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Vault of Horror #12 Gaines File pedigree 1/1 (EC, 1950). This comic book is truly one of the highlights of the sale; we believe it to be the single most desirable horror comic. Vault #12 is regarded as the first stand-alone EC horror comic, and while EC did not invent the horror genre, they made it popular and created a brand. They had national chains of distribution and a strong subscription base that other, much smaller publishers lacked. EC also had the best artists, writers and editors. To make up for their handicaps, these other, smaller publishers produced crudely-drawn comics that relied on shock value and pushing the limits of good taste. The end results were Congressional hearings, best-selling condemnations by psychologists, censorship and ultimately, the demise of the horror comic book genre and EC as a comic book publisher. The Vault of Horror runs continuously through the entire golden era of EC; offered here is the first issue of this seminal title. Overstreet designates this issue as scarce; it seldom turns up in collections, and almost never in this condition. It is uncirculated and, most likely, unread. Two small stress lines at the spine and minor wear at the top left corner are the only readily apparent defects. This is a very fresh copy with white pages. EC publisher William Gaines typically filed away twelve copies of every comic book he produced during this era; these books have come to be known as the Gaines File copies, and are highly sought after by collectors, in no small part because they often represent the best-known copies of each individual issue. But Vault of Horror #12 is legendary among Gaines File collectors, as only one single copy -- the one offered here -- was filed away for posterity. Not only is this a beautiful copy of an important book, it is unique. In order to ever acquire a complete set of Gaines File copies, this book is a must. It is the lynchpin in completing one of the most daunting -- but rewarding --
Auction 802 | Lot: 6220 | Mar 17, 2002

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Police Comics #1 Windy City pedigree (Quality, 1941). Police Comics #1 is an important book for a number of reasons. It introduces two important characters - Plastic Man and Phantom Lady - and also contains the first appearances of several other characters who are mainstays in the Quality line up, including The Human Bomb and Firebrand. Inside this classic book one finds art by legends like Will Eisner, Jack Cole and Reed Crandall. This a beautiful pedigree copy, with only the most subtle indications of wear. This is the highest grade yet awarded by CGC for this issue by quite a wide margin. CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $8,000.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6429 | Mar 17, 2002

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Marvel Comics #1 (Timely, 1939). A true "super-key" issue if ever there was one, this was the springboard for one of the most successful comic book companies in history: Timely Comics, which later re-named itself after this seminal first issue, and became Marvel Comics. Published in 1939, it featured the origin and first appearance of the Human Torch (who is featured on the spectacular cover), created by Carl Burgos. Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner (created and drawn by the legendary Bill Everett) makes his first newsstand appearance. It also featured Ka-Zar the Great (the first appearance of this first-known Tarzan clone), the first and only appearance of the Jungle Terror, and the first appearance of The Angel by Paul Gustavson. Cover art is by science fiction legend Frank R. Paul. Marvel Comics #1 introduces two of the three superstars of the fledgling company, and, even more importantly, is the first Marvel comic book, the most widely collected and arguably most important publisher in comic book history. CGC GD 2.0 Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 GD 2.0 value = $14,000.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6019 | Mar 17, 2002

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Captain America Comics #1 (Timely, 1941). Timely's most popular key issue, Captain America #1 has a lot going for it: the introduction of comicdom's favorite patriotic hero by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the first appearance of Cap's ultimate arch-nemesis the Red Skull, and an ultra-classic cover featuring Cap socking Hitler in the jaw. This series would last the duration of the 1940s, with a small revival in the '50s, before Cap became a mainstay of the comic community during the Marvel Age, enjoying vast popularity to the present day. This copy is beautiful, almost a VF, that has a small amount of professional color touch and a minor bump to the upper spine area. The colors are deep, something to be appreciated since most copies exhibit faded covers. Cap #1 has shown incredible growth over the last decade, ascending to the seventh position of Overstreet's top ten, and setting records along the way. No doubt the owner of this book will be envied by many. CGC Apparent VF- 7.5 Slight (P) Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 FN 6.0 value = $17,100; VF 8.0 value = $39,900.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6009 | Mar 17, 2002

