CRIME SUSPENSTORIES (1950-55) #22
CGC NM: 9.4
(Stock Image)
SOLD ON: Wednesday, 03/15/2023 8:05 PM
$90,112
Sold For
51
Bids
PUBLISHER: EC
COMMENTS: 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; EC Comics
Gaines File Copy
Highest Graded
Read Description ▼
infamous Johnny Craig decapitation cover; possibly the single most notorious cover of the pre-code era; EC Comics
Gaines File Copy
Highest Graded
DESCRIPTION
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; EC Comics
Gaines File Copy
Highest Graded
Crime SuspenStories #22 may very well be the most notorious comic book in the history of the medium. Johnny Craig's sensational cover art was prominently featured while EC publisher William Gaines testified in the 1954 Senate investigation into the evil influence of comic books. Gaines was asked, "Do you consider this to be in good taste?" and he responded, "Yes, for a horror comic" — adding that it would've been in bad taste to show blood dripping from the victim's neck.
As a result, this issue is often credited for the formation of the Comics Code Authority. The book's contents also offer great finds for pre-Code collectors. In addition to the axe-murder of "In Each and Every Package" (penciled by Reed Crandall), there's amazing artwork by Golden Age legends Bernard Krigstein, Jack Kamen, and Joe Orlando. This legendary book is always a popular target at auction with plenty of proven investment upside.
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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.
If you are a new customer planning to make a first-time purchase over $25,000, please contact us 24 hours in advance of the item closing at 212.895.3999 or support@comicconnect.com so that we may approve your account for bidding. (This policy was instituted to protect consignors and bidders against bids from fraudulent accounts, and to ensure the integrity of the bidding process.) Once approved, please log out of your account and then log in, for the approval to take effect.
Visit the QES website.
We realize many of you would like to bid on this auction lot, so for this listing, ComicConnect.com offers a 6 month, interest free, time payment plan with a 20% non-refundable deposit. Time Payments invoices can only be paid by cash, check, money order or wire transfer. LEARN MORE
infamous Johnny Craig decapitation cover; possibly the single most notorious cover of the pre-code era; EC Comics
Gaines File Copy
Highest Graded
Crime SuspenStories #22 may very well be the most notorious comic book in the history of the medium. Johnny Craig's sensational cover art was prominently featured while EC publisher William Gaines testified in the 1954 Senate investigation into the evil influence of comic books. Gaines was asked, "Do you consider this to be in good taste?" and he responded, "Yes, for a horror comic" — adding that it would've been in bad taste to show blood dripping from the victim's neck.
As a result, this issue is often credited for the formation of the Comics Code Authority. The book's contents also offer great finds for pre-Code collectors. In addition to the axe-murder of "In Each and Every Package" (penciled by Reed Crandall), there's amazing artwork by Golden Age legends Bernard Krigstein, Jack Kamen, and Joe Orlando. This legendary book is always a popular target at auction with plenty of proven investment upside.
_______________________________________________
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.
If you are a new customer planning to make a first-time purchase over $25,000, please contact us 24 hours in advance of the item closing at 212.895.3999 or support@comicconnect.com so that we may approve your account for bidding. (This policy was instituted to protect consignors and bidders against bids from fraudulent accounts, and to ensure the integrity of the bidding process.) Once approved, please log out of your account and then log in, for the approval to take effect.
Visit the QES website.
We realize many of you would like to bid on this auction lot, so for this listing, ComicConnect.com offers a 6 month, interest free, time payment plan with a 20% non-refundable deposit. Time Payments invoices can only be paid by cash, check, money order or wire transfer. LEARN MORE