CRIME PATROL #16 * CBCS 4.5 * SIGNED by Al FELDSTEIN

Heading:
Author:
Title: CRIME PATROL No. 16 * Signed by Feldstein
Place Published:
Publisher:EC [Indicia: I.C. Publishing Co., Inc.]
Date Published: February-March, 1950
Description:

CBCS certified: VG+ (4.5), Verified Signature: Al Feldstein at bottom margin of 13th page (1st page of "The Spectre in the Castle"). Off-white to white pages. Cover: Johnny Craig. Scripts: Johnny Craig, Al Feldstein. Art: Johnny Craig, Al Feldstein, George Roussos, John Alton. 2nd appearance: Crypt Keeper. Last ish before title change to Crypt of Terror. Gerber Photo-Journal Guide scarcity index: 6 ("Uncommon"). CGC Census: No "Signature Series" examples signed by Feldstein. GPAnalysis: No CGC 4.5 copies reported sold. Most recent CGC sale (unsigned): a 6.5 copy sold for $2758 in June 2021). No CBCS sales data available, but CBCS confirmed in an email to PBA that this is the only Feldstein-signed copy that they have verified.

EC's terror train goes full steam ahead as Al Feldstein refines the Crypt Keeper's appearance and introduces the "SuspenStories" coinage that Dr. Wertham disdained as a "barbaric neologism." An important EC key, rapidly escalating in value, bearing the signature of Al Feldstein.

"'The Spectre In The Castle!' was the second outing by the Crypt-Keeper to appear in the pages of Crime Patrol. Feldstein is already developing the character of the Crypt-Keeper — while in his first outing he had hair covering his face... he now grins out at the reader from his inset panel on the splash page. Also on the splash page, we see the debut of the infamous EC spelling bastardization 'SuspenStory'..." Thommy Burns, "The Golden Age of Al Feldstein," Terror Train and Other Stories Illustrated by Al Feldstein. Fantagraphics: 2020, p. xvi.

A limited edition of 150 softcover and 15 hardcover catalogues is available. 400 lots, fully illustrated. Fun reference, great keepsake. Softcover $30, deluxe hardcover with dust jacket and limitation plate $200. Ten of the 15 hardcovers are pre-ordered and the rest will go quickly, so reserve yours now. To order, contact ivan@pbagalleries.com.

Consignments welcome for PBA's December 2021 Comic Book sale. Top prices for Pre-Code Horror, Golden Age, Silver Age, original art and ephemera. Send inquiries to ivan@pbagalleries.com.