The Book Palace Complete EC Library

Russ Cochran has always strived for the best possible reproduction of America's finest Comic book stories. His earlier publishing ventures had seen such superlative productions as Frazetta's Thunda, Frazetta's Untamed Love, Frank Frazetta Buck Rogers Portfolio, The King Portfolio & his defining six issue EC Portfolio. These were shot from the original art printed at very large format bringing Entertaining Comic's finest stories & covers to a select audience.

With interest in William M. Gaines's company mounting, Cochran decided on the extremely ambitious task of reprinting all of EC's New Trend titles (1950-55), New-Direction Comic titles (1955-6), Picto-Fiction magazine titles (1955-6), plus selected romance, crime & western titles from the Pre-Trend era (1947-50). Cochran's task was helped greatly by his friendship with & gregarious nature of publisher Gaines (1922-92) who had retained virtually all of the original artwork as submitted by the artists.

This archive was unique. No publisher before or since has had this kind of foresight. The library format was decided at the outset. Each release would comprise between two and five illustrated hardcover volumes (according to the number of issues published originally), with all stories & editorial pages reproduced in B&W, shot from the original art wherever possible, reproduced on high quality art stock paper. The covers were reproduced in full colour on glossy paper. Each Library was completed by a purpose made illustrated slipcase.

They remain the epitome of Comic art reproduction, rarely equalled & almost never exceeded. Started in 1977 with The Complete Weird Science, the final volume (The Complete EC Picto-Fiction) was published in 2006, 29 years later. Due to contractual obligations with the ongoing magazine, The Complete Mad is the only Cochran Library that was published in full colour. Russ Cochran's subscription customers were able receive a B&W copy if they chose. Consequently these are rare & almost never offered for sale. The print runs of all these editions are relatively small, and they are now all OUT OF PRINT, apart from the recently released Complete EC Picto-Fiction.

(Ref: CECLCRIMEBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Crime Suspenstories (5 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited by Al Feldstein, written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others. Russ Cochran, 1983. Out of Print. Near Mint. 5 Volume slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. Whilst not a horror Comic, two issues of Entertaining Comic's (EC) Crime SuspenStories were the subject of US Senate Committees investigations; the crow-bar murder Issue (#23) & its predecessor, the notorious severed head cover.

As the investigating Senator Estes Kefauver said at the time “You have blood coming out of her mouth.” After publisher William M. Gaines's coy admission, Kefauver continued "There is blood on the axe. I think most adults are shocked by that." With Russ Cochran's Complete Crime SuspenStories you can enjoy all twenty-seven of these graphic masterpieces, illustrated by Johnny Craig, Jack Kamen, Jack Davis, Reed Crandall & several other top-flight illustrators from the EC stable.

Issue #17 witnessed one of the finest adaptations of a Ray Bradbury short story, with Craig's darkly humorous rendition of Touch & Go! The Haunt Of Fear's decrepit Old Witch would inject some macabre horror in the mix, courtesy Graham “Ghastly Ingels (#3-16). There are several late stories by one of the masters of visual story telling, Berni Krigstein. Whilst Al Williamson's artistry was demonstrated in two stories, the second assisted by Frank Frazetta (Fired! #17). There are also the stark, yet oddly beautiful covers of Johnny Craig, which will linger and play on the mind. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm) Set in Near Mint Condition.

Our Price: £350.00 ($560.00) (€385,00)

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLFRONTBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Frontline Combat (3 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited & written by Harvey Kurtzman. Russ Cochran, 1982. Out of Print. 3 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. Following the success of Two Fisted Tales, launched in the wake of The Korean War, EC began a second war title in 1951. Kurtzman was again in charge, working with his regular line-up of artists, Wally Wood, Jack Davis, John Severin pencils, Will Elder inks, plus Kurtzman's own art & covers on the early issues.

