Suspense
Atlas // December 1949 - April 1953
Issue count: 29
A top-notch entry into the horror/supernatural genre from Atlas! The company was at the height of their creative prowess, often using creative teams that would later find stardom at Marvel! Collectors seek these books for their high quality!
It took a little bit of time for Atlas Comics (formerly Timely Comics, later Marvel Comics) to find their footing in the 1950’s as far as the creative direction in which they wanted the company to go.
Martin Goodman’s Timely Comics had, by 1949, ceased publication of almost all of it’s superhero books that had brought it such good fortune from 1939 through the end of the Second World War. Captain America, the Human Torch and The Sub-Mariner were fading from public consciousness, and the whole comic book business was turned on its head; it seems America did not need heroes in their comics, they had them in their homes in the men and women that had come back after the big war…
One may think that tastes would have veered towards the more fanciful, for the country had had enough of the death and dying. But no - the flavor of the day was moving towards the darker subjects of everyday criminals, monsters, and unexplained phenomenon.
Perhaps this turnabout in content could be explained as simply being a reflection of the collective national fatigue of war, and the uncertainty and paranoia of facing a future in a post-atomic-bomb world.
In 1949, Atlas Comics came out with Suspense, a 52-page bi-monthly supernatural/horror comic book. For the first 11 issues, the book seemed to be attached to or endorsed by a CBS Radio and Television series of the same name (Suspense ran on CBS radio from 1942 to 1962, and its companion TV series was on the air between 1949 and1954). The association appears to have ended beginning with issue #12.
Atlas was really starting to cook on all burners at this time - with the death of the superhero, they jumped into the horror genre with both feet.
This title differs from other Atlas comics which were introduced later in that they relied heavily on mostly journeymen and freelance talent for Suspense’s content. Whereas later in the 50’s, one starts seeing very familiar names from the forthcoming change to Marvel Comics in the credits.
Suspense outsourced material from the likes of such veterans as Russ Heath, Pete Morisi, Murphy Anderson, Ogden Whitney, Bob Fujitani, Manny Stallman, Allen Bellman, Jay Scott Pike, Tony DiPrita, Carl Wessler, Ed Winiarski, Dick Briefer, Bernie Krigstein, Jerry Robinson and many, many others.
Still, a few rising Marvel stars do emerge from time to time, like Sol Brodsky (future Marvel Editor), a young Gene Colan, Jim Mooney, Dick Ayers, Bill Everett and Joe Maneely.
Atlas put out so many comic books in this genre around this period, it’s hard to keep up without a scorecard (as they say). The steadying force that kept the ship afloat in terms of quality was the still-young Stan Lee, who edited virtually every Atlas book, and contributed original stories to many of them, to boot!
Collectors have started to seek out “pre-code” horror/supernatural comics to a greater degree in the last several years, and Suspense is not a bad book with which to start your own collection!
Looking to sell your comic books?
Browse our selection of key issues from Suspense below to get an instant estimate of their value.
We have been buying and selling for 20 years and have tons of experience working with sellers just like you!
Issue #1
What's Suspense #1 worth in 2024?
The highest quality single NM 9.4 for this issue set the top price of $5,228 in 2014. This was a gain of nearly 480% from its $956 value in 2006! The market for this issue is dominated by this high-end copy, as lower grades haven't gone beyond a value of $600. The limited transaction history available shows flat or declining value over time.
Why is this comic book valuable?
The Suspense series made its debut with this #1 issue in 1949. It was inspired by and licensed the title of a radio program of the same name, and ended with issue #29.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$90 | $175 | $350 | $700 | $2,800 | $5,225 |
Issue #2
What's Suspense #2 worth in 2024?
There are only three copies of this #2 issue currently on file: one VF- 7.5, and two graded at FN- 5.5. The only sale they've registered to date was $230 in 2013. It's a tricky market for this one given that the series switched genres with the next issue, and featured many iconic writers and artists after the transition.
