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ES COMICS PRICE GUIDE
Understanding the value of EC Comics is essential for collectors and sellers alike. These comics, published primarily in the 1940s and 1950s, are some of the most historically significant titles in the industry. Valuation depends on factors such as condition, rarity, and cultural impact. While an EC Comics price guide is a helpful starting point, it should be used alongside expert appraisal for the most accurate results.
ES COMIC BOOK VALUES
Determining the value of EC Comics involves analyzing multiple elements, including key issues, famous covers, and pre-Code significance. Many EC titles are prized because they pushed creative boundaries and became flashpoints in the debate over comic book censorship.
Notable examples include Crime SuspenStories #22 (1954), infamous for its decapitation cover by Johnny Craig, which became central to Senate hearings on juvenile delinquency. High-grade copies of this issue are especially rare and valuable. Another landmark, Tales from the Crypt #20 (1950s), remains sought after for its iconic horror storytelling and cover art by Jack Davis. Titles like Weird Science and Shock SuspenStories are also popular with collectors due to their groundbreaking blend of science fiction, horror, and social commentary.
While many EC issues can be found at modest prices in lower grades, pristine copies graded by CGC or CBCS can command thousands of dollars. Rarity, pre-Code status, and historical importance are the main drivers of their value.
WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE ES COMIC BOOK
The most valuable EC comic book is often considered Crime SuspenStories #22 (1954). Its cultural impact during the censorship debates, combined with its infamous cover, has made it one of the most prized collectibles of the Pre-Code era.
Key details about Crime SuspenStories #22:
- Publication Date: April–May 1954
- Significance: Iconic decapitation cover, centerpiece in Senate hearings and Seduction of the Innocent
- Highest Sold Price: High-grade CGC 9.6 copies have sold for over $60,000, with values continuing to rise due to scarcity and historical importance.
Other contenders for top value include early issues of Tales from the Crypt and The Vault of Horror, which remain cornerstones of Golden Age horror collecting.
GET A FREE ES COMICS APPRAISAL FROM COMIC BUYING CENTER
At Comic Buying Center, we make valuing your EC Comics collection simple with our FREE comic book appraisal service. Our experts provide accurate assessments that go far beyond what price guides alone can offer. This is especially valuable for EC titles, where rarity, condition, and historical significance dramatically affect market value.
Whether you own Tales from the Crypt, Crime SuspenStories, Shock SuspenStories, Weird Science, or any other EC titles, we can help determine their true worth. Our free EC Comics price guide and professional appraisals give you the insight needed to make informed selling or collecting decisions, especially if you’re looking to sell comic books and want to ensure you’re getting the best possible value.
Our Reviews

I scheduled my appraisal with them and brought in a bunch of short boxes, a couple long boxes, a PS3, and some games. Roughly an hour later, I walked out with a check that I thought was extremely fair. I was very happy with the experience and if I ever have an unwieldy comics collection that I need to unload again, I will happy bring it in.
Mike was prompt and courteous, and he took nearly three hours to evaluate and price every single comic book we had, often explaining the rarity and grading of several of what turned out to be our more valuable comics. We were more than happy with his final offer to purchase the entire collection. It was the best experience we could have wished for. Now I only wish that we had even more comic books to sell, because now I know where to go and who to ask for!
Dorian and Jared put me 100% at ease right away. They explained their process, made sure I understood what they could offer, even let me sit and joke with them while they worked on my cards. I had some good stuff and I could tell they love their jobs because of the genuine excitement just going through the collection. It was a bit of a drive for me, so I would say call and talk to them first, just so you can be sure the trip is worth it. But if you live a little closer and need a place that will show your collection the respect it unequivocally deserves, look no further.
I have more to sell and a wish list of comics I’d like to get my hands on. Maybe even that sweet game cube in the vintage video game room if it’s still there. I will be going back for sure.
I decided I would probably sell to CBC after hearing about their program of setting out lightly picked boxes (major keys pulled) at five bucks a book at the beginning of the month and then dropping the price to a buck on remaining stock at the end of the month. Cool way to keep the collectors engaged and give them a shot at some nice finds. Those are the kind of people you want to do business with.
If you are selling a collection, the biggest difference between having a positive experience and a bad one is in setting realistic expectations. I told Mike I wanted us both to do well in the transaction and that I know guide prices often don’t reflect market realities. After that, it was a mellow process marked by good conversation.
The price we negotiated was a fair one and I felt this collection–which I built from the ages of 7 to 16 from a combo of diligently buying new books and making the rounds of second-hand stores back in the days when you could stumble on an entire box of Silver Age superhero titles for cover price–was going to a good home.
If I sent the major keys out to be graded and sold them individually on eBay, I probably could have tripled the payout, but I don’t have the time or inclination to do that. CBC will very likely double the money, which is perfectly fair. The collection was assembled with passion and I smile at the thought of collectors going through my 15 long boxes and fishing out some gems.
I would recommend these guys to any collector looking to sell. If I was still a kid, I’m sure I’d be camped out there on the first day of every month. Thanks, Mike.
On the last 5 business days of every month, all comics in the main room are $1! Otherwise, they’re $2.
The shop itself was clean, well-organized, fairly priced, and had a vast assortment of comics, games, and Magic cards.
A special shout out to Dorian who went above and beyond. He came in on his ONE DAY OFF to appraise my collection after he heard I drove two hours to meet with him. I could tell he’s a collector himself who genuinely enjoys his work which shows in his interactions with you and items you wish to sell.
Highly recommend. I’ll be sending both buyers and sellers here in the future 🙂
While I live far away, i’m definitely going back.
Jim / Racine, WI
I drove up the next day from NWI to meet with Dorian who spent an exceptional amount of time appraising my cards with me and walking for through his process and even showing me what certain very valuable cards were selling for in the same condition as my cards. He even took into account the distance traveled with his appraisal! I was VERY impressed with Dorian and Comic Buying Center and would highly recommend them for anyone looking to sell high value Magic cards.
Thanks Dorian and Comic Buying Center for a very special experience!
I brought in my old TMNT collection to get it appraised. Peter is very knowledgeable. Taught me a bunch!
Made me a fair offer with a great explanation of how he came to that.
Cool place to check out for the serious or casual collector especially if you are looking for back issues.
Thank you!
You can visit us
We are available to appraise and/or purchase your collectables from Monday through Saturday 10 am until 5 pm. If those times don’t work for you, we can try to accommodate your schedule. We always recommend making an appointment with us, but it is not necessary.
A man who knows a lot about comics
Pete Przysiezny, owner of Comic Buying Center, has been buying and selling comics and collectibles for over 30 years. He lives in Northern Illinois and specializes in buying large comic book collections. He has a vast knowledge of all eras and types of comic books ranging from the 1930s to the 2000s. Pete spent his childhood going to comic book conventions with his father, so you could say he was raised in the industry. Pete and his wife, Jessica started the business and continue to work together on building the business. They have one child and enjoy traveling all over the world. Pete is a collector of comic books, sport cards, star wars toys and video games.
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