This auction features beautiful books (and other collectibles) from all comic eras, including a large collection of pre-code horror! While horror may not be your first thought when it comes to delightful winter fun, these books are simply too beautiful to overlook.
Black Cat Mystery #50
One of the most iconic covers from the pre-code horror era, Harvey Publication left little to the imagination with Black Cat Mystery #50! The horror in the man's eyes as his face and hands melt away from radium is as graphic as it is beautiful, thanks to cover artist Lee Elias. This comic is a grail for horror collectors and always commands top dollar.
This CGC blue label 8.5 VF+ has cream to off-white pages and presents beautifully. A similar 8.5 last sold through ComicConnect in 2020 for $14,755. In total there are 8 blue-label 8.5's on the census, making this a rare find.
Chamber of Chills #19
Harvey Publication's other iconic cover belongs to Chamber of Chills #19. The cover was immortalized in pop culture thanks to The Misfits using it as the cover for the single "Die, Die My Darling", and has remained a bold statement cover ever since. This CGC blue label 9.2 NM- with white to off-white pages is one of the best examples I've seen of this comic.
There are only two 9.2 blue labels on the census, with the last sale ending at $50,400 in January 2022 through Heritage. There is also an 8.0 up for auction -- with a one-year average of $24,000, an 8.0 may be more affordable for some!
Haunted Thrills #13
This often-overlooked book is a personal favorite. The driver -- who has morphed into a skeleton -- is frightening as is beautiful, thanks to a still unknown comic artist. The downside to collecting older books is that you won't always know who worked on what since most publications used a bullpen of talent and seldom gave credit.
This CGC blue label 5.0 VG/FN has off-white to white pages and still looks great. This is the only 5.0 in the census, and currently, there is little data on pricing. To compare, a 5.5 has a one-year average of $3,840, making this an affordable pre-code horror comic.
Worlds of Fear #4
Worlds of Fear #4 is a unique find -- black covers are a niche all their own, and this cover features just that, with creepy eyeballs peering out. In the corner is a decomposed body, swearing he'll win his love back. This cover has a lot going on with it, and should be on any collector's want list. This is a prime example of a higher grade pre-code book, with a CGC blue label 8.0 VF with off-white to white pages.
There are two of these on the census, but there is little price data for them. The last time any copy of Worlds of Fear #4 sold was in February 2020, when a blue label 5.5 sold for $385 on eBay.
Are you bidding on any pre-code horror in this auction? Let us know in the comments below!
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance
