Auctions: comic books December 1955

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.

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.