*DC: Along with Strange Adventures, Mystery In Space was DC’s premier science-fiction title founded in thr Atomic Age. Issue #1 dates from April/May 1951. Whitney Ellsworth was credited as editor, but, apparently, Julius Schwartz and Mort Weisinger were actual co-editors. The series really hit the ground running with the creative talent on display in the 52 pages of this first issue. Writers Bob Kanigher, Gardner Fox & John Broome, and artists Carmine Infantino, Frank Frazetta, Alex Toth and sci-fi pulp great Virgil Finlay – what a line-up! The regular feature Knights of the Galaxy – space commandos of the 30th Century – took the cover and lead feature and appeared subsequently in many early issues of the title. Many other recurring characters would appear in later issues of this long running title.
This inaugural issue has a wonderful Carime Infantino cover, with a black starfield background, the sort of cover that shows every mark. There is minimal wear along the top edge, slight stress at the staples and small nicks out at the right edge front cover, spine bottom and top edge back cover. A very tiny corner is off front cover bottom right (see scan). Cover colours are strong and vibrant and the staples are firm at spine and centrefold. Page quality is a very nice and supple off-white, with two small pieces of tape sealing short tears on 2 interior pages with no loss. There are a couple of faint reading creases vertically just in from the spine, but these do not break colour. There are various marks that are hard to notice in the black cover background which we think are pressure or handling marks; we don’t think these are professional colour touches, but since as extensive examination under dark light has proven inconclusive, we have tried to take these into account in the grading and pricing of this gem. Visually, this is a very appealing comic which presents very well. High resolution images are available on request.
PICTURED: MYSTERY IN SPACE #1 VG- £600