As with Two Fisted, Kurtzman outlined the meticulously researched stories onto a thumbnail chart, indicating the precise layouts to be observed by all. Frontline Combat #9 (with Two Fisted Tales #31 & 35) was intended as a multi part portrayal of the American Civil War. Kurtzman's stories are powerful & haunting. They play out as personal tragedies within the larger, violent & anonymous conflict. The terrible events that unfold are witnessed only by the players & the reader.

Kurtzman's Frontline Combat (with his contribution to Two Fisted Tales) is acclaimed widely to be among the finest Comic published in 1950s America. The stalemating of the war & Kurtzman's increasing involvement with MAD, saw the title cancelled in early 1954. Frontline Combat #15 becoming the final issue. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm) Occasionally in stock - .

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLMADBOXCOL)

The Complete EC Library: MAD (4 Volume Boxed Set) in color
Edited & written by Harvey Kurtzman. Russ Cochran, 1985. 4 Volume Slipcased set in colour. Published originally by William M. Gaines. MAD was the brainchild of Harvey Kurtzman & allowed him a third title to edit. The two war titles (Two Fisted Tales, Frontline Combat) were research intensive, whereas MAD gave Kurtzman free reign for his humorous lampoons.

After poking fun at the various Comic genres, including EC Comics themselves, MAD took on TV, movies, superhero characters, advertising & practically everything that came into view. Lifelong friend & fellow artist Will Elder added the finishing touch, with his wonderfully detailed panels. These are littered with signs, captions, sight gags & seemingly superfluous additions. This culminated in a Special Art issue (#22), where Elder draws the cover in the style of Pablo Picasso.

The other MAD regulars, Wally Wood, Jack Davis & John Severin were soon emulating the Elder style to glorious effect, in their own strips. Al Feldstein & Bill Gaines assembled the infamous MAD #5 whilst Kurtzman was in hospital. Their ironic Publisher Of The Issue, which alluded to drug dealing & pornography, plus violent Kane Keen cover spoof, have also achieved a fond notoriety. MAD remains a perfect blend of humorous story & art; the highlight of Harvey Kurtzman's long and illustrious career.

Due to contractual obligations with the current MAD magazine, this is the only Cochran Library that was published in full colour, throughout. Russ Cochran's subscription customers were able receive a B&W copy if they chose. Consequently these are rare & almost never offered for sale. It should also be noted that the slipcases for the MAD edition were slightly undersized, with the result the volumes are a little more difficult to access for reading. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Full Colour 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm) Occasionally in stock - .

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLMADBOXBAW)

The Complete EC Library: MAD (4 Volume Boxed Set) in black & white
Edited and written by Harvey Kurtzman. Russ Cochran, 1985. 4 Volume Slipcased set in black & white. Published originally by William M. Gaines. MAD was the brainchild of Harvey Kurtzman & allowed him a third title to edit. The two war titles (Two Fisted Tales, Frontline Combat) were research intensively, whereas MAD gave Kurtzman free reign for his humorous lampoons.

Their ironic Publisher Of The Issue, which alluded to drug dealing & pornography, plus violent Kane Keen cover spoof, have also achieved a fond notoriety. MAD remains a perfect blend of humorous story & art; the highlight of Harvey Kurtzman's long and illustrious career.

Due to contractual obligations with the current MAD magazine, this is the only Cochran Library that was published in full colour, throughout. Russ Cochran's subscription customers were able receive a B&W copy if they chose. Consequently these are rare & almost never offered for sale. It should also be noted that the slipcases for the MAD edition were slightly undersized, with the result the volumes are a little more difficult to access for reading. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm) Occasionally in stock - .

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLNEW1BOX)

The Complete EC Library: New Direction Part 1 (4 Volume Boxed Set)
Written & edited by Al Feldstein & Johnny Craig. Russ Cochran, 1985. 4 Volume Slipcased set comprising The Complete EC Library: Aces High, Extra, Piracy & Psychoanalysis. Published originally by William M. Gaines. After the introduction of the Comic Code Authority, all publishers were required to have their Comics approved or risk them remaining undistributed throughout America.