Why is this comic book valuable?
This #2 issue was the last to feature this title within the crime genre; it switched to a sci-fi/horror series with issue #3. The cover art is a photo from the 1949 movie Abandoned.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$65 | $125 | $250 | $500 | $2,000 | $230 |
Issue #3
What's Suspense #3 worth in 2024?
The highest quality single NM 9.4 for this issue has not yet recorded a sale, leaving the top price of $635 to be set by a NM- 9.2 in November 2019. This was an solid profit from its $472 value just four months earlier in July of the same year! The current market below it has seen stagnant growth or declines in value over time.
Why is this comic book valuable?
This issue #3 marked the transition of the Suspense series from a crime feature to the sci-fi/horror genre. The switch was marked by a change for the cover logo.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$40 | $75 | $150 | $300 | $1,200 | $470 |
Issue #4
What's Suspense #4 worth in 2024?
The highest available single copy of this book at NM- 9.2 has yet to record a sale, leaving one of the two VF+ 8.5s below it to set the top price of $625 in 2013. This was a profit well over double its $263 value in 2007! There was an interesting trend of four sales at FN 6.0 in 2019. The value for this grade went from $200 in January all the way up to $455 on July 14. One week later on July 21, it dropped to $139!
Why is this comic book valuable?
Cover art by Joe Maneely.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$65 | $125 | $250 | $500 | $2,000 | $625 |
Issue #5
What's Suspense #5 worth in 2024?
To date, there are only two sales on file for this issue: $448 for the highest single grade copy VF+ 8.5 in 2006, and $132 for a VG+ 4.5 in 2020. The limited number of seven copies makes for a slow moving market, though it's a higher quantity than other issues at this point of the series. Right below the VF+ 8.5 are two VF- 7.5s and one FN/VF 7.0. There's potential for some movement here given how long ago the top-end sale occurred.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Pencils by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$65 | $130 | $250 | $500 | $2,000 | $450 |
Issue #6
What's Suspense #6 worth in 2024?
There are two copies of this issue available at the highest quality VF 8.0. They've only recorded one sale to date of $307 in 2012. Given the limited quantity of four copies currently available, there are practically zero transactions on file below it. It'll be interesting to see what kind of value change the next VF 8.0 sale will generate.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A Russian spy gathers top-secret information about an American robot army! Pencils by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$75 | $150 | $300 | $600 | $2,400 | $307 |
Issue #7
What's Suspense #7 worth in 2024?
The single top NM- 9.2 copy of this issue has yet to record a sale, leaving the VF+ 8.5 below it to set the historical high price of $390 in 2012. This was a solid profit from its $321 value just one year earlier in 2011. There are few transactions on file below it, so it's hard to gauge market trends. VF- 7.5 dropped from $448 in 2012 to $225 in 2015.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Cover art by Sol Brodsky, who Stan Lee called his 'right-hand man' in the development of Marvel.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$60 | $115 | $225 | $450 | $1,800 | $448 |
Issue #8
What's Suspense #8 worth in 2024?
There are six registered copies of this issue on file, and the highest grade is represented by two FN 6.0s. One set the record price of $180 in 2018, a value VG- 3.5 looks to be catching up on with a $133 sale one year later in 2019. GD+ 2.5 moved from $55 in 2017 to today's price of $80, suggesting positive trends in this small market.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A disturbingly violent painting is hiding a horrific secret! Cover art by Sol Brodsky, who Stan Lee called his 'right-hand man' in the development of Marvel.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$75 | $140 | $275 | $550 | $2,200 | $180 |
Issue #9
What's Suspense #9 worth in 2024?
