Serial# 0717221001 crm/ow pgs (please read bidding requirements in listing description)
#2 (#1); C.C. Beck cvr/art; origin & 1st app. Captain Marvel; Comic Book Impact rating of 10 (CBI)
It's hard to imagine now, but for about a decade, Superman's most fearsome nemesis was not Lex Luthor or the Toyman, but the Big Red Cheese, Captain Marvel. His colossal popularity and mammoth sales eclipsed even the Man of Steel's as he moved as many as five million copies per issue. DC gathered an army of lawyers to pummel Fawcett and eventually drove them out of the funny book business as court costs skyrocketed just when sales began to lag. It's no surprise that DC would raise an eyebrow at the Captain when you see the Action #1 inspired cover of this first appearance.

It's in the pages within, however, that C.C. Beck and Billy Parker put their immortal spin on the new superhero mythology, as young orphan, Billy Batson, imbued the story with an unexpected poignancy. The moody, mysterious origin tale, with unfathomable caves, ancient gods, and atmospheric visuals set this series apart from all others of the day. Rich and detailed, instantly appealing, and perfectly tailored to its troubled times, Fawcett's family of Marvels remains a literary triumph and a comics cornerstone.
Only two higher graded copies. Overstreet 2011 FN Guide Value: $21,300.
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Artist Information

Beck was the artist most closely associated with the original Captain Marvel at Fawcett Comics, he was the main illustrator for Whiz Comics in the Golden Age while also working on Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher. Later in his career he specialized in Golden Age recreations, he also created the oddball Fatman and the Flying Saucer title for Milson Publications.