Showcase presents Rip Hunter... TIME MASTER #No. 20
DC Comics • Showcase Vol. 1
Writer
Jack Miller
Interior Artist
Mike Sekowsky
Cover Artist
Joe Kubert
Publication Date
June 1959
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'Prisoners of 100 Million B.C.!' This issue marks the first appearance and origin of Rip Hunter, the Time Master, along with his team: Jeff Smith, Bonnie Baxter, and Corky Baxter. They travel back to the Mesozoic era in their Time Sphere and encounter various prehistoric threats.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and several color-breaking ticks along the spine. Blunting on all four corners, especially the bottom right. Small edge tears and minor creasing on the right margin. Slight yellowing/tanning of the white areas of the cover. A small stain or abrasion is visible on the center-left edge of the white border.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $200 - $350 | Graded 4.0: $450 - $600
Recent Sales
Recent sales for a Mid-Grade (4.0-5.0) copy range from $350 to $700 depending on eye appeal. High-grade copies (8.0+) can exceed $3,000.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if the goal is preservation or maximum resale value. A professional clean and press could potentially bump this to a 4.5 or 5.0. As the first appearance of a key Silver Age character, grading is generally advised for quality copies.
Notable Features
Major Key Issue. 1st Appearance of Rip Hunter; 1st Appearance of Jeff Smith, Bonnie Baxter, and Corky Baxter. 1st Appearance of the Time Sphere. Rip Hunter eventually becomes a pivotal figure in the DC Multiverse (Crisis on Infinite Earths, Legends of Tomorrow).
Authentication Notes
The 10-cent cover price, aged paper stock, and Silver Age DC logo (Superman DC National Comics) appear authentic. Print registration and alignment on the spine are consistent with 1959 production standards.