Chris Foss Purchases Complete CGC-Graded Gaines File SF Set from Heritage

Dallas, TX: Chris Foss, owner of the Heroes and Dragons of Columbia, South Carolina, has purchased a complete set of Gaines File science fiction issues from HeritageComics.com and its co-owner James Halperin for a low-to-mid six-figure price. The issues are Weird Fantasy 1-22, Weird Science 1-22, Weird Science Fantasy 23-29, and Incredible Science Fiction 30-33.

The average grade of the set is quite high. Over 75% of the issues are in 9.4 or 9.6 condition. The key Weird Fantasy #1 is a 9.6, Weird Science #1 is 9.4, Weird Science #5 is 9.8 (!), and the coveted Weird Science Fantasy #29 is 9.4.

William Gaines, publisher of MAD, Tales from the Crypt, and dozens of other classic comic titles, set aside 12 file copies of most EC comics issued between 1950 and 1955. These “Gaines File” copies are now among the most desirable of all comic books.

A few of the comic books were purchased at Heritage’s Signature and monthly Internet-only auctions beginning in March, and the balance from Halperin directly when Foss was visiting Heritage’s offices in late June to view lots for their July 4-6 Wizard World Signature auction.

According to Foss, “I learned that Jim Halperin bought a full set of Gaines File books from Steve Geppi back in March. I collect science fiction comics and had already started to buy a few Gaines File issues from their auctions. So I immediately approached (Heritage’s Director of Acquisitions) Ed Jaster about buying the science fiction titles to fill in the rest of my then-incipient set. Ed promised that Jim would offer me the books I needed after all the books came back from CGC, and they were true to their word. Jim gave me a very fair deal, too. I didn’t even have to negotiate the price. The entire transaction took just a few minutes.”

“Chris has been a consistent consignor and bidder in our auctions, so Jim was more than happy to accommodate his request,” said Jaster.

Foss tentatively plans to hold the books for a few years as an investment. “I’m just thrilled to be the temporary custodian of these treasures!” enthused Foss.

All past Heritage auction records may be viewed along with full-color images, descriptions, and prices, at www.HeritageComics.com. Membership is free.

Foss’s Heroes and Dragons is a 12,000 “megastore” and local legend. His web site, appropriately enough, is: www.HeroesAndDragons.com.