Classics Illustrated: The War of the Worlds #No. 124
Gilberton Company, Inc. • Classics Illustrated
Writer
H.G. Wells (Original Author), Harry Miller (Adaptation)
Interior Artist
Lou Cameron
Cover Artist
Lou Cameron
Publication Date
January 1955
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing (Original 15 cent cover price)
Comic Description
A graphic adaptation of H. G. Wells' seminal science fiction novel regarding a Martian invasion of Earth. It features the iconic tripod war machines and the desperate struggle of humanity against superior technology.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fair/Good (CGC 1.5)
Condition Details
Extensive wear including a large missing piece on the bottom right corner, a red price sticker on the cover, significant spine splitting and stress, severe corner blunting, color-breaking creases across the surface, and edge chipping.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $25; Graded: $40 - $60 (though grading is not recommended due to damage).
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (9.0+) of the first printing can fetch over $400, but low-grade copies with missing pieces typically sell in the $10-$20 range on auction sites.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The missing cover fragment and heavy surficial wear would result in a very low technical grade, and the cost of the grading service would exceed the market value of the book.
Notable Features
First printing established by the 15-cent price point. Lou Cameron's cover art is highly regarded among Golden Age sci-fi collectors. Key adaptation of a literary classic.
Authentication Notes
The paper stock appears consistent with the newsprint used in 1950s Gilberton publications. The 15c price box is the primary indicator of an early edition specifically from the 1955 run.