Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror
Star Publications // November 1951 - May-June 1953
Issue count: 9
The comic book biz of the early 1950s was like the “Wild West.” Or even the “Goldrush”, for that matter.
There was absolutely no regulation or standards in practice, artists (and writers to lesser degree) were out there on their own battling it out for jobs, not unionized, not under contract. This is the reason, partially, that there were so many small publishers that sprang up overnight, and were seemingly gone just as quickly.
Some of these small companies could pay untested or unpublished artists insanely low page-rates, and even proven veterans - masters of their craft - were forced to take more work for lower wages just to compete and, yes, live. These guys really had to love doing it, because they worked their butts off for very little.
There was so much work out there because it was so easy for would-be publishers to “speculate” in the market and to get bankrolled with very little capital up front. How? Well, usually by cutting corners; cheap paper, cheap labor, sketchy distribution, cheap, insufficient pressing plants which were not maintained the way they should have been (have you seen some companies outrageous color-misalignment in books from this time? It is enough to give you a headache, this poor quality stuff!)
And, to re-state the point about artists in particular getting screwed/underpaid, you must understand that there were no “stars” in this craft at the time - barely any creatives got byline credit on their finished projects (with a few exeptions, but certainly not the norm), and it was really only ultra-fans, industry insiders, and peers that knew, for example, that guys like Mort Meskin and Reed Crandall were genius illustrators; but those names meant nothing to the general reading public. To most folks, comic books were a “disposeable” medium, not worthy of any serious respect.
Heck, even the most successful company, DC, tried to put over on the general public that it was actually “Bob Kane” that drew Batman for almost 40 years. A ridiculous notion in light of the later revelation that Kane’s artwork had been “ghosted” for decades…yet nobody knew who Jerry Robinson or Dick Sprang were…sigh.
So the “goldrush” came. Hundreds of guys that were able to convince creditors that they could it “better.”Although there were companies that weathered the storm of rising and declining sales - again, DC, for example, was totally immune from any financial worry due to their biggest assets - Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman being so firmly woven into the American consciousness that there was never a chance of them shutting their doors. But, on the flipside, things actually were touch-ang-go even for former (and future) giants like Marvel (Timely/Atlas) for a while there!
One of the little, fly-by-night publishers that managed to put out some above-average material was New York-based Comic Media. Started and owned by a fellow named Allen Hardy, who also is listed as editor of record on all of CM’s releases (why spend money on an outside editor?)
Comic Media, in its two year existence (1952 - 1954), distinguished itself in a few ways; firstly, Hardy gave work to a handful of very talented, but untested, youngsters like, the most prominently- featured Don Heck, who rendered some amazing covers - like the rogues gallery portraits that graced each issue of their premiere horror title Horrific, and the vivid, meticulous covers of their less successful horror title Weird Terror - for which he also drew a good deal of it’s interior stories.
He also gave shots to other future industry leaders like Pete Morisi, whose very tidy, uncomplicated brushwork and effective storytelling is only starting to be recognized for how great it was/is. Pete, parenthetically, was able to subsist financially due to his day job: he was a New York City Policeman. Pete contributed regularly to Weird Terror. Other “newbies” that benefitted from jobs for Comic Media were Steve Ditko (no slouch), Don Perlin, and the future Marvel-workhorse team of Ross Andru and Mike Esposito.
Just the fact that these guys, who surely made barely a living wage, worked on Weird Terror makes all of its 13 issues worthy of being collectors items.
Unfortunately, beginning around issue #7, we started to see Comic Media reprinting stories from their other tiles, and even stories from its own earlier issues, in Weird Terror. This is never a good sign, and, of course they were out of business by the end of 1954.
Allen Hardy had the good sense to sell his titles and characters to Charlton Comics in a “liquidation” deal. Charlton actually used some of them, too. And they ended up being the chief employer of Pete Morisi. For that, at least, we should be thankful…
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Issue #111
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #111 worth in 2024?
The top price for Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #111 is $5520, paid in June 2022 for an 8.5 graded copy. Other prices include $3360, paid in January 2022 for an 7.5 graded copy and $720, paid in February 2022 for a 2.5 graded copy.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Issue #111 of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949) was published in November 1951. Art and writing by L. B. Cole.
