CRIME SUSPENSTORIES #22, EC Comics 1954. CLASSIC AX DECAPITATION COVER / SOTI

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CRIME SUSPENSTORIES # 22 . EC Comics , 195 4. Class ic ax decapitation cover. Became centerpiece of Senate hearings over comic books and juvenile delinquency. Note: I'm offering many CRIME and HORROR comics, most with 99-cent starting bids. Auctions end the evening of Sunday, March 24 . Shipping combined for multiple wins. Please see my other listings ; thank you for your bids! ABOUT THIS ITEM: Become a part of the "CSS #22 club" with Crime SuspenStories #22, one of the most infamous comics of all time. That notoriety is due to the comic's horrific cover scene by artist Johnny Craig (based on an interior story), with a crazed ax-wielding man holding up a blond woman's decapitated head. Crime Suspenstories #22 was used as an example of the bad influence comics exerted on juveniles, and ended up a key part of the Senate investigation hearings that led to the rise of the comics code and the demise of the horror-comics genre. In a memorable and testy exchange, William Gaines defended this comic and thus became public enemy #1 in the "Seduction of the Innocent"-inspired crusade against youth-corrupting comics. MORE ABOUT THIS TITLE: Crime SuspenStories is one of the comics that made EC infamous for violence and graphic gore. It's also a remarkably well-written, clever and amusing comic with terrific art from the likes of Johnny Craig, Jack Kamen, Reed Crandall and others. The stories are often reminiscent of the noirish, James M. Cain-style books and movies of the period, and often feature personal betrayals and poetic-justice twists of fate. ITEM VALUE: The 2013 Overstreet guidebook values this issue in GD, VG, FN and VF at $$$: ((( 97, 194, 291, 776 ))) . This comic has become an example of "multiples of guide" due to its famous role in comic-book history. In the past month, a high-grade copy sold for $8,7 00. CONDITION/GRADE: I judge this mag to be in GD/VG condition based on standard grading guidelines. Grading is an inexact science but I try to be strict and use a "buyer's mindset," inspecting comics carefully for flaws. Please look over the photos and see the details below : CONDITION OVERVIEW : ORIGINAL ( no restoration detected) and COMP LETE (all pages included , with no cut-outs or anything noticeably missing) . The cover image displays GREAT for a low-grade copy of this highly sought-after issue. Both staples are well-attached to the cover, and also at center wrap. The spine is holding together despite general wear and corner abrasion. The interior pages are in terrific condition and have been double-checked as being complete and free of any noticeable tears or concerns. There is some creasing at corners, etc. The main problem with this issue is noticeable tanning to the cover and back cover. Email me with any additional questions and I'll do my best to answer them. • Shipping and packaging policy: I WILL GLADLY COMBINE SHIPPING ON MULTIPLE ITEMS TO REDUCE COSTS FOR WINNING BIDDERS . Shipping costs/methods are negotiable based on your preferences -- let me know before you pay. Please allow a few days lead time for shipping, as I can only get the post office once or twice a week. INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS are welcome . K eep in mind that like many others on eBay, I will not declare false information on a customs form, so p lease do not ask . • Packaging policy: Items will be packaged carefully. Comics or magazines are usually put in plastic with a backing, then sandwiched between thick cardboard so the spine will not be bent in transit. I have never had any complaints about packaging and intend to keep it that way . Extra padding and protection is used for rare/expensive items. • Condition policy: When you receive your item in the mail, I want you to be able to say, "This is exactly what I thought I would get based on the description," not "D'oh!" I aim to be a seller who can be trusted, and I try to give potential bidders all the relevant information about condition. If you have particular concerns then ask all the questions you like and I'll try to give helpfu... read more

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