EC (Indicia: "L.L. Publishing Co., Inc."). August-September, 1954. Good/VG (3.0). Spine wear, including partial split between staples, 1/3" split at spine crown and 1/3" creased split at spine foot. Light edgewear and crease to front cover, short creased tear to right edge. Off-white pages. Johnny Craig cover. Scripts by Carl Wessler. Art by Craig, Davis, Krigstein and Ingels.

Craig's cover depicts two men navigating a maze of the dead by eerie lamplight. His skillful chiaroscuro effects prepare the reader for Krigstein's story "The Catacombs," of which EC scholar Bill Mason says: "There can be no question that 'The Catacombs' fulfills Krigstein's stated ambition to raise comic book art to the level of Goya." Meanwhile, the Vault Keeper drools over his latest acquisition, Drusilla, as she sits, seemingly catatonic, in his squalid den of depravity.

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