Key Facts About the Comic
The cover art features the Wolfman.
Story Synopsis
This issues features stories of horror and monsters from before the comic code.
- 8 page Mask story "The Face of Death"
- 1 page story "Cremation"
- 8 page Red Rocket story "The Monstrous Madmen"
- 2 page text story "Thorns of the Devil"
- 1 page story "The Space Scare"
- 8 page Blue Bolt story "The Thing of Terror"
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40 | $775 | $1,675 | $260 | $0 | $5,525 |
Issue #112
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #112 worth in 2024?
The top price for Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #112 is $12600, paid in November 2022 for a 9.0 graded copy. Other prices include $2640, paid in October 2022 for a 6.5 graded copy and $910 December 2022 for a 3.0 graded copy.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Issue #112 of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949) was published in February 1952. Art by L. B. Cole, Jay Disbrow, and Rudy Palais. Written by Jay Disbrow.
Key Facts About the Comic
The cover art features a giant green monster holding a woman.
Story Synopsis
This issues features stories of horror and monsters from before the comics code.
- 6 page story "The Beast from Below"
- 1 page story "The Djinni of Bazra"
- 10 page Torpedo Man story "Strange Tale of the Sea Monster"
- 1 page text story "The Ghost of Gold"
- 5 page Zann story "The Weird Ape Howls"
- 1 page text story "Fear"
- 6 page story "The Thing From Beyond"
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $450 | $850 | $1,325 | $4,325 | $0 | $12,600 |
Issue #113
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #113 worth in 2024?
The top price for Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #113 is $4560, paid in November 2020 for a 7.5 graded copy. Other prices include $920, paid in May 2022 for a 4.0 graded copy and $520, paid in February 2023 for a 3.0 graded copy.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Issue #113 of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949) was published in May 1942. Art by L. B. Cole, Basil Wolverton, and Jay Disbrow. Written by Jay Disbrow and Basil Wolverton.
Key Facts About the Comic
The cover art features multiple robed ghostly skeleton figures.
Story Synopsis
This issue features stories of horror and monsters from before the comics code.
- 6 page story "The Unknown Presence*"
- 1 page story "The Mystery of the Catacombs"
- 4 page story "The Ghoul of the North"
- 2 page text story "Death In the Sea"
- 8 page Spacehawk story "Terror of the Green Faces"
- 6 page story "The Black Room"
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $180 | $925 | $1,025 | $4,550 | $0 | $4,550 |
Issue #114
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #114 worth in 2024?
The top price for Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #114 is $6600, paid in November 2021 for a 8.0 graded copy. Other prices include $2040, paid in June 2022 for a 5.5 graded copy and $1400, paid in February 2023 for a 3.5 graded copy.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Issue #114 of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949) was published in August 1952. Art by L. B. Cole and Jay Disbrow. Written by Jay Disbrow.
Key Facts About the Comic
The cover art features an underwater monster.
Story Synopsis
This issue features stories of horror and monsters from before the comics code.
- 6 page story "Swamp Spirit*"
- 1 page story "The Vengeful Phantom"
- 5 page story "The Mummy"
- 2 page text story "The Ghost Who Cried"
- 6 page story "Picture a Nightmare"
- 1 page story "Maniac"
- 6 page story "The Insider"
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $1,375 | $200 | $500 | $0 | $6,600 |
Issue #115
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #115 worth in 2024?
The top price for Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #115 is $16730, paid in November 2017 for a 9.6 graded copy. Other prices include $4200, paid in November 2022 for a 7.0 graded copy and $1155, paid in October 2021 for a 1.8 graded copy.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Issue #115 of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949) was published in October 1952. Art by L. B. Cole and Jay Disbrow. Written by Jay Disbrow.
Key Facts About the Comic
This issue features a tale of terror from the start of the Korean War.
Story Synopsis
This issue features stories of horror and monsters from before the comics code.
