Pep Comics ##17
MLJ Magazines, Inc. (later known as Archie Comics) • Pep Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Joe Blair
Interior Artist
Irvin Novick, Harry Sahle
Cover Artist
Irvin Novick
Publication Date
July 1941
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of The Hangman (Bob Dickering), who takes over the lead feature of the book. Also features the ongoing adventures of The Shield (Joe Higgins) and Dusty the Boy Detective. This is a pre-Archie issue of Pep Comics, focusing on superhero and patriotic themes during the lead-up to WWII.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine rollout and heavy spine stress with color breaks. Significant corner blunting and creasing on the bottom right. Surface wear/scuffing on the black areas of the logo and character boots. Visible dust shadow or soil along the top and left edges. Possible tanning or brittle edges typical of 1940s newsprint.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $2,500 - $3,500; Graded (CGC 4.0): $4,000 - $5,500
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (CGC 8.0+) have sold for over $25,000. Low-to-mid grade (2.0-5.0) copies vary widely due to scarcity, typically ranging from $1,800 to $6,000 depending on eye appeal.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended for professional grading (CGC/CBCS). This is a Golden Age mega-key. Grading provides preservation and authenticates the book, significantly increasing its liquidity in the high-end collector market. Professionals should also check for interior restoration (amateur tape, glue, or color touch).
Notable Features
Major Golden Age Key Issue: 1st appearance and origin of The Hangman. Character-heavy cover featuring The Shield and The Hangman. Historically significant as it pre-dates the debut of Archie Andrews (which occurs in Pep #22).
Authentication Notes
The paper stock and color density appear consistent with early 1940s MLJ publications. No immediate signs of being a modern 'Famous 1st Edition' treasury reprint (the size is correct for a standard Golden Age comic). Check the '10 cents' price circle and the specific color of the red header for bleed-through patterns typical of period printing.