Which book do you feel is a more significant Golden Age key?......

[dizzyfoxx]

.....and why?

 

More Fun Comics #53 Mar. 1940 Part 2 origin Spectre

 

or

 

Human Torch #2 (#1) Fall 1940 -first Human Torch

 

What say you???

[djpinkpanther67]

[ciorac]

.....and why?

 

More Fun Comics #53 Mar. 1940 Part 2 origin Spectre

 

or

 

Human Torch #2 (#1) Fall 1940 -first Human Torch

 

What say you???

 

Neither are particularly siginificant in my opinion, but if I had to make a call, I would say the Torch since it is the first of the run.

[Filter81]

I bought my copy of each on the same day, in the same grade, for the same amount of $$. I'd say they are both pretty much dead even. At least in my opinion.

[action1kid]

If both are the same grade I would lean Towards the Torch because it is a number 1

and the second Spector appearence is not[though significant]. Neither is a first appearence. Torchy 1 also has a much more colorful and attractive cover.

More fun 53 is probably Rarer too. Torch 1 is also the first Marvel Superhero along with Subby [in Marvel 1] The Spector was not D.C 1st Superhero. So I lean towards the Marvel guy over the D.C guy

[action1kid]

Did Mark Ever sell his Torch 1 Universal 9.4 ? I remember back a bit he had it on his website for 150k?

[dizzyfoxx]

Did Mark Ever sell his Torch 1 Universal 9.4 ? I remember back a bit he had it on his website for 150k?

 

Can someone provide a link to Mark's website? It sounds like a neat one to browse through...

[action1kid]

PGCMINT.COM

[rjpb]

While I'd rather have a MF #53, I'd have to say the first issue of a major character's title comic trumps the second appearance of a lesser known character in terms of "importance".

 

I'm guessing that over the years the added appeal of MF #53 being part 2 of the origin story has diminished somewhat. I seem to recall that years ago MF #52 & #53 were thought of more as a set than just 1st and 2nd appearances, whereas now, with copies of each likely encased in plastic and unable to be read, MF #52 exists as the key Spectre book

 

 

On the other hand I gather that MF #53 is harder to find than HT (#1) and of course has a Spectre cover - of which there aren't that many, while the confusing numbering and pedestrian cover of the Torch book has a dampening effect on that books appeal. But historical importance and desirability don't always match up the same when comparing books.

[dizzyfoxx]

While I'd rather have a MF #53, I'd have to say the first issue of a major character's title comic trumps the second appearance of a lesser known character in terms of "importance".

 

I'm guessing that over the years the added appeal of MF #53 being part 2 of the origin story has diminished somewhat. I seem to recall that years ago MF #52 & #53 were thought of more as a set than just 1st and 2nd appearances, whereas now, with copies of each likely encased in plastic and unable to be read, MF #52 exists as the key Spectre book

 

 

On the other hand I gather that MF #53 is harder to find than HT (#1) and of course has a Spectre cover - of which there aren't that many, while the confusing numbering and pedestrian cover of the Torch book has a dampening effect on that books appeal. But historical importance and desirability don't always match up the same when comparing books.

 

Excellent synopsis rjpb . Thanks!

[Mad Dog]

If both are the same grade I would lean Towards the Torch because it is a number 1

and the second Spector appearence is not[though significant]. Neither is a first appearence. Torchy 1 also has a much more colorful and attractive cover.

More fun 53 is probably Rarer too. Torch 1 is also the first Marvel Superhero along with Subby [in Marvel 1] The Spector was not D.C 1st Superhero. So I lean towards the Marvel guy over the D.C guy

 

Howcome the grade is important to which book is the more important key

 

I assume that you would agree that no matter how low grade a copy i can dig up, Action 1 is still the most important key, right ?

 

I believe he was looking for some objective statements as to the relative importance of the two books in question rather than a personal preference, a subject however i cannot contribute to due to lack of knowledge about the More Fun book. I am sure however that plenty of others can chip in where i fall short

[shiverbones]

I have never seen MF #53, but isn't it the 1st spectre in costume as a character, rather then the intro splash in #52 which isn't part of the story, just a teaser? They are both really cameo costume apps, which just makes #54 that much better (As if the cover wasn't enough). I guess the Human Torch is the bigger key, but in any instance I'd take the more fun anyway.

[action1kid]

quote.//Howcome the grade is important to which book is the more important key

 

Its only for which book is more valuable. If you are realistically presented with a choice there is no way your going to avoid the grade.There is no such thing as avoiding the grade in making a choice.Has nothing to do with importance but it is in the equation in a real situation.A v.f More Fun 53 will be the choice over a good plus Torch 1.So I looked at it in the perception of a real life situation.

[Electron]

The Spectre is only in costume in the last page of the story in issue 53.It's a great page in which he's shown constructing his costume.I don't own a MF 52,but it would seem he has more of an appearance in 53,if 52 has just 1 panel of him in costume.

 

[adamstrange]

Thanks, XL. I don't think much, if any, exists but I would love to see Bailey's original art from this time period.

[shiverbones]

beautiful spectre page! Thanks! I always wanted to see how his costume came to be

[Electron]

Agreed,it would be something to see an original page.

[lou_fine]

The Spectre is only in costume in the last page of the story in issue 53.It's a great page in which he's shown constructing his costume.I don't own a MF 52,but it would seem he has more of an appearance in 53,if 52 has just 1 panel of him in costume.

 

 

Xavier;

 

Welcome to the boards as it certainly seems that you are going to be a great addition here as evident by this beautiful posting of yours!

 

If I understand it correctly, More Fun #52 is considered to be the first appearance since it has an actual story on the Spectre, even though he appears in costume only in the introductory splash panel. More Fun #51 is the first so-called cameo appearance as he appears in costume as a teaser in a one panel ad at the end of one of the stories.

[Electron]

Thanks Lou,

 

I am happy to share the page.Many of us have seen the covers in Gerber,but it's great fun to see/read/post interiors as well.

[shiverbones]

Well I guess my point was More fun #53 is at least a minor key, since its the part of the origin story where he dons the costume.