Haunted Love ##1
Charlton Comics • Haunted Love (Tales of Gothic Romance)
Writer
Joe Gill (uncredited on cover)
Interior Artist
Tom Sutton
Cover Artist
Tom Sutton
Publication Date
October 1973
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Premiere issue of Charlton's gothic romance/horror anthology. Includes stories like 'The Reunion!', 'The Ghost of a Chance', and 'The Man Who Loved a Ghost'. Characterized by supernatural themes blended with traditional romance tropes.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible date stamp or grease pencil markup ('10/6' or '1.09') on the upper left cover. Moderate spine roll and stress lines. Corner blunting on all four corners. Visible scuffing and light staining on the front cover. Possible edge wear along the right side.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (CGC 4.0): $80 - $110
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies range between $35 and $60 depending on the severity of surface marks. Higher grade copies (9.0+) command significant premiums ($300+).
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The ink/pencil marks and general wear place it in a mid-to-lower grade tier where grading fees often exceed the value added. Only worth grading if sentimental or for preservation purposes.
Notable Features
First issue of the series. Notable for the distinctive art style of Tom Sutton, a favorite among bronze-age horror fans. Features the 'Comics Code Authority' seal.
Authentication Notes
Authentic bronze-age Charlton publication. Paper stock shows typical age-related yellowing. Staple placement is consistent with Charlton's 1970s manufacturing standards.