Tales of the Unexpected ##29
National Comics (DC Comics) • Tales of the Unexpected Vol. 1
Writer
Bill Finger, Otto Binder, Jack Miller
Interior Artist
George Papp, Mort Meskin, Bill Ely, Howard Sherman
Cover Artist
Dick Dillin and Sheldon Moldoff
Publication Date
September 1958
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A classic Silver Age sci-fi anthology featuring 'The Sleeping Beauty of Space' (Jupiter! An Earth girl cast away in a life capsule!), 'The Secret of the Floating City,' 'The Man with the Super-Senses,' and 'The Courtship of a Martian.'
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Significant spine wear with multiple color-breaking stress lines; blunting and rounding of corners (especially bottom left/right); noticeable edge wear with small tears; slight color fading and moderate surface scuffing; visible creasing on right-hand edge; page tanning visible from the edge profile.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $35 - $60; Graded (CGC 4.0): $100 - $140
Recent Sales
Comparable mid-grade copies (VG range) have recently fluctuated between $40 and $75. High-grade copies (VF or better) for this specific issue are rare and fetch a significant premium.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading at this time unless for sentimental protection. The grading fees and shipping would likely equal or exceed the potential value gain, as it currently sits in a mid-to-low grade range.
Notable Features
10-cent cover price; 'Sleeping Beauty' sci-fi cover theme; late 1950s DC sci-fi/mystery era; no Barcode (Pre-dates UPC).
Authentication Notes
The aging on the paper stock, specific 10c price font, and texture of the ink on the black background appear consistent with authentic DC publications from 1958. No signs of restoration are visible under the plastic bag, but a thorough inspection of the staples would be required to confirm no glue or amateur repairs.