Tales from the Crypt #44 – Jack Davis Guillotine Cover – 2.0 GD (1954)
skull

Era

EC Pre-Code Horror

grading

Condition

2.0 GD Raw

brush

Cover Artist

Jack Davis

Tales from the Crypt #44 – Jack Davis Guillotine Cover – 2.0 GD (1954)

£265.00

Tales from the Crypt #44 – Jack Davis Guillotine Cover – 2.0 GD (1954)

An original 1954 EC Comics pre-Code horror issue featuring Jack Davis’s guillotine cover, a distinctive collector highlight specifically noted in Heritage Auctions’ issue guide. Inside, Tales from the Crypt #44 includes Forever Ambergris, later adapted for HBO’s Tales from the Crypt, alongside work by Reed Crandall, Jack Kamen and Graham Ingels.

Key Details

  • info Series Tales from the Crypt
  • tag Issue #44
  • storefront Publisher EC Comics
  • storefront Indicia Publisher I. C. Publishing Co., Inc.
  • event Publication Date October–November 1954
  • info Printing Original 1954 EC printing
  • info Era Golden Age / Pre-Code
  • info Cover Price 10¢
  • brush Cover Artist Jack Davis
  • info Writer Carl Wessler
  • info Editors Al Feldstein; William M. Gaines (managing editor)
  • info Condition 2.0 GD (Good), raw visual estimate
  • info Format Raw, ungraded single-issue comic

Why It Matters

The principal collector attraction is Davis’s guillotine cover, with the execution scene framed by the title’s horror hosts. The issue also has a television connection through Forever Ambergris, and its closing story, The Sliceman Cometh, brings an executioner face to face with supernatural revenge. This is a late issue from EC’s original pre-Code horror run.

  • star Forever Ambergris — Jack Davis art; maritime murder and a gruesome revenge.
  • star Burial at Sea — Reed Crandall art; a treasure hunt ends with an underwater reckoning.
  • star The Proposal — Jack Kamen art; a fortune hunter misunderstands a sinister offer.
  • star The Sliceman Cometh — Graham Ingels art; a corrupt executioner cannot escape his victim.

Creators

Jack Davis draws the cover and opening story, with additional interior art by Reed Crandall, Jack Kamen and Graham Ingels. Carl Wessler is credited with the scripts for all four illustrated stories in Heritage’s issue index. The photographed indicia names Albert B. Feldstein as editor and William M. Gaines as managing editor. Lettering is attributed to Jim Wroten in the indexed credits.

Collector Notes

This is an original October–November 1954 printing, not a later reprint. The date, issue number and I. C. Publishing Co., Inc. imprint are visible in the supplied indicia photograph.

The actual copy has pieces missing from the lower-left front-cover corner and right edge, substantial spine and edge wear, tears, creasing and surface wear. The back cover and photographed interior margins also show wear and tears. Please inspect all five photographs for the extent of these defects.

This book is raw and ungraded. The supplied 2.0 GD is a visual estimate only; grading is subjective and no professional or CGC grade is guaranteed. The photographs show the actual copy being sold and form part of the description.

Shipping

Shipped securely by Redsters Comics using collector-focused packaging, with care taken to protect this vintage comic in transit.

Come Back For

Recently Viewed

SELL YOUR
COLLECTION

Send clear photos, an approximate quantity and your postcode. If you have a figure in mind, include it; an asking price or full inventory is optional.

1. Send Photos

Share photos or a list of your books for review.

2. Get a Direct Offer

Receive a direct buying reply, usually within 24 hours.

3. Get Paid Fast

Accept and get paid by bank transfer or PayPal.

payments

Direct Buying Offer

Send clear photos, an approximate quantity and your postcode. An asking price or full inventory is optional.

lock_open

Secure Payment

Choose bank transfer or PayPal payout as soon as your books are verified.

task_alt

No Hassle

We arrange labels and secure collection for higher-value books and larger consignments.

Get a Direct Buying Offer Email Photos Instead
mail

Join the Inner Circle

Get early access to exclusive drops, grading specials, and market value reports before they hit the site.

No spam. Only grails. Unsubscribe anytime.