American Update: Pre-Code Horror Mega-Fest: Shocking Black Cat #50 ‘White Heat’ Cover – Infamously Lurid Pre-Code Classic
*Horror 1940-1959: Following its modestly successful run as a super-hero title, Harvey Comics’ Black Cat jumped on board the horror trend, and rapidly became known for some of the most gory and lurid stories of the Pre-Code Era. While generally acknowledged as one of the most consistent in terms of quality, with artists such as Powell, Fujitani, Elias and Nostrand, Harvey was never afraid to go for the gross-out shocker, and none of their covers had more notoriety than this issue’s featuring an unfortunate gentleman who has apparently mistaken a tube of radium for a tube of Polos. As you can imagine, it doesn’t end well. Widely vilified at the time by Doctor Wertham and his censorious associates (and many copies consequently destroyed), this is one of the rarest and most sought-after Harvey Pre-Code horror issues. This copy is in reasonable shape, with a loose but present centrefold, moderate edge and corner wear, and one horizontal tear mid-cover (approx 3″), which nevertheless does not detract from the cover scene. Images of this item’s front and back covers and splash page are reproduced below. High resolution images are available on request. Graded at GD- and priced at £700. SORRY, THIS HAS NOW SOLD