EC held out for a while with their existing titles but in early 1955 launched six brand new titles, Aces High, Extra, Impact, M.D, Psychoanalysis & Valor. They also converted Weird Science Fantasy into Incredible Science Fiction, alongside the extant Piracy & Panic. Aces High, Extra, Piracy & Psychoanalysis form the first part of Cochran's Complete New Direction (21 issues in total).

Of these, Piracy is the most widely regarded, featuring art by Reed Crandall, Al Williamson, Wally Wood & Berni Krigstein.

Aces High gave highly realistic & beautifully drawn renditions of the World War I flying aces (1914-18). These featured the stable line-up of George Evans, Krigstein, Wood & Jack Davis.

M.D & Psychoanalysis were forays into the medical arena, of which the latter is represented here. Illustrated throughout by Jack Kamen, it was also unusual in that it told the progressing stories of four different patients, with conclusions in the fourth & final issue.

Extra was edited & illustrated by Johnny Craig, assisted by John Severin & Reed Crandall.

These stories portrayed in bold style the exploits of news reporters as they journeyed around the globe. Despite their high concept & striking art, none of EC's New-Direction titles survived more than five issues under a restrictive Code & prevalent anti-Comics mood of mid-1950s America. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm) Occasionally in stock - .

Click for picture of Psychoanalysis!

and Extra! cover picture!

(Ref: CECLNEW2BOX)

The Complete EC Library: New Direction Part 2 (3 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited by Al Feldstein, written by Al Feldstein & others. Russ Cochran, 1985. 3 Volume Slipcased set comprising The Complete EC Library: Impact, M.D, Valor. Published originally by William M. Gaines. After the introduction of the Comic Code Authority, all publishers were required to have their Comics approved or risk them remaining undistributed throughout America.

EC held out for a while with their existing titles but in early 1955 launched six brand new titles, Aces High, Extra, Impact, M.D, Psychoanalysis & Valor. They also converted Weird Science Fantasy into Incredible Science Fiction, with the extant Piracy & Panic. the concluding part of Cochran's Complete New Direction was formed by Impact, M.D and Valor (fifteen issues in total).

Impact was EC's attempt to continue the shock or mystery style stories with high interest covers & stories by Jack Davis, Reed Crandall, Graham Ingels, Joe Orlando & George Evans. The first issue is famous for Krigstein's haunting & disturbing Master Race, wherein a holocaust survivor meets his former captor on a New York subway train. Publisher Gaines permitted the artist to extend the story to eight pages& it is regarded rightly as a defining classic.

M.D was the second foray into the medical genre, with stylish covers by Craig & interior stories by EC's regular artists.

Valor is another highlight of EC's New-Direction series. The covers were illustrated by Wally Wood & Al Williamson, with interiors by them, plus Graham Ingels, Krigstein, Reed Crandall & others. Despite their high concept & striking art, none of the New-Direction titles survived more than five issues under a restrictive Code & anti-Comics mood of 1950s America. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm)

Our Price: £250.00 ($400.00) (€275,00)

Click for cover picture of MD!

and cover picture of Impact!

(Ref: CECLPANBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Panic (2 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited by Al Feldstein, written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others. Russ Cochran, 1985. Near Mint. 2 volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. With the success of the Harvey Kurtzman edited MAD, EC decided to launch an imitation of their own. This was in common with many other publishers of the day. They got off to a turbulent start with their sly lampooning of Clement C. Moore's famous poem, The Night Before Christmas. Elder's Just Divorced sign on the back of Santa's sleigh becoming the final straw. Despite this, Panic managed a respectable run of twelve issues (1954-5).