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Fantastic Comics #3 (Fox, 1940). This issue spotlights a truly classic cover by Lou Fine, considered by many comics connoisseurs to be one of the finest artists ever to touch pen to paper. An exceedingly rare book, this is the highest graded, unrestored copy yet submitted to CGC, and is a very attractive copy with no major defects and only light to moderate general wear. A finer copy may not exist. CGC FN- 5.5 Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet FN 6.0 value = $3,045.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6360 | Mar 17, 2002

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Air Fighters Comics #2 Mile High pedigree (Hillman Fall, 1942). Finding the opportunity to purchase the Mile High copy of any significant key issue is rare, because their appeal is two-fold. What makes this particular copy especially attractive is its relative affordability in relation to other key issues, and its grade. Because of a very light water stain on the back cover, CGC downgraded this first Airboy appearance to VF 8.0, yet the book appears NM--a truly stunning example from the most famous pedigree collection in comicdom. CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 FN 6.0 value = $943; NM 9.4 value = $3,300.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6301 | Mar 17, 2002

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Zip Comics #5 Mile High pedigree (MLJ, 1940). Steel Sterling smashes the enemy in a thrilling Charles Biro cover, highlighting this exceptional comic. From the legendary Mile high collection, this book is not only a high-grade gem, it also possesses an exceptional page quality. They don't come much nicer than this. CGC NM 9.4 White pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $1,200.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6527 | Mar 17, 2002

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Wings Comics #1 Allentown pedigree (Fiction House, 1940). One of the most popular Fiction House titles, Wings are chock-full of great WWII stories of dogfighting, suicide missions, and basically anything you can imagine involving fighter planes. A great series for any WWII aficionado. This copy hails from the Allentown collection, a small group of books found in 1987 that contained the nicest existing copies of Detective #27 and Captain America #1. With the exception of a light dust shadow on the cover, there are no defects to speak of -- a truly exceptional book to behold. CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $2,200.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6513 | Mar 17, 2002

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Captain America Comics #25 Crowley pedigree (Timely, 1943). A simply stunning example from the ever-popular Cap run! This one features a great cover by Syd Shores and a Human Torch story--and Cap actually drinks liquid opium! Perfectly square with sharp edges and a near flawless spine, this copy is a great example from the Crowley collection, and a great investment piece. CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $2,100.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6011 | Mar 17, 2002

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Top-Notch Comics #19 Mile High pedigree (MLJ, 1941). Here is a prime example from the Mile High collection, grading out at an eye-popping NM+ 9.6, the highest recorded for this book. The telltale pencilled arrival date is there as well, guaranteeing this copy's authenticity. Part of an incredible group of Mile High MLJs that has been off the market for many years and had previously been thought to have been lost. Add a classic bondage cover into the mix, and this book is a real winner! CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $850.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6497 | Mar 17, 2002

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Vault of Horror #13 Gaines File pedigree (EC, 1950). EC kicked off its infamous horror trend with the twelfth issue of this title, and continued the tradition with this issue which features a Morphine story and art by Graham Ingels, Harvey Kurtzman and Wally Wood. The cover is classic EC, rendered by the great Johnny Craig. Hailing from the amazing Gaines File collection, this book is stunning in every way, with razor sharp corners, perfect spine and a perfectly clean cover. The book is literally unread, having been sealed in storage for over 40 years. Gaines saved only one file copy of Vault #12, so this book is about as close as you can get to the best. CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $1,015.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6223 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Science #12 (#1) Gaines File pedigree 6/9 (EC, 1950). The first issue of this classic book sports a great Feldstein cover and stories by Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kamen and Wally Wood (who includes caricatures of Bill Gaines and the EC staff in his story). A fabulous find from the legendary Bill Gaines collection. CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $2,000.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6254 | Mar 17, 2002

