War Comics #48
Atlas Comics (Marvel) • War Comics (1950-1959)
Writer
Stan Lee (Editor/Likely Writer)
Interior Artist
Joe Maneely, Mort Lawrence, Reed Crandall, Robert Sale
Cover Artist
Joe Maneely
Publication Date
July 1957
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A classic Cold War era anthology featuring war stories. The lead story is 'The Commies and Sgt. Sawyer!' followed by 'The Silent Ones,' 'He Made the Choice,' and 'The Traitor.' It features typical Atlas-era gritty combat narratives during the Korean War period.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Heavy wear on the top and bottom edges with significant chipping and paper loss along the top margin. Deep spine stress lines, color-breaking creases across the cover, rounded and blunted corners, and significant tanning/foxing visible. The cover appears to have lost its original gloss and shows signs of moisture exposure along the edges.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $55 / Graded (CGC 2.0): $80 - $110
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies (VG/FN) range from $150 to $200. Low-grade copies in this condition typically sell on eBay for approximately $40 depending on collector interest in pre-hero Atlas titles.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS submission would likely exceed the commercial value added for a grade in the 1.5 - 2.5 range. The comic is best kept in a fresh mylar sleeve with a backing board.
Notable Features
Features the Atlas 'Globe' logo. Early Silver Age pre-hero Marvel history. Contains Joe Maneely art, who was Stan Lee's favorite artist before his untimely death. Includes the Comics Code Authority seal.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1957 10-cent price point. Paper oxidation and staple wear consistent with 1950s newsprint stock. Check for potential rusted staples which are common for this era.