Magazine Enterprises (Indicia: "Magazine Enterprises, Inc."). 1948. Fine+ (6.5). Nice clean copy, a few stress lines at spine, crimped spot to top edge of covers and pages, nicked at top spine. Penciled distributor's mark to back cover ("N"). Off-white pages. Fred Guardineer cover. No script credits. Art by Graham Ingels, Frank Bolle, Johnny Craig. Used in Seduction of the Innocent.

Dr. Wertham objected to the giant word "GUNS" on this mag's cover: "Children know that in quite a number of crime comic books there is in the title some reference to punishment. But they also know that just as that very reference is in small letters and inconspicuous color, the parts of the title that really count are in huge, eye-catching type and clear sharp colors: CRIME; CRIMINALS; MURDER; LAW BREAKERS; GUNS; etc." Really, if that's the most scandalous content Wertham could find in a mag featuring both Graham Ingels and Johnny Craig artwork, he wasn't trying very hard.

A limited edition of 100 softcover and 15 hardcover catalogues are available. Over 200 pages, fully illustrated. Fun reference, great keepsake. Softcovers $40, dust-jacketed hardcover with limitation plate $200. To order, contact ivan@pbagalleries.com or call 415-989-2665

R. Crumb says, "I found [PBA's catalogue] so interesting that I am saving it for the texts that accompany the comics which were put up for auction. This is some of the best commentary I've yet seen on the quality of the content of comic books. I especially enjoyed the reviews of the post-war horror comics. Great. Priceless."

Consignments welcome for PBA's Spring 2021 Comic Book sale. Pre-Code Horror, Golden Age and Silver Age comics, original art and ephemera sought. Send inquiries to ivan@pbagalleries.com or call 415-989-2665