Iron Curtain!; The Confession!; The Spider Room; Joe's Nightmare; Flyin' Fool. 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Journey into Fear (1951 Superior) 9 GD 2.0

3" cumulative spine split. Cover oxidation.

Nightmare Come True; When a grocery clerk dreams about monsters, they enter reality. Out of the Crypt; in a tomb-like museum, Danny Murphy loves a 3,000-year-old girl. The Doom Tree text story. Preview of Doom!; Homer Dokes suffers a horrible fate when he finds the Globe of Kali. Masked Death!; five years have passed since Lucinda poisoned her husband for money, and shes about to marry again. 36 pgs. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Journey into Unknown Worlds (1951 2nd Series) 10 FR 1.0

6" cumulative spine split. Cover oxidation.

Stories by Hank Chapman, Carl Wessler and unknown. Art by Fred Kida, Harry Lazarus, George Tuska, Dick Ayers and Werner Roth. This tale of terror could have happened to no one but..."The Undertaker" by Hank Chapman and Fred Kida. Also in this issue: "The Thing in the Cellar" with art by Harry Lazarus; 2-page text story "Eyes of Doom," reprinted from Mystic (1951 Atlas) #3 (original title: "Dimension of Death"); "The Old Man" with art by George Tuska; "Blood on the Moon" by Carl Wessler and Dick Ayers; and "The Man Who Didn't Exist!" with art by Werner Roth. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.

Tip Topper Comics (1949) 19 CGC 1.5

Paper: Brittle

Label #4275037002

Cover by Ernie Bushmiller. Stories and art by Ernie Bushmiller, Charles Schulz, Al Capp, Sam Leff, and Henning Mikkelsen. Tip-Topper Comics collected some of United Features Syndicates most popular comic strips of the 1940s in full color, including Lil Abner and Fritzi Ritz. Fritzi was later known as "Aunt Fritzi" in the Nancy comic strip. Fritzi finds creative ways to save her hat and shoes from the weather. One of the backup strips in the comic is Charles Schulz's Peanuts, then only in its third year; several daily strips are presented in full color. Curly Kayoe's boxer buddy Mickey wants to retire from the ring so he can become a painter, but he needs to box to afford his art classes. Plus a Li'l Abner storyline by Al Capp. Fritzi Ritz; Peanuts; Li'l Abner; Curly Kayoe; Ferd'nand; Stamp Tips. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

United States Fighting Air Force (1952 Canada) 1 VG 4.0

Water damage. Only 1 staple (manufacturing).

Despite the US affiliation in the title, this was an original war comic from Canadian publisher Superior, with early issues focused on the then-current Korean War. Pilot Pete is in hot water after enemy soldiers disguise themselves as US forces to confuse air support. Bombers face heavy anti-aircraft fire from an unknown source. Tod is assigned to take out Yin Soy, the female fighter ace who's been decimating US planes. Cowards Courage; Radar Roulette; His Last Mission; Operation Panic; Mig Alley Dame. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.