Auctions: comic books published by St. John

Diary Secrets (1950) 20 CGC 1.8

Paper: Off white

Label #4476707020

Cover by Matt Baker. Stories and art by Joe Kubert, Warren King, John Giunta, Robert Bernstein and Max Elkan. Early romance comics from St. John with an emphasis on scandal and great covers by Matt Baker. Jan sets her sights on co-worker Elmer, but he's smitten with Eve, who already has a boyfriend. Silver-screen villain Jon is famous for his "ugly" face, but fellow actor Gina loves him for the man inside, even after a fire disfigures him further. Susan smells trouble when her brother Carl starts dating Georgia, but she has no idea how much trouble is actually coming. Plus a story with early art by comics legend Joe Kubert. Matt Baker outdoes himself with this cover. Ring Around My Heart; My Stand-in for Love; Comedy Column; Gag-Bag; The Face of an Angel; My Boomerang Lies. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Going Steady (1954-1955) 10 CGC 1.8

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4476707021

Cover by Matt Baker. Stories and art by Matt Baker, Bob Brown, Dave Gantz, and Bernard Sachs. Numbering continues from Teen-Age Temptations (1952) #9. Love and scandal from St. John, with plentiful art by good-girl art legend Matt Baker. Mary loves wealthy Craig, but his sister thinks she's not good enough for him, in a story with art by Baker. Ginny uses temper tantrums to get hubby Ray to do what she wants, until one day he's finally had enough. Telegraph clerk Kathy hooks up with Navy lieutenant Frank, but soon he's in love and so is she. Trouble's Daughter; My Temper Was My Guide; I Was a Good-Time Nurse; Broken Date Delusion; For the Love of Mike. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Mopsy (1948) 5 PR 0.5

INCOMPLETE. Multiple pages missing. Interrupts art and story.

Cover by Gladys Parker. Stories and art by Gladys Parker and Connie Williams. One of the first female-centric comic strips, by pioneering female artist Gladys Parker, Mopsy combines an Ever Meulen art style with pantomime-style gags and good-girl art. Mopsy wants to be a fashion model, but she's more interested in the talent agent who hires her, the handsome Mr. Bowers. Mopsy finds a way to keep from falling down while skiing. Photographer Pat Daley needs a picture of reclusive Gordon Goldbrick to get a job at the World Herald. Plus "Mopsy Modes" paper dolls, showcasing the fashions of the era. Mopsy; Mopsy Modes; Penny Glamor; Pat Daley; Winter Fashions; Susan Goes Hollywood. 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Whack (1953) 1 GD/VG 3.0

Cover detached at one staple. No 3D glasses present.

Does not include original 3-D glasses. Cover by Norman Maurer. Stories and art by Joe Kubert, Norman Maurer, and Dave Berg. Another Mad clone, this one produced by comics legend Joe Kubert and Norman Maurer of Tor fame; the first issue was in 3-D. Private nose Keyhole Kasey (who looks like Dick Tracy's half-brother) investigates after Protection Louie is found dead. In a spoof of funny-animal stories, with art by future MAD artist Dave Berg, Dirty Mouse is a gangster who's taking advantage of kindly Wilfred Wolf. Norman Maurer and comics legend Joe Kubert portray themselves in a self-deprecating look at the comics industry during the era of 3-D comics. Ghastly Dee-Fective Comics; Tales of the Wooly West Starring Hoot Man; The 3-D-Ts; The Mouse of Evil: A Case of the Jitters; A Grim Fairy Tale!; Lovely Love Comics. 32 pages, B/W with 3-D effects. Cover price $0.25.