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Playboy #1 (HMH Publishing, 1953) Condition: VG.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Comics Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,250.00 USD
Playboy #1 (HMH Publishing, 1953) Condition: VG.
<B>Playboy #1 (HMH Publishing, 1953) Condition: VG.</B></I> The premiere issue of the magazine that would revolutionize the men's magazine genre was audacious from the start. Marilyn Monroe graced the cover, and, of course, was the first Playmate of the Month (Sweetheart of the Month in the first issue), her full page nude ingrained in Americana lore. Hugh Hefner had a vision beyond titillation - he brought fiction from outstanding authors of the 20th century (Sir Arthur Conan in the first issue; in later issues Ray Bradbury, Ian Fleming, Herbert Gold, W. Somerset Maugham, and Jack Kerouac, to name a few); interviews with celebrities of the day; contributions from top cartoonists, many of which stayed with the publication for decades; and timely features on sports, food, music, automobiles, travel, relationships, and other diversions. His wide-ranging "Entertainment for Men" wasn't an overnight success, but by the early 1960s, <B>Playboy</B></I> was nestled firmly atop the crowded men's magazine scene and one of the best-selling magazines in the country in any genre. The first issue of <B>Playboy</B></I> had a limited print run was only about 50,000, and complete copies in nice condition have become highly sought-after. This copy has some water stains, mostly at the right bottom, as well as overall edgewear to keep the grade at Very Good. The Marilyn page has no visible water staining, but close examination reveals very slight wrinkling from moisture at the right bottom corner, almost indiscernible unless one is looking for it. The white border around her image shows some tanning from age. This copy remains a solid mid-grade copy, perfectly suitable for collecting or for a "reading" copy to back up a high-grade specimen.