The Durango Kid ##18
Magazine Enterprises • The Durango Kid (Vol. 1)
Writer
Gardner Fox
Interior Artist
Dick Ayers
Cover Artist
Dick Ayers
Publication Date
October - November 1952
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Western action featuring Charles Starrett as the Durango Kid. Includes stories 'Lost Treasure Trove!', 'Design for Death!', 'The Sheriff's Son!', and 'XXX!'. The main story follows the masked vigilante hero protecting the frontier.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good / Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Moderate yellowing/tanning of the cover consistent with age; minor spine stress lines and corner blunting at the top right; visible staining/soiling near the right edge and bottom corner; minor surface wear on the front cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $40 - $70; Graded (CGC 5.0): $100 - $140
Recent Sales
Similar mid-grade copies of this run routinely sell in the $35-$60 range for raw copies. A CGC 7.0 sold for approximately $175 in a recent auction.
Grading Recommendation
Due to the visible staining and general age-related wear, this is likely a mid-grade copy. Professional grading is only recommended for personal preservation unless the interior is exceptionally white; the cost of grading may exceed the value added for a 5.0 grade.
Notable Features
Dick Ayers cover art and interior work; Golden Age Western; 10-cent original cover price; ME (Magazine Enterprises) logo in top left.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1952 printing. Displays characteristic non-glossy paper stock of the era and aged staple oxidation. The 'ME' publisher logo and Dick Ayers signature bottom right are consistent with known originals.