1935-1940: The GOLDEN AGE of Golden Age

[CentaurMan]

I'm starting this thread primarily for the purpose of posting scans of books that are at the heart of my collecting interest: The pre-1941 Golden Age comics, the books that featured the artists, writers, and characters that launched the entire hobby.

 

This thread is going to be where I post my scans, including my oft-asked-for Centaurs, but I don't intend for it to be self-indulgant. I just LOVE these oldest, rarest comics, and would be thrilled if I could coax some scans from other early Golden Age collectors. These books seldom see the light of day, the Gerbers don't do them justice, and usually there's a story behind each one of them.

 

I'll start out with one of my favorite pre-Centaurs, Detective Picture Stories #4, from 1937. This comic contains a very early Eisner story, "Muss 'em Up". Although the comic has plenty of color in it, the Eisner story is entirely black-and-white, and it's superb. Great writing, innovative "camera angles" in the panels, and a tremendous shadowy mood. You'd think Eisner's cop hero, "Hammer" Donovan, was a copy-cat Sam Spade, except that "Muss 'em Up" was written four years before The Maltese Falcon was shown.

 

[buttock]

Awesome! I used to have a pretty sharp copy of that one. When I get a scanner in the next week or two, I'll join in.

[CentaurMan]

You're one of the guys I was hoping would join in! I can tell by your posts that you've got a rock-star early GA collection, and I've been dying to see more of it.

 

My next book is Detective Comics #9, from 1937. Some great Siegel & Shuster in here, of course, once again drawing every hero's face exactly like Superman would end up looking. The Flessel cover actually comes from a 6-page interior TEXT story, oddly enough. I also think it's unusual that the cop has blond hair. Virtually every detective story I've seen from this (or any) era has a dark-haired protagonist.

 

[acesilver]

Very impressive books CentaurMan! Looking forward to seeing more.

[RareHighGrade]

Since you're posting 1930's books and mentioned Centaurs, here's a raw and unrestored copy of one of my favorites, Funny Picture Stories #1. This 1936 book has the historical distinction of being the first comic cover ever with a masked hero (the Clock).

[buttock]

I can tell by your posts that you've got a rock-star early GA collection, and I've been dying to see more of it.

 

 

Let's go with poor one-man band in a seedy bar on a Monday night. But I do have some cool Funny Pages and a nice AMF v2#5.

[Bonds25]

Unbelievable books!

 

Can't wait to see them - this is the main reason I love these boards!!

[PovertyRow]

The pre-1941 Golden Age comics, the books that featured the artists, writers, and characters that launched the entire hobby.

 

Oh yeah! Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CentaurMan]

Wow, awesome comic! I didn't know such a nice one even existed...my copy is a restored 3.0.

 

So, in the past you've shown us the Church copy of Detective 15, a gorgeous Amazing Mystery Funnies 1, Wonder Comics 1, and Fantastic Comics 1. Suffice it to say that I'm speechless. Without speech.

[buttock]

Since you're posting 1930's books and mentioned Centaurs, here's a raw and unrestored copy of one of my favorites, Funny Picture Stories #1. This 1936 book has the historical distinction of being the first comic cover ever with a masked hero (the Clock).

 

Awesome copy! The best I've seen is a VGF.

However, isn't that the 2nd app of the clock (after Funny Pages 6)?

[Durden08]

Great thread Centaurman. My collecting interest is roughly in the same time period as you (1938-1945). Though my collection is so far very small, I have a couple I'll try and get posted soon. Those early Detectives are sweet no doubt. Keep them coming.

[ghoulaid]

These are the types of books that really get the adrenalin flowing!

[CentaurMan]

This next book, More Fun 48 from 1939, has an early Bob Kane 2-page humor strip in it: Ginger Snap. I can't for the life of me see where Batman came from when I look at Ginger Snap. Although the cartoon-y style of Kane's Batman villains does come through pretty clearly.

 

[PUNYHUMAN]

Centaur, Rare High Grade, Buttock, This is my kinda Thread!!!! I love seeing books like these & in such Beautiful condition.I thought I was going to fall out of my chair,no kidding. I'm in total AWE!!!! Keep posting them guys,Awesome!!!

[143ksk]

Great books. Keep 'em coming!

[ecfanman]

Superworld #1. Great Frank R. Paul cover.

 

[PovertyRow]

Superworld #1. Great Frank R. Paul cover.

 

 

Man that is sweet. Ted VanLiew would love it!

[CentaurMan]

 

Nice early (1940) sci-fi cover, and very hard to find. You don't happen to have a Superworld #2, do you? I've seen 1 and 3 before, occasionally, but I don't think I've ever seen a #2.

 

Great book!

[PovertyRow]

 

Nice early (1940) sci-fi cover, and very hard to find. You don't happen to have a Superworld #2, do you? I've seen 1 and 3 before, occasionally, but I don't think I've ever seen a #2.

 

Great book!

 

Saw a #3 at Wondercon but forget who had it. Looked ok but just stared at it from a distance.

[CentaurMan]

Keen Detective Funnies v2#1, from 1939. Too bad it has that scribble on it, otherwise it's in great shape.