The Unexpected #No. 140
DC Comics • The Unexpected Vol. 1
Writer
George Kashdan (Editor/Writer), Steve Skeates
Interior Artist
Ruben Yandoc, Ernie Chan (as Ernie Chua)
Cover Artist
Nick Cardy
Publication Date
October 1972
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A classic Bronze Age horror anthology featuring 'The Anatomy of Hate!' host by The Mad Mod Witch. The story involves Hargrave, a man confronted by a spectral, shaggy entity representing his own internal malice.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Heavy wear and structural damage. Large color-breaking spine stress lines; significant corner rounding and blunting; visible creasing across the bottom right; noticeable chipping and tears on the left spine edge; multiple price stickers/decals adhered directly to the cover surface; general surface scuffing and soil; the comic remains in its original poly-bag which may be hiding additional foxing or tanning.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (ungraded): $5 - $12; Graded (CGC 2.0): $25 - $35
Recent Sales
Low-grade copies (GD to VG) of bronze age anthology titles like The Unexpected typically sell in bulk lots or individually for under $10. High-grade (9.0+) copies can fetch $60-$100.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading fee (approx. $25-$35) meets or exceeds the market value of the book in this condition. Professional cleaning and pressing would be hampered by the stickers and existing paper loss.
Notable Features
Features the story 'The Anatomy of Hate'. Distinctive 20-cent cover price. Interior features work by Filipino artist Ruben Yandoc during the 'Filipino Invasion' of DC horror comics in the 70s.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age DC publication. Proper 20c price point for 1972. Paper stock shows expected age-related tanning. No signs of counterfeiting; stickers are period-appropriate for a secondary market resale.