You'll Scream Over These EC Comics, Certified by CGC, in a Heritage Sale
Posted on 7/29/2024
August heralds that summer will soon be coming to an end, and then it will be time for spooky stories and ghouls. Heritage Auctions is getting into the spirit early with many pre-code EC Comics horror titles graded by Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) that are offered in the Roger Hill Collection EC Comics Showcase Auction on August 22-23, 2024.
Led by publisher William Gaines, EC Comics gained prominence in the 1950s for its edgy and innovative storytelling, particularly in genres like horror, crime and science fiction. These comics attracted a dedicated fanbase but also faced growing public concern about their content. In 1954, Dr. Fredric Wertham published his book "Seduction of the Innocent," in which he argued that comic books, particularly horror and crime comics, were corrupting the minds of young readers and contributing to juvenile delinquency.
These concerns culminated in the Senate hearings on comic books, aiming to investigate the alleged negative impact of comic books on youth, and these hearings led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority (CCA). This self-regulatory body imposed strict guidelines on comic book content, effectively curbing the graphic and provocative storytelling that EC Comics had been known for. EC Comics ceased its publication of horror and crime titles and shifted its focus to other genres, but the company struggled to thrive under this new climate and closed in 1956.
 |
 |
| Click images to enlarge. | |
In this auction is one of EC’s most iconic covers and one specifically referenced in Wertham’s book: a Crime SuspenStories #22, which is graded CGC 7.0 (lot 83032). Its pre-code cover featured a graphic image of decapitation, which became symbolic of EC’s brand. Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, the cover of Crime SuspenStories #22 has become a symbol of the struggles between creative expression and censorship. Collectors and historians often reference this cover when discussing the impact of the Comics Code and the evolution of the comic book industry.
Also offered is a Haunt of Fear #15 (#1) graded CGC 7.5 (lot 83058). This series actually began in June 1947 as a comedy series titled “Fat and Slat,” and was retitled “Gunfighter” with issue #5 shifting to westerns. The series was rebranded once again as horror with issue #15, now titled “Haunt of Fear.” While this is the 15th issue of the overall series, it is regarded as issue #1 of the Haunt of Fear series. The legacy numbering system was ended after the first three issues, beginning with Haunt of Fear #4.
Other CGC-certified comics in this auction include:
- a Crime SuspenStories #20 graded CGC 6.5 (lot 83030)
- a Crime SuspenStories #23 Gaines File Copy graded CGC 9.4 (lot 83033)
- a Crypt of Terror #17 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 83038)
- a Crypt of Terror #19 graded CGC 9.2 (lot 83040)
- a Haunt of Fear #16 (#2) graded CGC 7.5 (lot 83059)
- a MAD #1 graded CGC 6.0 (lot 83100)
- a Shock SuspenStories #6 graded CGC 7.0 (lot 83159)
- a Tales of Terror Annual #1 graded CGC 5.0 Restored (lot 83201)
- a Tales of Terror Annual #2 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 83202)
- a Vault of Horror #17 graded CGC 8.0 (lot 83223)
About CGC
Since revolutionizing comic book grading in 2000, CGC has grown to include certification services for a vast variety of pop culture collectibles. These divisions include CGC Cards, CGC Video Games and CGC Home Video. CGC Cards provides expert card grading for TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards. CGC Video Games is dedicated to video game grading for the most popular consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation and more. The newest division of CGC, CGC Home Video, provides expert VHS grading in addition to other types of home media.
Stay Informed
Want news like this delivered to your inbox once a month? Subscribe to the free CGC eNewsletter today!