*Horror 1940-1959: L B Cole was one of the most famous of Golden/Atomic Age cover artists. He drew in a variety of genres, and was artistic director at Star, illustrating 95% of the company’s covers; his lurid, feverish style, almost hallucinogenic, graced horror, science-fiction, jungle and romance alike. The title Startling Terror Tales has a confusing history: starting at #10 in 1952, issues were published up to #14 in 1953, after which it started again at #4 and lasted until #11 in 1954. Thus there are two different #10 and #11 issues. However, concerning us here we have #13 (which of course has to be the first series!). Inside, Jay Disbrow illustrates the cover story ‘Love From A Gorgon’, plus reprints of Fox jungle and crime tales. But, as with virtually all Star’s output, it’s the wonderful L B Cole cover for which this issue is prized, here with a monster looming over a scientist with an evocative cosmic background. This is a fabulous copy, fresh with great colour, staples attached at spine and centrefold (although there is a tiny tear at the top staple). Just minor handling wear and corner blunting; supple off-white pages. High resolution images are available on request.
PICTURED: STARTLING TERROR TALES #13 VG/FN £525 SOLD