The five highest grade copies of this issue with a top-end of one NM 9.4 have yet to record a sale. This left a VF 8.0 to set the historical high price of $391 in 2019. As to be expected, sales at lower grades have been very limited. This market provides a unique opportunity to buy into a very unestablished market if you like taking on some risk.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A man goes mad when a figurine accurately predicts his future! Cover art by Sol Brodsky, who Stan Lee called his 'right-hand man' in the development of Marvel.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 | $100 | $200 | $390 | $1,500 | $390 |
Issue #10
What's Suspense #10 worth in 2024?
The highest grade available for this issue is set by two VF/NM 9.0 copies. Their only sale to date was the historical high price of $370 in 2007. Seven years later in 2014, a lesser grade VF 8.0 came right up to that price with a sale of $365 (a solid profit from $228 in 2011). The current market below it doesn't have enough data to establish definitive trends.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A magician's act has a deadly secret! Cover art by Joe Maneely.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 | $100 | $200 | $375 | $1,400 | $370 |
Issue #11
What's Suspense #11 worth in 2024?
There are only six registered copies available for this issue, and they've generated two sales to date. A VF- 7.5 went for $156 in 2011, and a VG 4.0 sold for $70 in 2018. There's a single VF/NM 9.0 representing the highest quality available that's yet to set a price ceiling for lower grades. We've seen sales at the high-end often create movement in the overall market for an issue in this series, so #11 presents an intriguing investment opportunity if you don't mind taking on risk and patience.
Why is this comic book valuable?
"Haunted!" story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $1,600 | $156 |
Issue #12
What's Suspense #12 worth in 2024?
There are seven total copies of this issue available, and the highest grade single NM- 9.2 set the top price of $312 in 2003. The only other sales to date are a FN- 5.5 dropping from $275 in 2013 to $102 in 2015. That's a steep drop that's likely to rebound with future transactions in this slow moving market.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Art for "The Trumpet" by Joe Maneely. He was a key artist at this early development stage of Marvel who tragically died in a train accident at age 32. Stan Lee once said Maneely could have been the next Jack Kirby.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$60 | $115 | $225 | $450 | $1,800 | $310 |
Issue #13
What's Suspense #13 worth in 2024?
There are only four copies of this issue, and they've generated two sales: a VG+ 4.5 went for $264 in 2020, and VG 4.0 for $45 in 2007. We're likely to see more movement for this issue when the single copies graded at VF- 7.5 and FN 6.0 record their first sales.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Cover art and pencils for "The Strange Man!" by Joe Maneely. He was a key artist at this early development stage of Marvel who tragically died in a train accident at age 32. Stan Lee once said 'Maneely could have been the next Jack Kirby.'
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$75 | $150 | $300 | $600 | $2,400 | $50 |
Issue #14
What's Suspense #14 worth in 2024?
The best grade available for this issue is represented by two VF- 7.5s that have not yet recorded a sale. There are three FN/VF 7.0s below them, generating only one sale of $143 in 2007. Over time, lower grades went past that benchmark. FN 6.0 sold for $173 in 2016, and then one year later a lesser grade FN- 5.5 set the top price of $190. Every grade below that level has passed the original $143 price for that higher quality FN/VF 7.0 back in 2007!
Why is this comic book valuable?
A doctor learns a harsh lesson when he takes an immortality serum!
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $1,600 | $190 |
Issue #15
What's Suspense #15 worth in 2024?
The highest quality single VF+ 8.5 available for this issue has yet to record a sale. One of the two FN/VF 7.0 copies below it set the top price of $382 in 2013. There are few transactions below it, but they show encouraging signs of positive movement. A VG 4.0 sold for $100 in 2017, topping previous sales at higher grades: $84 for a FN/VF 7.0 in 2003, and $76 for a VG+ 4.5 in 2018.
Why is this comic book valuable?
"The String of Pearls" art by Ogden Whitney, co-creator of Golden Age superhero Skyman.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 | $100 | $100 | $400 | $1,600 | $382 |
Issue #16
What's Suspense #16 worth in 2024?
