Auctions: comic books published by EC

Airboy (1986 Eclipse) 5 VF- 7.5

As Airboy engages in a showdown with General Orista, Hirota, the Heap and others take on Misery in "Misery Takes a Holiday." Script by Chuck Dixon and art by Stan Woch & Willie Blyberg & Emily Novak. Cover by Dave Stevens Cover price $0.50.

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 Illustrated (1955) 2 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4378731003

Cover by Reed Crandall. Stories by Al Feldstein, Jack Oleck, John Larner, and Maxwell Williams. Art by Jack Davis, Joe Orlando, Reed Crandall, Graham Ingels 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 movie stand-in plots to permanently replace a famous movie star, in a story adapted from "Cut!" which originally appeared in Crime Suspenstories (1950-55 E.C. Comics) #9. Condemned man Arnold tells the priest who's come for last rites why and how he murdered his wife. Norman and Sally conspire to kill Norman's wife in Pieces of Hate (adapted from "In Each and Every Package" in Crime Suspenstories (1950-55 E.C. Comics) #22, written by Al Feldstein using the soon-to-be-famous moniker "Alfred E. Neuman." Ax-wielding maniac cover by Reed Crandall is actually kind of tame for EC. Motive; Fair Trade; Clean Sweep; Screenplay For Murder; Pieces Of Hate. Final issue of the series; a third issue was planned, but not printed until the modern era, in EC Picto-Fiction HC Set (2006 Gemstone) #1. 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 60 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Destroyer Duck (1982) 1 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4297998005

"Special Lawsuit Benefit Edition." At the height of their legal battles with Marvel, Steve Gerber and Jack Kirby teamed up for this benefit comic, in which a gun-slinging duck seeks revenge against an evil megacorporation. Art and stories donated by Mark Evanier, Dan Spiegle, Scott Shaw!, Alfredo Alcala, Steve Leialoha, Shary Flenniken, Martin Pasko, and Joe Staton. All this plus the first-ever appearance of Sergio Aragones' Groo the Wanderer. Full color; 36 pages. Cover by Kirby and Neal Adams! Cover price $1.50.

Miracleman (1985) 1A CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4060893022

Written by Alan Moore, with art by Gary Leach. Mickey Moran was just a regular bloke with a wife and a job, until one day he *remembered*...that he was Miracleman, a glistening new god with powers far beyond those of mortal ken. He also remembered that, years ago, he and his sidekicks -- Young Miracleman and Kid Miracleman -- were in a horrible accident that left Young Miracleman dead. When Moran goes to see Kid Miracleman to help him piece together his past, our hero finds that his youthful protege has changed...for the worse. Much worse. If you've never read this series, be assured it ranks right up there with Alan Moore's other classic, Watchmen. Cover price $0.75.

Miracleman (1985) 1A CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4377652004

Written by Alan Moore, with art by Gary Leach. Mickey Moran was just a regular bloke with a wife and a job, until one day he *remembered*...that he was Miracleman, a glistening new god with powers far beyond those of mortal ken. He also remembered that, years ago, he and his sidekicks -- Young Miracleman and Kid Miracleman -- were in a horrible accident that left Young Miracleman dead. When Moran goes to see Kid Miracleman to help him piece together his past, our hero finds that his youthful protege has changed...for the worse. Much worse. If you've never read this series, be assured it ranks right up there with Alan Moore's other classic, Watchmen. Cover price $0.75.

Miracleman (1985) 1B VF 8.0 Blue Variant

Blue San Diego Miracleman Edition with (BLUE) certificate of authenticity. Signed by Cat Yronwode and Dean Mullaney but not numbered. NOTE: The blues are part of the first 1000 copies of Miracleman #1 printed. The first 400 with gold certificates are signed & numbered by Alan Moore. The remaining 600 were given blue certificates and signed by Cat Yronwode and Dean Mullaney but not numbered. These first 1000 copies all have a printing crease on the front cover. CONTENT INFO: Written by Alan Moore, with art by Gary Leach. Mickey Moran was just a regular bloke with a wife and a job, until one day he *remembered*...that he was Miracleman, a glistening new god with powers far beyond those of mortal ken. He also remembered that, years ago, he and his sidekicks -- Young Miracleman and Kid Miracleman -- were in a horrible accident that left Young Miracleman dead. When Moran goes to see Kid Miracleman to help him piece together his past, our hero finds that his youthful protege has changed...for the worse. Much worse. If you've never read this series, be assured it ranks right up there with Alan Moore's other classic, Watchmen. Cover price $0.75.

