DITKO SLEEPERS
COMIC BOOK MARKETPLACE #2, pg. 146-7; Jun '93
by John Hauser.

Thanks to John Hauser for giving his permission to reprint this article. You can visit his web-site at www.comicsandmore.com


Before He Started Web-Slinging

I have always liked Steve Ditko art. I can remember looking through boxes and boxes of old Charltons, trying to find any that had Ditko art. If they did, I brought them. And if they didn't, I usually left them behind. After years of 'scouring the countryside' for these wonderful books, I, like many, have come to realize how scarce early Ditko books can be (and high grade copies are practically impossible to find). Because these books are almost never bought and sold, they rise in price very slowly. When you factor in quality and scarcity, almost any 1950's and early 60's comic Ditko story seems like a bargin. Consider the following examples.

Fantastic Fears #5

This book contains the first Ditko story (don't be confused by the publishing dates, it took a while to be printed). This book is in great demand as of late (just ask any dealer) and has been selling for over guide. Many think this book is a steal at $250.

Thing #12

This book is the first Ditko cover and it contains a great pre-code Ditko story. This book just has to be worth more than its present $300 price.

Thing #14

Every page in this book was done by Ditko. The stories are gruesome and a must for every horror collector. Books which are "all Ditko" always seem like a bargain to me. Even though $300 will not go far in the current Silver Age market, it will buy almost any great pre Spider-Man Ditko book, including this one.

Thing #15

A truly great cover showing the famous (infamous?) evil worm grown to gigantic proportions and threatening the world. Also an "all Ditko" issue with some superb stories. $300.

Strange Suspense Stories #19

This has got to be Ditko's most 'electrifying' cover and is one of the the great horror covers of all time. At $135 this one is definitley a sleeper.

Racket Squad In Action #11

This book is scarcer than Racket Squad In Action #12 and has a Ditko cover story, yet at $90 it remains significanly less than the price of the #12, ($165)!

Tales Of The Mysterious Traveler

Most issues of this title have some of the best work Steve Ditko did at Charlton. The presence of a continuing character to introduce the stories give this title a certain special flavour that was unique for Ditko books. All Ditko stories and covers are excellent! NM94 Guide price ranges from $125 to $170 for Near Mint copies...if you can find 'em.

Strange Tales #97

Containing the 'first appearance' of Aunt May, this issue is difficult to find and has been selling at over guide for more than two years now. NM94 at $150 means this book has a lot of room to grow.

World Of Fantasy #17, #18, #19

These three books have Kirby covers and Ditko stories. While other pre-superheroes Marvels have been sky rocketing in price for two years these books have not gone up much at all. Whenever you can find one, buy it. They are a genuine 'steal' at the current NM94 price of $50. FN65 price is only $25!! If you find these at guide, clutch them til your fingers hurt!

As you can imagine, the task of narrowing the list of pre-Spider-Man Ditko recommendations is difficult at best. Almost all are undervalued when compared with Spider-Man. The list above contains some standout Ditko books that I think are still a bargain, especially when you consider age, scarcity, and historical significance. Plus an added bonus lest we forget....they are great reading!!!


DITKO LOOKED UP
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