The same lunatic artistry found at MAD is available here, with the likes of Will Elder, Wally Wood, Jack Davis & John Severin. The last four issues, published under the Comics Code, are muted but there is much enjoyment to be found under the editorship of Al Feldstein. He would take over MAD in 1956 & turn it into an American institution. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm)

Our Price: £175.00 ($280.00) (€192,50)

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLPICTO)

The Complete EC Library: Picto-Fiction
CONTAINS ADULT MATERIAL. Edited by Russ Cochran, originally published & edited by William M. Gaines & Al Feldstein. Gemstone Publications, 2005. After a long hiatus, this magnificent reprint series is back with the short-lived series of EC Picto-Fiction magazines. Entertaining Comics (EC) were publishers of Mad comic & magazine, Tales From The Crypt, Weird Science & many others. With the prohibition of adult elements in Comics, EC launched their Picto-Fiction magazine range, 1955-6.

The titles were Confessions Illustrated, Crime Illustrated, Shock Illustrated & Terror Illustrated. The entire series is included here, with 18 previously unseen stories, never published before. Among the huge roster of artists who worked on these stories are such notables as Berni Krigstein, Al Williamson, Frank Frazetta, Graham Ingels, Reed Crandall, Jack Kamen, Joe Orlando, Wallace Wood, Angelo Torres and Jack Davis.

The stories were written by Al Feldstein, Robert Bernstein, Daniel Keyes & others. Feldstein remained the editor for the entire series. The Complete EC Library format & quality is preserved, in four volumes, featuring the original B&W stories & full colour covers. These are housed in an illustrated slipcase. This is an eagerly anticipated series, so be sure to order yours early to avoid disappointment. 240 pages. Hard Cover pc 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm) ISBN: 1888472219 Highly Recommended.

Our Price: £99.00 ($158.40) (€108,90)

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLSHOCKBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Shock Suspenstories (3 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited by Al Feldstein, written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others. Russ Cochran, 1981. Near Mint. 3 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. When Shock SuspenStories appeared in 1951 it was designed as a showcase title with examples of EC's (Entertaining Comics) crime, horror & science fiction stories. The second issue featured a shock story designed to provoke a reaction, In Gratitude. In subsequent issues, these "preachies" as publisher William M. Gaines liked to call them, dealt with race relations, rape, bigotry, hazing & all manner of formerly taboo subject.

These stories lift Shock SuspenStories into the upper echelons of EC's output. Whilst not a horror Comic, two issues of Entertaining Comic's (EC) Crime SuspenStories were the subject of US Senate Committees investigations. The crowbar murder Issue (#23) & its predecessor, the notorious severed head cover. As the investigating Senator Kefauver said at the time “You have blood coming out of her mouth.” After publisher William M. Gaines coy admission, Kefauver continued "There is blood on the axe. I think most adults are shocked by that."

With Russ Cochran's Complete Crime SuspenStories you can enjoy all of these graphic masterpieces, illustrated by Johnny Craig, Jack Kamen, Graham “Ghastly” Ingels, Jack Davis, Reed Crandall & several other top-flight illustrators from the EC stable. There is also an adaptation of a Ray Bradbury short story in issue #9 (The October Game).

There are several late stories by one of the masters of visual story telling, Berni Krigstein. Whilst Al Williamson's artistry was demonstrated in two stories, the second assisted by Frank Frazetta (Fired! #17). There are also the stark yet oddly beautiful covers of Johnny Craig, which will linger and play in the imagination. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm)

Occasionally in stock - .

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLCRYPTBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Tales From The Crypt (5 Volume Boxed Set)
edited by Al Feldstein, written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others. Russ Cochran. Near Mint. 5 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. The Crypt Keeper's first two appearances were in the closing issues of Crime Patrol (#15 & 16). Issue #17 needed a brand new title to usher in EC' New Trend. It got one with The Crypt Of Terror. After complaints from the establishment, issue #21 witnessed a further change with Tales From The Crypt.

