MAD #No. 14
EC Comics • Tales Calculated to Drive You Mad Vol. 1
Writer
Harvey Kurtzman
Interior Artist
Harvey Kurtzman, Will Elder, Wally Wood, Jack Davis
Cover Artist
Basil Wolverton
Publication Date
August 1954
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Original EC issue)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A classic issue of the original comic book run before MAD transitioned to a magazine format. Features parodies such as 'Manduck the Magician' and 'Pool!'. This era is define by Harvey Kurtzman's editorial direction.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible edge wear and small tears on the right vertical margin; significant spine stress and wear along the left edge; general yellowing/tanning of the border consistent with 1950s newsprint; minor corner blunting; surface scuffing visible in high-gloss areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $125 - $200; Graded (CGC 4.0): $250 - $350
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies range from $150 to $400 depending on preservation of the black/dark ink on the cover; high-grade copies (9.0+) exceed $1,500.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if the goal is preservation, as Golden Age/Early Silver Age MAD issues are highly collectible. A professional clean and press could potentially raise it to a 4.5 or 5.0.
Notable Features
Iconic Mona Lisa parody cover; early EC horror-style logo; 10-cent original cover price; notable for featuring a 'recursive' cover where the Mona Lisa holds a copy of the same comic.
Authentication Notes
Colors appear consistent with 1954 printing; the 'Tales Calculated to Drive You Mad' text and EC insignia match known authentic copies. Paper aging patterns on edges are consistent with vintage newsprint stock.