House of Mystery ##173
DC Comics • House of Mystery Vol. 1
Writer
Dave Wood
Interior Artist
Jim Aparo
Cover Artist
Neal Adams
Publication Date
April 1968
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (12 cent price point)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the final Silver Age appearance of the 'Dial H for Hero' feature before the series transitioned into a horror/suspense anthology format. Robby Reed dials into the heroes 'The King' and 'The Oni'. Also includes a backup story 'The Ghost of a Hero'.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate edge wear, spine stress lines with slight color breaking, minor corner blunting on the top right, and some surface scuffing in the black ink areas of the devil's face and upper right quadrant.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50. Graded (CGC 7.0): $80 - $110. Peak grades (9.0+) can exceed $200.
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for mid-grade copies range from $25 to $45. High-grade slabbed copies (9.4) have sold for $250+.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading unless sentimental value is high. The 7.0 grade is respectable but the cost of grading and shipping would likely equal or exceed the total market value of the slabbed book.
Notable Features
Final 'Dial H for Hero' in House of Mystery. Notable early DC cover art by legendary artist Neal Adams. Iconic split-face 'Angel/Devil' cover art.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Silver Age DC copy; features original 12-cent silver-age pricing, standard newsprint stock aging, and correct 'Comics Code Authority' seal placement.