After MAD, this is the name most commonly associated with Entertaining Comics (EC), giving rise to movies & a successful HBO TV series & related products. After early cover by several prominent EC artists, the chores were taken over by Jack Davis, who made The Crypt Keeper his own. He drew all the covers from the thirteenth issue (#29) until the end. As with EC's other horror titles, the three Ghoulunatics (the Old Witch, The Crypt Keeper & The Vault Keeper) would host the various stories with increasing relish & macabre humour the series went on. They remained in full force from 1952 until the end. Lower Berth witnessed the origin of the Crypt Keeper (#33).

There are also adaptations of short stories by one of America's finest writers, Ray Bradbury. The artist line-up varied over the years, with notable early stories from Harvey Kurtzman, Al Feldstein, Wally Wood & Johnny Craig.

Al Williamson supplied a min-period story, with latterday issues enlivened by the likes of Berni Krigstein & Reed Crandall. EC had intended starting a fourth title by resurrecting the moribund Crypt Of Terror. With the Code crackdown upon them, it was hastily changed & released as t he final Tales From The Crypt (#46). Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Books and Slipcase: Near Mint. Hard Cover Part Colour

Our Price: £280.00 ($448.00) (€308,00)

Click for larger cover picture!

(Ref: CECLTWOBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Two Fisted Tales (4 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited, written & illustrated by Harvey Kurtzman. Russ Cochran, 1980. Fine. 4 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. The first edition of Two Fisted Tales (#18) was assembled by William M. Gaines & Al Feldstein. The advent of the Korean War, witnessed a transformation from adventure, with the second issue & the installation of Harvey Kurtzman as editor & writer. In an attempt to unify the look of the title, Kurtzman drew the cover & a story for all the early issues.

In an unprecedented move, he also outlined the other stories onto a thumbnail chart, indicating the precise layouts to be observed by the other artists, Wally Wood, Jack Davis, John Severin, et al. He also researched these stories meticulously & obsessively. Two Fisted Tales #31 & 35 (with Frontline Combat #9) were intended as a multi part portrayal of the American Civil War.

Kurtzman's stories play out as personal tragedies within the larger, violent & anonymous conflict. The terrible events that unfold, are witnessed only by the players & the reader. These stories are powerful & haunting. The Kurtzman Two Fisted Tales (with companion title Frontline Combat) are claimed by many to be among the finest Comic published in 1950s America.

With the stalemating of the war & Kurtzman's involvement with MAD, the title was inherited by John Severin & writer Colin Dawkins, reverting to adventure once more (issues #36-40). This duo was the un-credited editorial team, too. The 24th and final issue (#41) featured Berni Krigstein's only story for the title, Mau Mau. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm) Very slight wear on box otherwise Fine condition complete set

Our Price: £275.00 ($440.00) (€302,50)

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLVAULTBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Vault of Horror (5 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited & written by Al Feldstein, Johnny Craig & others. Russ Cochran, 1982. Near Mint. 5 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. Vault Of Horror (1950-5) continues the numbering of processor War Against Crime, where The Vault Keeper made his initial appearances. Its numbering is therefore #12-40, giving a total of 29 issues.

It is unique at EC in that Johnny Craig drew every single cover & he managed an illustrated story in all but two issues. From issue #35, Craig was put in charge, as editor but he found it a slow laborious task, else more titles may have been placed under his control. The temperamental artist, Berni Krigstein thrived & drew four classic stories for the later issues. Craig & Krigstein were joined by a wealth of talented illustrators, familiar names to all EC fans. They include Al Feldstein, Wally Wood, Jack Davis, Jack Kamen, Joe Orlando & Reed Crandall. Al Williamson also drew one story for the title (#37).

As with EC's other horror titles, the three Ghoulunatics (the Old Witch, The Crypt Keeper & The Vault Keeper) would host the various stories with increasing relish & macabre humour the series went on. The Vault Keeper would add the attractive gothic beauty for the last few issues.