The top-end grades for this issue are represented by single copies of VF 8.0 and FN+ 6.5. Neither has recorded a sale, leaving the historical high price to be set at $398 by a FN 6.0 in 2013. This stood as the only transaction for this issue over six years until two lesser grades recorded sales in 2019. Once those top grade books finally hit the market, we should see further movement below.
Why is this comic book valuable?
'Alone in the Dark!' story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$100 | $200 | $400 | $750 | $3,000 | $398 |
Issue #17
What's Suspense #17 worth in 2024?
The highest quality available for this issue is set by a single VF 8.0 that's yet to record a sale. This left a VF- 7.5 below it to set the historical high price of $750 in 2019. There are very few transactions in the overall market, but there's one sign of slow, positive movement: a VG+ 4.5 sold for $79 in 2013, topping the 2002 price of $63 for the FN 6.0 above it.
Why is this comic book valuable?
The victim of a deadly frat initiation ritual gets his revenge!
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$90 | $180 | $375 | $750 | $3,000 | $750 |
Issue #18
What's Suspense #18 worth in 2024?
The four highest quality copies available for this issue ranging up to a single NM- 9.2 have not yet recorded a sale. The best grade to generate a transaction was a FN+ 6.5, which went for $92 in 2008. Six years later in 2014, a lesser grade VG/FN 5.0 below it set the historical high price of $127. Plenty of room for profits here, especially once the top-end starts rolling.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Art for 'Stay Away' by Bernie Krigstein. He was a highly influential comic book artist who drew from his background in classical painting.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 | $100 | $225 | $400 | $1,600 | $127 |
Issue #19
What's Suspense #19 worth in 2024?
The highest grade single copy VF/NM 9.0 for this issue recorded one sale of $200 back in 2005. Nine years later in 2014, a lesser grade VF- 7.5 went well past that value when it set the historical high price of $321. For a small market with little movement, #19 does show signs of growth.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A boss kills one of his workers, and the rest of his employees get their revenge! Art by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $1,600 | $321 |
Issue #20
What's Suspense #20 worth in 2024?
The highest grade single copy VF- 7.5 for this issue set the top price of $228 in 2012. This was a solid jump from a 2003 value of $102. There were no sales below this single book until 2018, when a FN- 5.5 went for $93. One year later in 2019 there were more sales of a FN 6.0 for $148, and FN+ 6.5 for $195. This creates a market situation where recent movement creates potential for calculated investment.
Why is this comic book valuable?
"The Beast-Man" story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$40 | $75 | $150 | $300 | $1,200 | $228 |
Looking to sell your comic books?
Browse our selection of key issues from Suspense below to get an instant estimate of their value.
We have been buying and selling for 20 years and have tons of experience working with sellers just like you!
Issue #21
What's Suspense #21 worth in 2024?
The highest quality for this issue is represented by a single VF+ 8.5 copy that set the top price of $310 in 2014 (a slow but solid increase from $173 in 2004). There were no other sales recorded for this issue below it until 2018. In that year, FN 6.0 moved from $143 in March to $165 in August. Lower down, FN- 5.5 dropped from $145 in September to $108 in November. If you like investing in issues with an unestablished market, this is an excellent opportunity.
Why is this comic book valuable?
'The Ghost of Grimm Towers!' story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$45 | $85 | $170 | $340 | $1,350 | $310 |
Issue #22
What's Suspense #22 worth in 2024?
There are only twelve copies of this issue currently on file. The four highest grade ones have yet to record a sale: three FN 6.0s are at the top, followed by one VG/FN 5.0. 2019 saw the first transaction in this market when a VG+ 4.5 sold for $264. In 2020, VG- 3.5 went from $132 with its first sale to $235 just ten days later!
Why is this comic book valuable?
Two criminals get a deadly surprise when they try to kill their victim! Cover art by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$130 | $260 | $500 | $950 | $3,800 | $260 |
Issue #23
What's Suspense #23 worth in 2024?
