shrunkenhead

I dunno, I like the ECs a lot.....generally speaking, they ain't my favorite of the genre, as I do like the crazier "knock-offs" too, but I certainly think that a mid to high grade EC is worth owning. I've got a few slabbed. TFTC #33 is one of my all time favorite comics, period (origin of cryptkeeper story, and a gorgeous cover). I remember reading a reprint of that book to shreds when I was a kid. I can see why the constant reprinting is a turn-off to some, but I don't see how frequent reprints detract from collectability...though I know and understand that a lot of people feel that way. But still, are copies of Action Comics #1 or early spideys rendered less collectible because they've been reprinted a bazillion times? I just don't see it... Surely I'm not the only one out there who'd plunk good money down on an EC? Are you trying to tell me that ALL those heritage sales aren't REAL??!?

Nice Weird Mysteries, Paull! That was on ebay recently, yes? Vaguely remember seeing it offered for sale... I've noticed that mid-grade EC horror is coming waaay down in price, in part due to the recent availability of Gaines Files which are, by contrast, priced to the stratosophere. You can even get great deals on ECs CGC'd at 8.5 thanks to the Gaines File demand. I agree that some of those Weird Mysteries and Mister Mystery books are damn near impossible to find, but probably because people hold onto 'em as opposed to "actual" scarcity. Speaking of scarcity, I've been warned by certain collectors to stay away from Harvey File Copies as the prices can be high and there's so many out there in high grade. Do you guys find this to be true? Some of those Harveys are so great looking, I may end up picking up a few more even if I know I'm getting fleeced. I'm not parting with my Witches Tales, they're so deliciously sleazy! POV, I've got that Anti-Hitler comic and it is great. Two stories, one is from Great Comics #3 and I forget where the other one comes from. Some good "liner notes" in that book too. Woo hoo! More precode talk!!!

I typically look for GA in the 6.0-8.0 range, although I'll go in for a VG if it's a classic cover or key. Higher than an 8.0 is getting too damn expensive, but there are such wonderful deals to be had in the mid-grade zone. I've picked up a few mid grade CGC copies at under guide prices (pre code horror under guide!?!) on ebay, thanks to the 9.4 craze. Once people start to snap out of their stupor and realize that you can't find certain books anywhere in anything higher than a F/VF, I expect prices to shoot up again.

Oh, and yep, I've got the TTTT set, although at the time I didn't know you could get it for $25 in one shot and instead put the set together myself at about $50. Ah well, one could blow money in worse ways! Great set to own. I saw an ad once for another reprint title called Extinct...anybody know about that one? I've yet to track it down.

I've seen that #5 on Metro's site, it's like $1600 or something like that! I think my fav pre-codes are Black Magic and Dark Mysteries. Black Magic is an especially underrated title, I feel, because it got so crappy when it continued post-code. I love how the Black Magic covers are loaded with dialogue balloons. You get a little story on every cover!

Wow, great Ajax books! Very nice going indeed. I love that apocalyptic horseman cover, very Pat Roberston. And Pov, may I say that your pre-code checklist is invaluable, wonderful stuff? I made a printout, I'm sure I'll use it often as I try to capture 9.8's of every book on there, hahaha! I didn't see the Bobby Benson horror cover on your list? I can't remember the issue # offhand, but it's the one with the mad scientist and the hanging heads on the wall. I know BB is a cheeze western title, but it's kinda a classic campy horror cover, doncha think?