Expert: Chris Brown - 7/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: My father has a collection of classics illustrated comics that i have been looking through recently. My dad pointed out that issue 153 "the invisible man" has two covers. One cover opens up to another cover which contains the comic. This comic is at least 40 years old. I was wondering how much more valuable this makes it. It is in fair but not great condition.I was wondering where to market it if it was valuable. Thank you very much.

ANSWER: Hi Cam

A double cover is an uncommon (but not unheard of) printing error on a comic that does make the comic more desirable to collectors.  However, the fact that your comic is not in very good shape in the first place means that this comic may not be worth too much even with the double cover.

Classics Illustrated issues are also tricky to value because most issues were reprinted several times.  Generally only the first edition is of much value, with later editions being worth only a few dollars.

If you want me to advise you what edition it is, look on the back cover (or possibly the inside back cover) where it has the advertisement for buying issues of Classics.  Let me know what is the last issue number listed as being available to purchase.

Generally, your best bet for selling a comic like this is going to be on eBay.

Good luck.

Chris

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for awensering, the number of the last avalible issue is no.153 the invisible man, same as what i have. Thank you!

Answer

Hi Cam

That's good news.  You do actually have the original printing of this issue.

This comic lists in $8 in Good condition up to $100 in Near Mint.  One of the good things about double-cover issues is that often the inside cover is in nicer shape than the outside cover, so collectors will take that into account.  If both covers (inside and outside) have tears, creases, folds, etc., you're probably looking at not a lot more than the $10-$20 range.  If the inside cover is nicer, it could go somewhat higher.

If the comic is seriously damaged, e.g. covers detached, major tears, water-stained, pages browning and/or brittle, etc.--even the double cover will probably not make it very interesting to collectors.

Chris