Miracleman (1985) 15 VF+ 8.5

Alan Moore script, John Totleben art. "Book Three, Chapter Five: Nemesis." This sought-after issue features the end of Kid Miracleman and quite possibly the most horrific super-battle in the history of comics. Also features a five page back-up, "Miracleman and the Rock of Eternity," a reprint from Mic Anglo Studios' Amazing New Adventures of Marvelman #305 (circa 1955). Cover price $1.75.

Miracleman (1985) 21 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4294280007

Cover by Dave McKean. Written by Neil Gaiman. Art by Mark Buckingham. In this issue: Ruth Browning and Evelyn Cream in "Spy Story"! Plus: Miracleman, Mors and Dickie Dauntless in the 2-page story "Retrieval 5"! And: Miracleman (in flashback) in "Screaming," reprinted from Total Eclipse (1988 Eclipse) #4. 32 pages, full color. Cover price $2.50.

Miracleman (1985) 22 VF/NM 9.0

Miscut.

Cover by Dave McKean. Written by Neil Gaiman. Art by Mark Buckingham. In this issue: Miracleman, John Gallaway, Anita, Rachel Cohn, Jason, Ida, Sharon, Mist, Ruth Browning and Firedrake in "Carnival"! Plus: Miracleman, Miraclewoman, Young Miracleman, Mors, Phon Mooda and Kana Blur in the 4-page story "Retrieval 6"! 32 pages, full color. Cover price $2.50.

Miracleman (1985) 23 VF- 7.5

The Secret Origin of Young Miracleman - Written by Neil Gaiman. Art by Mark Buckingham. Cover by Barry Windsor-Smith. The Silver Age begins with Book One! Characters in this issue: The Zapster (introduction), Jenda (introduction), Duncan (introduction), Mist, Panorama (introduction), Kay (introduction), Young Miracleman, Mors, Winter Moran, Miraclewoman, British Bulldog (Big Ben), Firedrake (Huey Moon) and Warpsmiths (Kana Blur, Phon Mooda). Plus: 4 pages of Mark Buckingham's sketches of the Miracleman Family. 32 pages, full color. Cover price $2.50.

Piracy (1954 E.C. Comics) 5 GD/VG 3.0

Cover and centerfold loose at one staple.

Cover by Bernie Krigstein. Stories by Carl Wessler and Jack Oleck. Art by Graham Ingels, Bernie Krigstein, George Evans, and Reed Crandall. One of EC Comics' late New Direction titles, a response to the new Comics Code, featuring piracy on the high seas. The life of pirate and war hero Jean LaFitte, who fought alongside Americans in the War of 1812 and the crucial Battle of New Orleans, with art by Reed Crandall. An evil captain withholds a keg of water from his crew, in a survivor story with a twist ending and art by George Evans. Graham Ingels illustrates the tale of a man who finds courage in a most unusual place. First issue with the Comics Code seal on the cover. Jean Lafitte; Rag Doll; Salvage; Breakers on the Shore; The Keg. 36 pages, Full Color. 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.

Shock Illustrated (1955) 2 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4378731001

Painted cover by Rudy Nappi. Stories by Daniel Keyes, Jack Oleck, and Al Feldstein. Art by Reed Crandall, George Evans, Al Williamson, and Graham Ingels. Part of EC's Picto-Fiction line, published in response to the Comics Code, featuring crime tales in text stories copiously illustrated by EC's lineup of artists. Cops capture "The Lipstick Killer" after a murder spree, and psychoanalysis reveals his accidental first murder when he was a toddler. A macabre bet between two med-school students leads to a man being buried alive, but the truth is worse still. A sheriff seeks the truth about a woman's death. Featuring some stories by Daniel Keyes, later the author of the science fiction classic Flowers for Algernon. The Lipstick Killer; My Brothers Keeper; A Question of Time; Dead Right. 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 60 pages, B&W with single-color accents. Cover price $0.25.

Tales from the Crypt (1950 E.C. Comics) 39 PR 0.5

INTERIOR IS COMPLETE. Full length spine split with back cover missing. Cover and interior oxidation. Cover-to-cover edge tear.