There are eight copies on file for this issue, ranging up to the highest quality set by a single FN/VF 7.0. The first and only sale to date was $62 for a VG- 3.5 in 2015. This is the lowest grade copy available! Other issues in this series have seen a trend where a low quantity market starts moving once the top grades set a price ceiling. That's likely to happen here, making for a unique investment opportunity at the right price.
Why is this comic book valuable?
"Molu's Secret!" story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $1,600 | $60 |
Issue #24
What's Suspense #24 worth in 2024?
The single copy of this issue at the highest grade NM 9.4 has not yet recorded a sale. The next step down is represented by four VF+ 8.5s, and the only sale they've generated was for $311 in 2006. Thirteen years later in 2019, a lesser grade FN/VF 7.0 more than tripled that value setting the historical high of $960! Most notable was the growth at FN- 5.5: it jumped from around $95 in 2012 to today's price of $530. That's a gain over 450%!
Why is this comic book valuable?
"Boiling Point" story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$175 | $350 | $650 | $1,200 | $4,800 | $950 |
Issue #25
What's Suspense #25 worth in 2024?
The highest available quality single NM 9.4 for this issue has yet to record a sale, leaving the VF/NM 9.0 below it to set the top price of $500 in 2007. Recent growth in the rest of the market suggests plenty profit to be made with future sales at the top. VG+ 4.5 doubled from $50 in 2013 to today's price of $100, and FN- 5.5 currently goes for $180. This beats out the $155 sale for a FN+ 6.5 above it in 2012!
Why is this comic book valuable?
'Men With Fangs!' story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$65 | $125 | $225 | $400 | $1,600 | $500 |
Issue #26
What's Suspense #26 worth in 2024?
The highest quality copy of this issue is set by a single NM- 9.2 that's yet to record a sale. Right below it, a VF/NM 9.0 set the historical high price of $255 with its only sale back in 2005. Years later, the rest of the market is growing to match that value at lower grades: Today, VG/FN 5.0 goes for around $250, and VG+ 4.5 is worth $200.
Why is this comic book valuable?
"Worse Than Death!" story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$90 | $200 | $375 | $625 | $2,500 | $260 |
Issue #27
What's Suspense #27 worth in 2024?
There are very few sales on record for this issue due to its low quantity of eight available copies. Still, the limited information available points to a market trending upward. A VG 4.0 set the top price of $93 in 2020, beating out previous sales at higher grades ($80 for a FN- 5.5 in 2013 and $46 for a VG/FN 5.0 in 2012). Given the growth potential despite slow movement, this looks to be a solid investment if you're willing to have patience.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A weatherman's skills go unappreciated, so he plots revenge on his boss! Story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$60 | $115 | $225 | $425 | $1,700 | $80 |
Issue #28
What's Suspense #28 worth in 2024?
The highest grade available for this issue is set by two VF 8.0s that have yet to record a sale. One step below is a single FN 6.0 that went for $108 in 2012. Since then, lower grades have gone far past that value. A VG/FN 5.0 set the historical high of $360 in 2018, topping that previous FN 6.0 value by 230%! VG 4.0 currently goes for $165, showing excellent overall growth and solid profits to come for those high-end copies.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A criminal's plot to steal money from an old man backfires! Story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$100 | $200 | $400 | $750 | $3,000 | $360 |
Issue #29
What's Suspense #29 worth in 2024?
This issue only has three registered copies available. To date, they've generated one sale of $165 for a GD/VG 3.0 in 2020. It's hard to accurately project the market for the other two copies, but that low-end value matches most mid-level prices for other issues in this series. A FN 6.0 marks the highest quality available for this one, and it should top the price of that one recent sale.
Why is this comic book valuable?
"The Man Behind the Blinds!" story written by Stan Lee.
Price Guide Report
GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$90 | $180 | $350 | $700 | $2,800 | $190 |