The Lone Ranger ##21
Gold Key Comics / Western Publishing • The Lone Ranger
Writer
Paul S. Newman (likely)
Interior Artist
Tom Gill
Cover Artist
Don Spaulding (Painted Cover)
Publication Date
March 1970
Cover Variant
Regular / A Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Danger Signal' and 'The Long Road' featuring the Lone Ranger and Tonto. In this era, Gold Key often featured painted covers over interior line art by Tom Gill.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Moderate color-breaking spine stress, significant corner blunting (lower left and right), visible creasing on the top right edge, general surface wear/soiling, and a noticeable vertical 'subscription crease' or handling bend visible near the center. Edges show significant shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (estimated 3.0): $30 - $45
Recent Sales
Low grade copies (GD to VG) typically sell for less than $10. High grade copies (9.0+) are rare for this era of Gold Key and can reach $100+. This copy is in the lower mid-range.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading (approx. $30-$50) would exceed the market value of the comic in this condition. It is a great reader copy or personal collectible.
Notable Features
Includes a classic painted cover by Don Spaulding. The 15c price point and Gold Key logo are standard for the Silver to Bronze age transition period. It features the 'Unmasked!' teaser on the cover, a recurring trope in Lone Ranger media.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Gold Key issue. Paper stock exhibits natural aging (off-white to cream). Staple placement appears consistent with Western Publishing factory standards of the early 1970s.