Cover by Jack Davis. "Undertaking Palor," script by Al Feldstein, art by Jack Davis; Some boys peeping through an undertaker's basement window overhear a plot between the town druggist and undertaker to poison citizens to profit from their funeral costs. "The Craving Grave," script by Al Feldstein, art by Joe Orlando; This story is told by a grave; It speaks of spending lonely years of being laughed at by the other graves, because they have children (corpses) while the narrator remains barren. "Fire!" text story. "The Sleeping Beauty!", script by Al Feldstein, art by Jack Kamen; In this grim fairy tale, the REAL reason sleeping beauty spends all that time sleeping during the daytime hours turns out to be...aw, you guessed it. "Shadow of Death," script by Al Feldstein, art by Graham Ingels; The shadow of a corner newspaper dealer detaches itself from his body one evening and seizes the shadow of an axe in order to assault an unscrupulous competitor who is attempting to ruin him. 36 pgs., full color. $0.10. 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.

Terror Illustrated (1955) 2 CGC 5.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4378731005

Cover by Reed Crandall. Stories by John Larner, Jack Oleck, and Al Feldstein (credited as Alfred E. Neuman). Art by Graham Ingels, Charles Sultan, Jack Davis, George Evans, Johnny Craig, and Joe Orlando. 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. Members of a carnival freak show get ironic revenge on the cruel owner after he blinds the knife-thrower. A man who survived an auto accident doesn't understand why everyone flees in terror at the sight of him. A town turns against the local constable after a series of decapitation murders, but the truth is more horrifying still. Some stories are credited to Alfred E. Neuman, a name soon to be irrevocably connected to MAD Magazine. Classic cover by Reed Crandall. Horror in the Freak Tent; Requiem; Mother Love; Head Man; Reflection of Death. Final issue of the series. 8 1/2-in. x 11-in., 60 pages, B&W with single-color accents. Cover price $0.25.

Tiny Tot Comics (1946) 2 VG+ 4.5

Writing on activity page.

Cover by Burton Geller. Stories and art by Ruth Geller and Burton Geller. Kids' funny-animal comics from EC, back when the company was still run by Max Gaines and called "Educational Comics." Dunny the Flying Donkey recalls how Mr. Pelican taught her to fly with her ears, Dumbo-style. Peter and Pinky visit Chocolate Land, the best of all the food-related lands. Wooden puppet Clippity Clop tries to help carpenter Mr. Jiggles build a house. Dunny the Flying Donkey; Peter and Pinky in Chocolate Land; Vegetable Village; Smoky the Snake; Pepe and His Burro; Lets Make a Basket!; The Talking Teddy; Cinderella; Clippety Clop. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Weird Fantasy (1951 E.C. Comics 2nd Series) 22 PR 0.5

Interior is complete. Full length spine split (taped). Missing back cover.

Final issue of the series (becomes Weird Science-Fantasy with issue #23). Cover art by Joe Orlando. "The Silent Towns," script by Ray Bradbury and Al Feldstein (adaptation), art by Reed Crandall; Walter surveys a little white silent town on the edge of a dead Martian sea, wondering what happened to all of its inhabitants; He suddenly hears a phone ringing, but he is too late to answer it; After this happens twice, he succeeds in answering a phone and finds a Miss Selsor on the other end, and he meets her, only to find that she is fat and ugly; An adaptation of a Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles story. "The Freaks," script by Bill Gaines (co-plot) and Al Feldstein (co-plot and script), art by Jack Kamen; The freaks at a circus side show are sick and tired of the stares of the crowds, their snickers, their groans of disgust...and one decides to quit. But when the freak is found dead in his tent, the circus owners go in search for a replacement. "Public Service!" text story. "The Fossil," script by Bill Gaines (co-plot) and Al Feldstein (co-plot, script), art by Joe Orlando; Astronauts land on a deserted planet and begin hunting for archaeological evidence of the former inhabitants; They find a huge skeleton of a creature that apparently walked on all fours, but are baffled by its nature. "Derelict Ship," script by Bill Gaines (co-plot) and Al Feldstein (co-plot, script), art by Bernie Krigstein; Captain Vance Kaye is the commanding officer of an exploratory spaceship; He's obsessed with searching every derelict ship his crew discovers, but nobody knows why. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.10.