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Zip Comics #27 Mile High pedigree (MLJ, 1942). A bold cover by Irv Novick graces this key issue, which features the first appearance of the Web, as well as stories starring Black Jack and Steel Sterling. From the Mile High collection, there is a notation "D-4-24" on the cover, which is indicative of the pedigree. A nice copy, with a small chip out of the top left corner. Otherwise, extremely attractive and sharp, with exceptional page quality. CGC VF/NM 9.0 White pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $1,175.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6529 | Mar 17, 2002

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Frontline Combat #1 Gaines File pedigree 5/9 (EC, 1951). The spectacular first issue of this inspired title, Frontline Combat was Harvey Kurtzman's baby. His innovative covers and creative stewardship resulted in a masterpiece that is revered to this day, and acclaimed by many as possibly the best war title in comics. Also one of the rarest Gaines File ECs, with only nine GF copies extant. A fantastic Korean war cover by Kurtzman with interior work by Wally Wood, John Severin and Kurtzman make this book a real winner. CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $600.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6058 | Mar 17, 2002

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Mystic Comics #1 Nova Scotia pedigree (Atlas, 1940). This is one incredible comic book. Tremendously well preserved, the color and pages are exceptional, displaying only very light wear. This early Timely key is quite scarce, with only one copy currently grading higher. A truly outstanding book that anyone would be proud to own. CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 VF 8.0 value = $7,800.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6032 | Mar 17, 2002

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Suspense Comics #3 (Continental Magazines, 1944). The quintessential Golden Age cover, Suspense #3 gained a whole new notoriety in the 1990s, ushering in a new brand of collector. Like the Beatles, this book achieved its legendary status with timing and a little luck. The days of collecting full runs of Golden Age comics were fading fast by the late '80s, thanks to escalating prices, and collectors were becoming more choosy about their purchases. At the same time, Ernie Gerber was preparing his photo-journals, a pictorial collection of 22,000 Golden Age covers. Having this at their disposal, collectors began to take on a window-shopping approach to buying, picking out specific covers that appealed to them, rather than devoting themselves to a particular run or character. Eventually, enough sharp eyes picked up on this eye-popping Schomburg cover, and the book was quickly added to many want lists. But only a few tattered copies initially turned up, falling far short of demand. The value then began its famous upward spiral, and yet, unlike other "hot" books, the flood never came. By the end of the '90s it became apparent that Suspense #3 was quite a rare book that would never meet demand, commanding thousands of dollars even for Fair copies. This particular copy has had some very minor restoration, including spine support, a cleaned cover, and married centerfold (incomplete copies are common). The book has a great feel, and shows off well. Easily one of the best copies on the market, this is a rare opportunity that shouldn't be missed. Condition: App. FN- Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 FN 6.0 value = $4,500.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6477 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Science #5 Gaines File pedigree 7/10 (EC, 1951). One of Feldstein's top classic EC sci-fi covers which features an atomic bomb explosion. Gripping cover gloss, outstanding color, with no defects. There is no nicer copy in existence at this time. CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $600.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6259 | Mar 17, 2002

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Terrific Comics #1 Mile High pedigree (Continental Magazines, 1944). Heading up the esoteric boom of the 1990s, Continental perfectly encapsulated the concept, producing such classics as Catman, Suspense and Terrific. Cole, Schomburg, Palais, and Rico were only a few of the talents who helped make these strange and wonderful comics that would eventually rise to the top of collector's want lists. This first issue of Terrific is beautiful, and would have graded in the NM range if not for a strange printing defect that chipped the bottom right hand corner of the cover and pages. A rare book that never turns up in this grade. CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 FN 6.0 value = $1,000; NM 9.4 value = $3,500.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6484 | Mar 17, 2002