- 6 page story "Cavern of Death"
- 1 page story "The Parchment of Death"
- 4 page story "Death from the Skies"
- 2 page text story "Terror in the Fields"
- 8 page Sgt. Spook story "Secret of the Moaning Ghosts"
- 6 page story "The Return of the Ghoul"
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,200 | $1,550 | $1,925 | $480 | $16,725 | $16,725 |
Issue #116
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #116 worth in 2024?
The top price for Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #116 is $3600, paid in July 2020 for a 8.0 graded copy. Other prices include $800, paid in August 2021 for a 4.5 graded copy and $410, paid in November 2019 for a 2.5 graded copy.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Issue #116 of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949) was published in December 1952. Art by L. B. Cole and Jay Disbrow. Written by Jay Disbrow.
Key Facts About the Comic
The cover art features zombie like ghost soldiers.
Story Synopsis
This issue features stories of horror and monsters from before the comics code!
- 6 page story "The Ghostly Guardians*"
- 1 page story "Weird Mr. and Mrs. Murder"
- 8 page Blue Bolt story "Death, Danger, and Deceit"
- 2 page text story "Dead Man's Mistake"
- 10 page Jungle Jo story "Valley of the Demon Monsters"
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $410 | $800 | $1,025 | $3,600 | $825 | $3,600 |
Issue #117
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #117 worth in 2024?
The top price for Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #117 is $1920, paid in July 2020 for a 7.0 graded copy. Other prices include $1700, paid in July 2021 for a 6.0 graded copy and $780. paid in June 2021 for a 4.0 graded copy.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Issue #117 of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949) was published in February 1953. Art by L. B. Cole and Jay Disbrow. Written by Jay Disbrow.
Key Facts About the Comic
The cover art features a Native American monster
Story Synopsis
This issue features stories of horror and monsters from before the comic code!
- 6 page story "The Thing In the Pit*"
- 2 page text story "Death Pays a Visit"
- 6 page Jo-Jo story "The Devil Plant and the Weird Madman"
- 11 page Blue Bolt story "Death In the Desert"
- 7 page story "The Monster Invaders"
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $260 | $775 | $1,700 | $550 | $0 | $1,925 |
Issue #118
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #118 worth in 2024?
The top price for Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #118 is $1513, paid in November 2019 for a 6.0 graded copy. Other prices include $750, paid in April 2022 for a 4.5 graded copy and $429, paid in February 2022 for a 2.5 graded copy.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Issue #118 of Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949) was published in April 1953. Art by L. B. Cole, Jay Disbrow, and Wally Wood. Written by Jay Disbrow.
Key Facts About the Comic
The cover art features monsters in a swamp.
Story Synopsis
This issue features stories of horror and monsters before the comics code!
- 6 page story "The Creature In the Fens*"
- 1 page story "Box of Death"
- 8 page story "Horror of the Future"
- 2 page text story "Weird Nightmare"
- 10 page Jungle Jo story "The White Spirit"
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $430 | $525 | $1,525 | $300 | $0 | $1,525 |
Issue #119
What's Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #119 worth in 2024?
Blue Bolt is one of the earliest Golden Age titles. Over the years, the Blue Bolt Weird tales of terror is considered one of the most sought-after comic book series among horror and suspense collectors. Despite being a Golden Age, The Highest graded Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror #119 is a 9.6 CGC which went for $11311 back in 2019. Whereas, a 9.0 CGC was sold for $5520 in 2022. A mid-grade 5.0 was traded for $840 in 2018 and a low-grade 2.0 CGC went for $380 in 2019.
Why is this comic book valuable?
The Blue Bolt title is considered among the initial Golden Age Titles. This series was published in the early 1940s and a successful run through the 1950s. This series underwent many ownership changes who later brought changes to the original writers and the editors. Starting as a Golden Age Superhero series, Blue Bolt was scraped by the 1950s and the classic series shifted from classic superhero to a horror and suspense genre by the time this comic was published.
Key Facts About the Comic
Blue Bolt Weird Tales of Terror (1949): #119 was published by Star Publications in June 1953.
Story Synopsis
Jeff Barton procures a suspicious-looking wooden box at an auction that is entirely unknown to him. Upon opening that box, he releases a bunch of demons that have killed all the previous box owners.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $380 | $725 | $2,375 | $480 | $11,300 | $11,300 |