If not enough, there are adaptations based upon short stories by one of America's finest writers, Ray Bradbury. With the Comic Code upon them, Vault's last issue appeared dated December' January 1954/55. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. NM/FN. Hard Cover Part Colour 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm)

Our Price: £295.00 ($472.00) (€324,50)

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLWARBOX)

The Complete EC Library: War Against Crime / Crime Patrol (4 Volume Boxed Set)
Written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others. Russ Cochran, 1993. Near Mint. 4 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally & edited by William M. Gaines. Following the untimely death of his father, Maxwell C. Gaines (1896-1947), William M. Gaines inherited his father's company Entertaining Comics. Determined to enjoy himself Gaines Jr hired the talented but largely untried writer/artist Al Feldstein & started producing Comic books more to his liking.

War Against Crime was all new (of eleven issues), whilst the adventure oriented International was converted in stages to International Crime Patrol & thence Crime Patrol (#6-16). These featured stylish film-noir covers by Johnny Craig, plus interior stories by him, Feldstein, Howard Larsen, Henry G. Kiefer & several lesser-known names. In 1949, EC experimented with horror style stories & early attempts can also be found within. In a bold move, the last two issues of each featured the first appearances of two of EC's Ghoulanatics, The Crypt Keeper in Crime Patrol, with The Vault Keeper in War Against Crime.

These Pre-Trend Comics show the early developments of storytelling and illustration that would make the company famous in the following decade. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm)

Our Price: £250.00 ($400.00) (€275,00)

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLFANTASYBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Weird Fantasy (4 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited & written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others. Russ Cochran, 1980. Out of Print. Near Mint. 4 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. Weird Fantasy (1950-3) continued the numbering of its predecessor, A Moon A Girl, Romance, hence early issues are numbered #11 through 17. The final issues were normalised, giving 22 issues in total. Publisher William M. Gaines always preferred the science fiction Comics of all his publications. Even though modest sellers, he kept at least on title going from 1950 until the end in 1956.

These Comics continue the dystopian view of man, formed by companion title Weird Science. They deal with man & his foibles as he attempts to visit & colonise space, interact with alien species or live with atomic weapons. Despite their pessimism, they are also imaginative and darkly humorous. From 1952 writer Ray Bradbury's stories were adapted & several are feature here. Other science fiction writers were also sampled without their knowledge, adding to the sophistication of stories on offer. Add into the mix some of the most beautiful visions of 1950s science fiction from artists Al Feldstein, Wally Wood, Al Williamson, Harvey Kurtzman, Joe Orlando, Jack Kamen & others.

Weird Fantasy represents some of the finest science fiction stories ever illustrated. Purchase this handsome high quality reprint anthology today & find out why. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm) Very slight wear on box; Books Near Mint.

Our Price: £295.00 ($472.00) (€324,50)

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: CECLSCIENCEBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Weird Science (4 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited by Al Feldstein, written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others. Russ Cochran, 1977. Near Mint. 4 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. This edition was the first of Russ Cochran's EC Library reprints & it is the only one that has been reprinted. First edition copies are devoid of supplementary notes. The second print aligns with all subsequent libraries in that notes were supplied to inform the reader. Some first editions have the notes as a loose-leaf supplement. Publisher William M. Gaines always preferred the science fiction Comics of all his publications. Even though modest sellers, he kept at least one title going from 1950 until the end in 1956.

Weird Science (1950-3) took its numbering from Saddle Romances, hence early issues are numbered #12 through 15, then #6 through 22 (22 issues in total). These Comics present a dystopian view of man & his attempt to visit & colonise space, interact with alien species or live with atomic weapons. They are also imaginative, darkly humorous, despite their pessimism.

From 1952 writer Ray Bradbury's stories were adapted & several are feature here. Add to that some of the most beautiful visions of 1950s science fiction from Al Feldstein, Wally Wood, Al Williamson, Harvey Kurtzman, Joe Orlando, Jack Kamen & others. Weird Science (with companion Weird Fantasy) represents the finest science fiction stories ever illustrated. Find out for yourself with this classic high quality reprint anthology. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm)

Our Price: £275.00 ($440.00) (€302,50)

Larger picture!

