Guest post by Key Collector Comics founder Nick Coglianese.

There are horrors buried in basements and locked away in attics all over the world, possibly even in your very own home. Listed below are key issue comic books from the horror category that are either insanely valuable, recommended reads or relate an interesting bit of trivia about comic book serial killers that you can use to break the ice next time you’re in the company of strangers.

If you enjoy this type of content check out Key Collector Comics, a free mobile app focused exclusively on helping collectors identify valuable comics and key issues of significance like first appearances and more. Because the last thing you want to do is pass over or give away an issue that sells for $262,000 like the comic you’ll see below.

FRIDAY THE 13^th: PAMELA’S TALE (2007) – Origin of Jason and Pamela Voorhees

This two-issue limited series is valuable for a few reasons.  First, it delves into the violent backstory of Pamela Voorhees including Jason’s birth and ends right where the first film begins.  Somewhat unique are the connecting covers that create one image making it even more desirable for collectors to track down both issues.  As is the case with many obscure comics that have value, these two are scarce with a circulation of under 8,000 copies per issue. To put that number into perspective, the top circulated issue published during the same month flooded the market with 151,513.

Value: $55
*value represents the sum of both issues in high-grade condition

CRIME PATROL #15 (1949) – 1^st appearance of the Crypt Keeper

That’s right, everyone’s favorite cackling turd was first introduced nearly four decades prior to hosting HBO’s “Tales From The Crypt”.  Although less of a decayed corpse in comics and more of a creepy hermit, the ghoul still served as a narrator, introducing horror stories that eventually became the hallmark of the publisher EC Comics.

Value: $12,500
*value represents a pristine, certified copy. Uncertified, lower grade copies can be found for a few hundred dollars

WEIRD TRIPS #2 (1972) – Scarce Ed Gein cover

The cannibal serial killer who inspired America’s most beloved icons Leatherface, Hannibal Lecter and Norman Bates are immortalized in his happy place on this highly collectible cover.  The interior is what one would expect Satan’s scrapbook to look like with photographs of the crime scene and artist sketches of skinsuits that read like an L.L Gein fashion catalog.

Value: $75
*value reflects a recent uncertified sale

BETTY AND VERONICA #261 (2012) – 1^st appearance of Betty The Vampire Slayer and 1^st appearance of Vampironica

Betty goes from breaking hearts to staking hearts when vampires invade Riverdale while Veronica finds a new reason to dress inappropriately as she channels Vampirella.  Archie covers that depict monster themes have historically been in higher demand over their neighboring issues (ex. Archie’s Pal Jughead #77 – #82). Also, consider the insanely low circulation of 2,813 copies and we find ourselves in a perfect storm of collectability where an issue published under a decade ago is commanding a high premium. To identify more issues like this one, download the free app Key Collector Comics on Apple and Android phones or visit the website keycollectorcomics.com

Value: $350
*value reflects a recent uncertified sale

VAMPIRELLA #2 (2019) – upcoming Artgerm variant cover

Speaking of Vampirella, superstar artist Stanley “Artgerm” Lau has recently created a modern classic cover of the bloodsucking hottie.  The 50-year-old Milfpire, a new term coined right here, celebrates a half-century anniversary in her birthday suit with blood spilling down her body, replicating her famous costume. Artgerm will be giving away 10 signed copies of his special edition, silver-foil Vampirella cover on Key Collector Comics.  Enter to win with one click.

Value: $45
*the limited “Blood Moon” variant cover shown is available late August 2019. Visit https://artgermcollectibles.com/ for availability

SYNDROME (2010) – Scarce fictional graphic novel that became true crime

Homicidal douche, Blake Liebel used a sliver of his family’s substantial fortune to commission artists and a writer to transform his dark vision for a serial killer story into the 2010 graphic novel Syndrome.  Syndrome would later serve as a key piece of evidence in Liebel’s murder trial for the undeniable similarities that occur within its pages and the 2016 torture-murder of his fiancé.

Value: $75

GIDEON FALLS (2018) – In early development for a TV series

For those who like to diversify their collection with comics projected to rise in value, Jeff Lemire’s critically acclaimed Gideon Falls is a solid choice.  Hivemind Films acquired the rights to the property in June 2018 and aims to bring The Black Barn into your very own living room with dread and death to follow. Dread and death to occur onscreen only, not in your living room. For more info on which comics are optioned for development, download Key Collector Comics. To receive alerts of movie and TV news that affect the value of a comic, try out the Key Collector subscription with the promo code: BDFREE

Value: $15

PUNISHER #11 (2010) – 1st appearance of Franken-Castle

Yes, this Punisher/Frankenstein mash-up existed briefly in actual Marvel continuity. The Punisher AKA Frank Castle was resurrected by Morbius the Living Vampire shortly after Wolverine’s son decapitated the vigilante.  With help from the Legion of Monsters, Frank got patched back together to aid them in defeating a monster-racist (one who is prejudiced against monsters) named Hellsgaard and his samurai flunkies. But rest easy knowing that shortly thereafter, Ulysses Bloodstone returned Frank back to normal with his rugged good looks intact.

Value: $3

BLACK CAT MYSTERY COMICS #50 (1954) – Pre-Code Horror

Do you know how many people died watching their flesh dissolve from their bones after blindly grabbing a radium stick while reaching for a vape pen?  The answer is zero which is certainly not the same answer to the inquiry: how much is this grotesque Pre-Comics Code Authority cover worth?

Value: $4,200
*value reflects a recent uncertified sale in mid-grade condition

WITCH DOCTOR VOL. 1 (2011) – Recommended reading

Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead calls Brandon Siefert and Lukas Ketner’s first arc of Witch Doctor “enthralling”. The first four-issue volume, Under the Knife, introduces readers to Doctor Morrow who wields arcane weapons like the Sedlec Umbrella made of angel bones and tanned demon’s hide to battle monsters like the Cuckoo Faerie’s hatchling that resides in a newborn baby’s body, saying in an old man’s voice, “mother, father, hungry”.  Awesome art, fast-paced action and page-after-page of creativity makes this a great read.
*trade paperbacks can be purchased for $14.99 from online booksellers

SUSPENSE COMICS #3 (1944) – Pre-Code Horror

Remember that $262,000 comic book mentioned at the beginning of this article? Suspense Comics #3, the most valuable not-superhero comic on record sold for that amount in a 2017 auction.  Legendary artist Alex Schomburg delivers the Golden Age goods on the cover of this ultra-scarce classic where you get female bondage, Nazi/KKK hybrid hatemongers and one idiot with a spear who just blew his cover to no less than 10 machine-gun-toting murderers.  Horror comic covers from the early years, before the Comics Code Authority regulations are the absolute best.

Value: $262,000

If you are a comic collector or you own a collection but are unsure of its value or you are simply interested in learning more comic history, download Key Collector Comics for free on Apple and Android phones. Use the promo code BDFREE to unlock the specialty categories.  Visit keycollectorcomics.com for more information. A special thanks for additional Pre-Code Horror information and comic book expertise from Topher S. on Instagram @thevoiceofrao and Dinesh Shamdasani.

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