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Jumbo Comics #1 and 2 Group (Fiction House, 1938)

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Comics Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Jumbo Comics #1 and 2 Group (Fiction House, 1938)
<B>Jumbo Comics #1 and 2 Group (Fiction House, 1938).</B></I> The first published comic book art by Jack Kirby is a milestone in any comic fan's book, and it came in issue #1 of this series, which was also the very first comic published by Fiction House. This key first issue is on Overstreet's list of the 100 most valuable Golden Age comic books. Both #1 and #2 are much sought-after -- both are called "rare" by Overstreet, while Gerber assigned #1 a scarcity rating of "8" and #2 a "7." Another reason for the high demand for these issues is the first appearance of the publisher's most prominent character, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, in issue #1, followed up by her origin story in #2; Sheena's drawn by ace artist Mort Meskin. There were many other big-name contributors as well, including Bob Kane, who drew the Peter Pupp gag feature. Kirby drew both the Count of Monte Cristo and Wilton of the West stories, both signed "Jack Curtiss" -- this was before the artist, whose real name was Jacob Kurtzberg, had settled on the Kirby pseudonym. Some sources attribute the Diary of Dr. Hayward feature, signed by "Curt Davis," to Kirby as well! Another well-known name is Dick Briefer, who drew the Hunchback of Notre Dame. And we haven't even mentioned Will Eisner yet -- he not only contributed art to these comics, he and partner Jerry Iger came up with the concept for the series, convincing Fiction House, a pulp magazine publisher until then, to try its hand at comics. The comic has a mix of features typical of the early Golden Age, with adventure and gag features supplemented by tidbits on movie stars like Fay Wray (and even Buddy Ebsen!), and sports stars like Honus Wagner and Helen Wills Moody. And guess what, Mickey Mouse even appears in one panel. Issue #2 spotlights Charlie McCarthy. If you've ever wondered how the long-running series got its name, these comics are your answer -- the first few issues were quite literally jumbo, measuring 10.5" x 14.5". And they're both printed on alternating red and green paper! Overstreet doesn't list a grade above VF for these first two issues, and indeed the format of these books makes it all but impossible that a NM- copy could have survived. The only copies we had ever seen before were very low-grade; we wouldn't be surprised if these are among the best surviving specimens. Condition is as follows: issue #1 is Qualified VG/FN (looks VG/FN, but centerfold is detached); issue #2 is FN. Overstreet 2005 value <I>for issue #1</B></I>: GD 2.0 value = $2,100; VG 4.0 value = $4,200; FN 6.0 value = $6,300; <I>for issue #2</B></I>: FN 6.0 value = $2,040.