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Marvel Mystery Comics #5 (Timely, 1940). Overstreet lists this issue as scarce and we concur. Early Timelys are the foundation upon which the Marvel Universe was built. They are very scarce in today's marketplace, especially in unrestored states. The desirability of this particular issue is enhanced by a classic cover by Alex Schomburg, a cover more reminiscent of the ultra-violent pulps of the thirties and forties than a typical "comic" book. The incomparable Bill Everett illustrates the Sub-Mariner story. A very solid copy that has no glaring defects, and seems to be conservatively graded. CGC VG+ 4.5 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 GD 2.0 value = $1,560; FN 6.0 value = $4,680.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6021 | Mar 17, 2002

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Mad #24 Gaines File pedigree (EC, 1955). The first magazine-format Mad issue, and a simply unimprovable copy. Art by Wally Wood, Jack Davis and Will Elder. A photo-certificate attesting to the Gaines File pedigree will be issued to the buyer of this lot. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $900. These magazines are from the estate of MAD Magazine publisher, William (Bill) Gaines, and were his personal "file" copies. They passed through his estate to his son Christopher Gaines in the early 1990s. In comic collecting lore, the "Gaines File Copies" of EC comic books are highly prized. Having never been circulated, their condition is extraordinary. Exemplary storage conditions preserved their page quality and nearly all of the original gloss and color saturation of their high-impact covers. These same attributes can be found on these "Gaines File Copy" magazines. However, the magazines offered here are much scarcer than the comics. Twelve copies of each MAD comic book were save by Bill Gaines, whereas only three Gaines File sets of the magazines are known to exist. In the very few previous auction offerings of "Gaines File" copy MAD Magazines at auction, the condition has been stated as Mint or Near Mint/Mint, but we feel it would be presumptuous for us to assign grades to them. They are certainly among the finest available and their condition is consistently outstanding. While some printing and production defects are inherent to the publishing process, these magazines have never been through distribution, much less ever read. Very few hands have touched them. Still, these are magazines, not comic books, and to our knowledge no universally accepted grading standards are in effect for magazines.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6097 | Mar 17, 2002

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$7,762 or more
Mad #2 Gaines File pedigree 5/12 (EC, 1952). Outstanding issue of America's favorite humor comic with artwork by EC stalwarts John Severin, Will Elder, Wally Wood, and Jack Davis. From the legendary Gaines file collection, this book is a beauty, with few copies to rival it for sheer attractiveness and quality. CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $1500.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6084 | Mar 17, 2002

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Vault of Horror #18 Gaines File pedigree 9/12 (EC, 1951). Wow! This is one incredible comic book. One expects superlative art and writing from EC Comics, and this issue delivers with a ghoulish cover by Johnny Craig and stories by Jack Davis, Jack Kamen and Graham Ingels. The truly phenomenal aspect of this specimen, however, is its near-perfect condition. Add to that a particularly good cover, and the result is truly beautiful. CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $450.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6228 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Tales Lot (Various Publishers, 1930s). An extremely large and beautiful run of Weird Tales. Most issues have art by Margaret Brundage or Virgil Finlay. Covers and illustrations by these artists were often considered obscene at the time and most of these pulps were sold under the counter. Relatively few examples exist today, as many were burned or thrown away. This all-Weird Tales lot includes vol.20 #3 (1st Brundage cover); vol. 22 #6; vol. #23 #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6; vol. 24 #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, # 6; vol. 25 #1; vol. 26 #3; vol. 27 #1 (Conan story); vol. 28 #1 (Conan story); vol. 29 #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6; vol. 30 #1, #2 , #3, #4, #5, #6; and vol. 31 #3. Average Grade: FN Cream pages. (Total: 32 )
Auction 802 | Lot: 6299 | Mar 17, 2002

