RED RYDER Comics ##86
Dell Comics • Red Ryder Comics (Vol. 1)
Writer
Fred Harman
Interior Artist
Fred Harman
Cover Artist
Photo Cover (attributed to Fred Harman reference)
Publication Date
September 1950
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the adventures of Red Ryder, the 'Fighting Cowboy', and his sidekick Little Beaver. This issue typically contains several Western-themed stories and newspaper strip reprints, often including 'The Little Beaver' and 'Paint the Pony'.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
The book shows heavy wear and significant aging. Visible issues include heavy spine rolling and splitting, multiple color-breaking creases across the cover, rounded and blunted corners, and significant edge wear. There is noticeable staining/soiling on the main character's face and hat, and the paper appears to have significant tanning/browning due to age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (CGC 2.0): $30 - $45
Recent Sales
Low-grade copies of mid-run Red Ryder issues typically sell for under $20 in raw condition. High-grade specimens (VF or better) are rare but this specific copy shows significant degradation.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service (approx. $25-$40) would exceed the market value of the book in this condition. It is best enjoyed as a raw reader copy or a vintage collectible.
Notable Features
Features the iconic 10-cent Dell 'A World Famous Western' branding. Notable for the transition to realistic painted/photo-style covers common in the late Golden Age and early Silver Age Western comics.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1950 publication. The 'Dell' logo in the top left corner, the 10-cent price point, and the characteristic paper aging are consistent with the original printing. No signs of restoration are visible from the photo, though the book is heavily worn.