Mad ##3
EC Comics • Mad Vol. 1
Writer
Harvey Kurtzman
Interior Artist
Will Elder, Wally Wood, Jack Davis, Harvey Kurtzman
Cover Artist
Harvey Kurtzman
Publication Date
January/February 1953
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features classic early satirical humor and parodies typical of EC's pre-code era, including comic book and pop culture satires written and laid out by Harvey Kurtzman with art by legendary EC mainstays.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Heavy spine wear with spine roll and multiple color-breaking stress lines, heavy corner blunting and creasing, significant edge wear with tears along the left red border, surface scuffing and tanning, dirt accumulation, and possible staple rust.
Estimated Market Value
Raw estimated value: $150 - $300. Graded (CGC 2.0) value: $300 - $500 depending on interior completeness and page quality.
Recent Sales
Recent sales of Golden Age Mad issues in low-to-mid grades show steady collector demand, with issue #3 in similar condition typically trading around $200 to $350.
Grading Recommendation
Professional grading is recommended only if the interior pages are complete and without major tears or missing coupons, as early EC issues retain collector value even in lower grades. A press might improve flatness, but the heavy spine roll and edge tears will cap the grade.
Notable Features
Early issue (#3) from the legendary pre-code satirical comic book run that fundamentally altered American humor and led to the creation of Mad Magazine.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic early 1950s original based on paper stock aging, traditional newsprint texture, staple placement, and correct typography for the EC publishing era.