Walt Disney's Comics and Stories ##45 (Vol. 4, No. 9)
Dell Publishing / Western Publishing • Walt Disney's Comics and Stories Vol. 4
Writer
Carl Barks
Interior Artist
Carl Barks; Al Taliaferro
Cover Artist
Walt Kelly
Publication Date
June 1944
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the Carl Barks story 'Ten-Cent Valentine' (also known as 'The Duck in the Iron Mask'). The issue follows Donald Duck and his nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, in a classic comedic misunderstanding typical of Barks' early work for Dell. This issue also contains Li'l Bad Wolf and Mickey Mouse backup stories.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Extensive spine wear with visible paper loss and structural deterioration. Major creasing throughout the cover, specifically a large diagonal crease across Donald's chest. Significant corner blunting and rounding. Heavy tanning/browning of the cover stock with visible soiling. The bag wrinkling masks some details, but the edges appear frayed with minor tears.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30.00 - $60.00 | Graded (2.0): $75.00 - $110.00
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (VF or better) can exceed $500, but low-grade copies in the 2.0-3.0 range typically sell between $40 and $80 depending on the auction platform.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS services plus shipping would likely exceed the total value of the book in this condition. It is a great reader/filler copy, but lacks the investment potential of a high-grade Golden Age key.
Notable Features
Features early work by the legendary Carl Barks (the 'Good Duck Artist'). The cover art by Walt Kelly is notable as he later became famous for creating Pogo. This is a Golden Age 10-cent issue.
Authentication Notes
The paper aging (oxidization) and the specific 10-cent cover price styling are consistent with Dell publications from the mid-1940s. No immediate signs of facsimile or reproduction; the wear patterns are consistent with authentic newsprint from the era.