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Vault of Horror #12 (EC, 1950). A scarce EC book, this was one of the first horror titles. The "rack" cover by Johnny Craig is a classic, and the interior stories by Craig, Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman and Al Feldstein can't be beat. Highly collectible as the very first EC horror comic, and prized by EC fanatics and horror fans alike. These memorable stories, such as "Portrait in Wax" and "Terror Train" are templates for all the EC tales of terror to come. Spectacular cover gloss and bright, sharp colors makes this book a joy to own. CGC VF+ 8.5 Cream pages. Overstreet 2001 FN 6.0 value = $1,260; NM 9.4 value = $4,600.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6221 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Science #14 (#3) Gaines File pedigree 8/11 (EC, 1950). This pedigree book features one of Al Feldstein's best robot sci-fi covers with interior artwork by Jack Kamen and Harvey Kurtzman. A stunning book with outstanding cover gloss, perfect centering, square corners, and gorgeous page quality. CGC NM 9.6 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $850.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6257 | Mar 17, 2002

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Marvel Mystery Comics #71 "D" pedigree (Timely, 1946). Being the ultimate producer of propaganda comics during the 1940s, Timely was faced with the daunting task of finding new villains once the war was over. Here, Schomburg decided that evil Egyptian scientists would fit the bill, this time mummifying a distressed damsel as the Human Torch swoops in for the rescue. This copy hails from the "D" collection, and is gorgeous, with even greater eye-appeal than the grade would imply. This stunning Marvel Mystery Comics #71 is the highest-graded CGC copy to date, and it is certainly one of the best, if not the best, copies in existence. CGC NM 9.4 Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $950.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6026 | Mar 17, 2002

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Sub-Mariner Comics #1 (Timely, 1941). A classic key issue, Subby's own title was long in the coming. Alex Schomburg was handed the task of cover art, and, as usual, did a bang-up job pitting Subby against an invading force of Nazis. This copy exhibits very light restoration, including reinforcement on the spine area and a dot of color touch. The cover has not been cleaned. By achieving an apparent grade of VF-, it becomes obvious that this book was very nice to begin with. A great investment for the long-term buyer. CGC Apparent VF- 7.5 Slight (P) Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 FN 6.0 value = $6,480; VF 8.0 value = $14,040.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6038 | Mar 17, 2002

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Vault of Horror #14 Gaines File pedigree 6/9 (EC, 1950). The third issue of this venerable horror title with an excellent black magic cover by Johnny Craig. Graham Ingels and Al Feldstein join Craig in creating a masterful interior. This unread beauty is a gem, displaying stupendous colors and minimal wear. CGC NM 9.4 White pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $900.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6224 | Mar 17, 2002

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$6,210 or more
Daredevil Comics #1 (Lev Gleason, 1941). A classic Golden Age book featuring a unique photo-cover of Hitler getting it in the chops by Daredevil and pals. The issue was actually titled Daredevil Battles Hitler, but changed to Daredevil with the next issue. This attractive copy has only light wear to the edges with a stamped arrival date. CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 VF 8.0 value = $6,500.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6332 | Mar 17, 2002

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Startling Comics #47 (Better Publications, 1947). Alex Schomburg is one of the most collected Golden Age artists, and his series of airbrushed covers for Nedor/Better have always been especially prized. This one is a stunning copy with minimal wear, suggesting it is probably an unread copy, with cover colors that are comparable to the Mile High copy. This is a very desirable book, sure to be a prize in any collection. CGC NM 9.4 Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $550.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6467 | Mar 17, 2002

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Vault of Horror #15 Gaines File pedigree 7/10 (EC, 1950). The fourth issue of this horror standard with cover art by Johnny Craig and interior art by Al Feldstein, Jack Kamen and "Ghastly" Graham Ingels. The book is truly high-grade, with a fresh-looking, virtually flawless appearance. CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $770.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6225 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Science #20 Gaines File pedigree 8/11 (EC, 1953). A great Wally Wood cover illustration depicting a man alone in space with 50 beautiful women. What a lucky guy! This issue also has seven pages of Frank Frazetta/Al Williamson art. Almost flawless in every way, this book has no major defects. CGC NM 9.4 White pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $465.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6273 | Mar 17, 2002

