ow/white pages; w/COA; QES Certified: impressive prime focal area, beautiful spine, deep color strike (blue, yellow & red)
infamous Johnny Craig decapitation cover; possibly the single most notorious cover of the pre-code era
Gaines File Copy
Highest Graded
Crime SuspenStories #22 may very well be the most notorious comic book in the history of the medium, placed front and center in Sen. Estes Kefauver's questioning of EC publisher William Gaines, this issue was likely the straw that broke the camel's back, led to the publication of Fredrick Wertham's "Seduction of the Innocent," and the formation of the Comics Code Authority. It is plain to see how this disturbing imagery became the scapegoat for the squeaky-clean sheen that whitewashed the USA in the idyllic 50s. As most people understand today, that air of perfection was glossing over some of the more troubling aspects of American society, and to blame growing amorality and violence on a comic book seems rather short-sighted in the modern-day.

Here is a perfect opportunity to own a piece of history as this Gaines File Copy is in stunning condition that belies the book's decades of existence. Don't lose your head and let this gem pass you by. QES has certified this copy for its impressive prime focal area, beautiful spine, and deep color strike. There are only two copies graded higher than this amazing example on the census, so it will certainly be a hot item at auction as classic EC issues remain a cult favorite of comic collectors. In November 2022 an 8.5 copy sold for $52,800 and in January 2023 a 9.0 copy sold for $72,000.

Overstreet Guide 2022 NM- (9.2) value = $20,000.

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