Super Comics #No. 79
Dell Publishing • Super Comics (1938-1949)
Writer
Chester Gould, various syndicated artists
Interior Artist
Chester Gould (Dick Tracy strips), various
Cover Artist
Chester Gould (Dick Tracy portrait)
Publication Date
December 1944
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
An anthology title featuring reprints of popular newspaper comic strips. This issue features 'Dick Tracy' by Chester Gould as the primary cover and lead feature. Other strips include Smitty, Tiny Tim, Harold Teen, and Winnie Winkle.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good+ (CGC 2.5)
Condition Details
Moderate color breaking spine stress, significant corner blunting at bottom left, visible age-toning/yellowing of the cover paper, small surface scuffs on the black areas of Tracy's suit, and potential spine splitting at the top and bottom. Small tear/chip visible at the top edge above 'Super'.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $55; Graded (CGC 2.5): $75 - $110. Values for Golden Age Dell comics depend heavily on the popularity of the lead feature artist, Chester Gould.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-to-lower grade Super Comics from the mid-#70s range between $25 and $60 depending on internal paper quality and spine integrity.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal preservation. The high cost of grading fees relative to the market value of a low-to-mid grade 1944 Dell anthology usually results in a net loss for the seller.
Notable Features
Features Golden Age Dick Tracy content by Chester Gould. Part of the long-running Dell anthology series that helped define the early comic book format. Features the '10 cents' original pricing and Dell 'A Dell Magazine' logo.
Authentication Notes
The item appears authentic based on the newsprint texture visible through the bag, the specific color palette of 1940s Dell inks, and the correct typography for the 1944 Dell logo and price stamp. No signs of reproduction are evident.