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Zip Comics #38 Mile High pedigree (MLJ, 1943). If you want a Mile High that embodies everything that is legendary about their quality, this is the book for you. Practically flawless, this copy is white throughout, and looks like it came off the newsstand last week. Add to that classic Mort Sahl art and a Steel Sterling cover, and you have a true gem. CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $425.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6530 | Mar 17, 2002

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Mad #3 Gaines File pedigree 5/12 (EC, 1953). One of the most trend-setting comics ever published, Mad has become a cultural icon. An appropriately bizarre Harvey Kurtzman cover spotlights interior work by John Severin, Wally Wood and Jack Davis. From Bill Gaines' personal stash comes this copy, one of the nicest in existence according to CGC's current population report. A beautiful copy that's newsstand fresh. CGC NM 9.4 Off-White to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $900.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6086 | Mar 17, 2002

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Mad #30 Gaines File pedigree (EC, 1956). First Alfred E. Neuman cover, art by Norman Mingo. Interior art by Wood, Davis and Elder. A photo-certificate attesting to the Gaines File pedigree will be issued to the buyer of this lot. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $450. These magazines are from the estate of MAD Magazine publisher, William (Bill) Gaines, and were his personal "file" copies. They passed through his estate to his son Christopher Gaines in the early 1990s. In comic collecting lore, the "Gaines File Copies" of EC comic books are highly prized. Having never been circulated, their condition is extraordinary. Exemplary storage conditions preserved their page quality and nearly all of the original gloss and color saturation of their high-impact covers. These same attributes can be found on these "Gaines File Copy" magazines. However, the magazines offered here are much scarcer than the comics. Twelve copies of each MAD comic book were save by Bill Gaines, whereas only three Gaines File sets of the magazines are known to exist. In the very few previous auction offerings of "Gaines File" copy MAD Magazines at auction, the condition has been stated as Mint or Near Mint/Mint, but we feel it would be presumptuous for us to assign grades to them. They are certainly among the finest available and their condition is consistently outstanding. While some printing and production defects are inherent to the publishing process, these magazines have never been through distribution, much less ever read. Very few hands have touched them. Still, these are magazines, not comic books, and to our knowledge no universally accepted grading standards are in effect for magazines.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6103 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Science #13 (#2) Spokane pedigree (EC, 1950). Absolutely stunning copy of this classic EC title, from the highly-regarded Spokane collection. A small crimp in the upper right-hand corner of the back cover is the only visible flaw in this like-new comic. Al Feldstein's classic UFO cover is strikingly vivid in such high grade, and there is superb interior art by EC mainstays Jack Kamen and Wally Wood. CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $900.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6256 | Mar 17, 2002

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Funnies #59 Mile High pedigree (Dell, 1941). An outstanding Captain Midnight cover, the legendary Mile High pedigree, and the outstanding high grade combine to make this a triple-threat comic. Almost perfect in every way, this copy will certainly be a welcome addition to any collection. CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $825.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6370 | Mar 17, 2002

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Frontline Combat #7 Gaines File pedigree 6/10 (EC, 1952). The classic "Iwo Jima" issue features a terrific Kurtzman cover and exceptional interior art by Wally Wood, Will Elder and Jack Davis. Condition is superb, with vivid, bright color and minimal wear. CGC NM 9.4 White pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $175.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6065 | Mar 17, 2002

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Vault of Horror #39 Gaines File pedigree (EC, 1954). The specter of the Comics Code Authority loomed just around the corner as EC's horror comics fast approached their last gasp of greatness (the torch would soon be passed to the fledgling Mad). This second-to-last issue features a bondage cover, and the usual gang of greats, including Johnny Craig, Reed Crandall and Graham Ingels. Another blazing example from the Gaines File collection, this one is virtually perfect. You won't see a better copy. CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $240.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6249 | Mar 17, 2002