You might also be interested in:

The Complete EC Library: Tales From The Crypt (5 Volume Boxed Set) more...

(Ref: CECLWSFBOX)

The Complete EC Library: Weird Science Fantasy (2 Volume Boxed Set)
Edited by Al Feldstein, written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others.. Russ Cochran, 1982. 2 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. Struggling to keep two science fiction titles viable, publisher William M. Gaines combined Weird Science & Weird Fantasy, to form Weird Science Fantasy (1954-5). The title had been for EC's two science fiction annuals. The numbering continued, hence #23-29, seven issues in total. In a bold move the early editions were priced at 15c (American Comics of the time were all 10c). They did not sell and the price was dropped back after 2 issues.

The high quality mix of science fiction stories and art was continued by Wally Wood, Al Williamson, Joe Orlando, Jack Kamen, Reed Crandall & Berni Krigstein. Most famously, the last issue featured Frank Frazetta's previously unpublished Buck Rogers illustration for the cover.

With The Comic Code in place & words like crime, weird, horror & terror being frowned upon, EC launched Incredible Science Fiction (1955-6) into the void. It survived four more issues, #30 through #33. Jack Davis was asked to supply humorous covers, which he did, most skilfully. Inside were stories by Wood, Orlando, Krigstein and Williamson.

EC's plea for racial tolerance, Judgement Day, substituted the Code rejected An Eye For An Eye, by Angelo Torres. However both are published here. After the problems with this issue, EC considered it futile to continue, thus making Incredible Science Fiction #33 EC's last ever Comic publication. Despite its slim appearance, The Complete Weird Science Fantasy is a classic compendium worthy of your attention. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Black & White 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm) Occasionally in stock - .

Click for larger picture!

(Ref: ECECL)

Extra!
Complete EC Library. One of a set of hard cover deluxe volumes reprinting the complete EC comics reproduced from the original artwork. The stories are printed in stunningly detailed b/w with the covers in full colour. The books are smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Part Colour Some copies available - .

Larger cover picture!

(Ref: ICECL)

Impact
Complete EC Library. One of a set of hard cover deluxe volumes reprinting the complete EC comics reproduced from the original artwork. The stories are printed in stunningly detailed b/w with the covers in full colour. The books are smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Part Colour Some copies available - .

Larger cover picture!

(Ref: MDCECL)

MD
Complete EC Library. One of a set of hard cover deluxe volumes reprinting the complete EC comics reproduced from the original artwork. The stories are printed in stunningly detailed b/w with the covers in full colour. The books are smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Part Colour.

as we may occasionally have this EC Volume in stock

Larger cover picture!

(Ref: PICECL)

Piracy
Complete EC Library. One of a set of hard cover deluxe volumes reprinting the complete EC comics reproduced from the original artwork. The stories are printed in stunningly detailed b/w with the covers in full colour. The books are smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Part Colour

as we may occasionally have this EC Book in stock

(Ref: PCECL)

Psychoanalysis
Complete EC Library. One of a set of hard cover deluxe volumes reprinting the complete EC comics reproduced from the original artwork. The stories are printed in stunningly detailed b/w with the covers in full colour. The books are smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Part Colour Dust Jacket.

as we may occasionally have this EC Set in stock

Larger cover picture!

(Ref: CECLCRYPTBOXSW)

Al Williamson supplied a min-period story, with latterday issues enlivened by the likes of Berni Krigstein & Reed Crandall. EC had intended starting a fourth title by resurrecting the moribund Crypt Of Terror. With the Code crackdown upon them, it was hastily changed & released as t he final Tales From The Crypt (#46). Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. NM/FN. Hard Cover Part Colour Slight shelf wear on SLIPCASE.

Our Price: £236.00 ($377.60) (€259,60)

Click for larger picture!

You might also be interested in: