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Author: [Briggs, Ivan; Christopher Nelson; Ken Kaffke]
Title: EC, MAD and PRE-CODE HORROR COMICS of the 1950s * Green Apple Catalog No. 2
Place Published: San Francisco
Publisher:Green Apple Books
Date Published: 1997
Description:

48pp. (including covers). Over 500 listings, representing all the major pre-Code horror publishers from Ace to Ziff-Davis. B&W illustrations. First printing (approx. 400 copies printed, of which 250 or fewer copies were circulated and the remainder pulped). VF (8.0), flat, clean and crisp, flawed only by a small crimp near the bottom spine, pressable to 9.2 or better. An uncirculated copy from the archives of Green Apple's erstwhile comics specialist, who says: "This is the last copy of this rarity that I have to part with. Aside from the two copies I offered in prior PBA sales, I've only seen two other copies offered in the past 25 years. Any fence-sitting pre-Code buffs are encouraged to bid while they can; this may be your last opportunity to score this nutty rag."

A fun catalogue blending sales and editorial content, pioneering a new style of comics peddling. Along with George Suarez's Tales to Terrible to Tell, the Green Apple catalogue was one of the few reliable pre-Code references of the late '90s, a watershed period for pre-Code fans, when non-EC horror mags began to really gain traction with collectors. The catalogue is noteworthy for its early advocacy of the oddball aesthetic of Superior and Ajax-Farrell, and features a snappy, truncated pitchman's patois — part carny barker, part pre-Code missionary — intended to both entertain and edify. Green Apple's comics specialist, Ivan Briggs, went on to become PBA's Director of Comics, in which capacity he continues to spew comics blather in catalogues that R. Crumb calls "some of the best commentary I've yet seen on the content of comic books."

A deluxe limited edition of 12 hardcover catalogues is available, in addition to a small number of softcovers. 400 lots, fully illustrated. Fun reference, great keepsake. Softcover $40, deluxe hardcover with dust jacket and limitation plate $200. Eight of the 12 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 Spring 2022 Comic Book sale. Top prices for Pre-Code Horror, Golden Age, Silver Age, original art and ephemera. Find out why PBA is the new fan-fave of comics auctioneers. "This is some of the best commentary I've yet seen on the quality of the content of comic books... Priceless." — R. Crumb. Send inquiries to ivan@pbagalleries.com.