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Young Allies Comics #1 (Timely, 1941). Talk about a book with a lot of bells and whistles! Hitler and Red Skull on the cover, a Simon and Kirby splash page, the first meeting of Captain America and the Human Torch, and of course the first appearance of the Young Allies all combine to make this a must-have book. The cover is done in the classic slam-bang style of Timely, and features a great ad for Human Torch #4 on the back cover. This book is particularly appealing due to its unrestored state. CGC FN+ 6.5 Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 FN 6.0 value = $3,000.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6048 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Science #9 Gaines File pedigree 9/12 (EC, 1951). The aliens look like they could be in real trouble in this issue. Wally Wood and Jack Kamen did the cover and interior art. Perfectly flat with super sharp corners and intense cover gloss, this issue, according to CGC, is the nicest copy they've seen. CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $485.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6262 | Mar 17, 2002

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Mad Hatter #1 Mile High pedigree (O.W. Comics, 1946). In this landmark first issue, Freddy the Firefly, a clone of Timely's Human Torch, and Danny the Demon begin! This action-packed issue also features the first appearance of the new superhero the Mad Hatter by John Giunta. A fine example from the Mile High collection that appears near mint, except for a light ding on the back cover, a defect commonly found on these books. To date, this breathtaking Mad Hatter #1 is tied for the highest-graded CGC copy, and it's certainly one of the best copies in existence. CGC VF/NM 9.0 White pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $800.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6401 | Mar 17, 2002

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Wonder Comics #19 (Better Publications, 1948). A fantastic copy from this high demand series features a great Alex Schomburg (Xela) outer space cover, and interior art by the legendary Frank Frazetta. This book, one of the scarcer numbers in the run, is virtually flawless and has good color. CGC NM 9.4 Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $540.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6523 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Science #13 (#2) Gaines File pedigree 7/10 (EC, 1950). A classic "flying saucers over Washington" cover by Al Feldstein highlights the second issue of this classic title. Stories by Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kamen and Wally Wood round out this lovely gem of a comic from publisher Bill Gaines' personal collection. CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $900.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6255 | Mar 17, 2002

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Police Comics #21 Mile High pedigree (Quality, 1943). The Spirit appears with Plastic Man in a typically droll cover by Jack Cole, and there are fun-filled tales starring Plas, The Human Bomb, and Manhunter. Meanwhile Raven and Spider Widow cross over in the Phantom Lady story. This is a stunning copy from the legendary Mile High collection; some light shadowing and a small nick at the base of the spine on the back cover, and some minor pencil notations on the front cover (common in Mile Highs) are the only evident problems. This book has razor-sharp corners, bright fresh colors, and that like-new quality associated with this highly regarded collection. CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $725.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6430 | Mar 17, 2002

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Startling Comics #46 (Better Publications, 1947). The last of the three Graham Ingels covers in the run, this one is classic, rendered in true Golden Age style. A beauty of a book that looks near perfect. CGC NM- 9.2 Cream to off-white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $900.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6466 | Mar 17, 2002

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Weird Comics #17 Mile High pedigree (Fox, 1941). Featuring the Eagle swooping in to save Buddy from the Nazi invaders, and the origin of the Black Rider. A pretty copy with enough minor defects to keep it out of the NM range, making this Mile High both attractive and affordable. CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 FN 6.0 value = $174; NM 9.4 value = $550.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6509 | Mar 17, 2002

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Frontline Combat #2 Gaines File pedigree 6/9 (EC, 1951). An incredible comic book showcasing a Harvey Kurtzman Korean War action cover with stories by Jack Davis, Wally Wood and Kurtzman. A key Gaines file issue, with only 9 GF copies in existence. The real hook, however, is the condition. CGC rarely gives out a 9.8, but this one is well-deserved. CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2001 NM 9.4 value = $375.
Auction 802 | Lot: 6060 | Mar 17, 2002

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