Posted in: Comics, Heritage Sponsored, Vintage Paper | Tagged: Atomic Age, Avon Periodicals, Kelly Freas, pre-code horror
Kelly Freas, a renowned science fiction artist known for his pulp and paperback covers, created an outstanding Pre-Code Horror cover for Witchcraft #5.
Kelly Freas (1922 – 2005) is renowned for his contributions to science fiction and fantasy art, particularly for pulp covers such as Astounding Science Fiction, Planet Stories, and Weird Tales, as well as paperback covers for publishers such as Signet, Ballantine Books, Ace Books, and Avon Publications. In a notable crossover, his cover painting for Astounding Science Fiction from October 1953 was reworked for the cover of Queen’s 1977 album News of the World. Freas also had a long-standing collaboration with Mad Magazine. However, it’s his work for Avon Publications in the comic book industry that captures our attention. According to GCD data, Avon published Freas’ first comic work, and it’s a remarkable piece. An auction at Heritage Auctions is now featuring a well-preserved copy of the Pre-Code Horror gem Witchcraft #5 (Avon, 1953) CGC FN- 5.5 Off-white pages.
Freas completed the Witchcraft #5 cover in 1952 and followed it up with a cover for Fiction House’s The First Christmas a few months later. Afterward, his involvement in comics was limited to his work for Mad Magazine for almost 15 years, as per GCD data. However, in the 1970s, he returned to create covers for Marvel Comics magazines, Warren Publishing magazines, and National Lampoon. The Witchcraft #5 cover may be loosely based on the issue’s feature story, which revolves around a witch kidnapping a young girl and offering her to the devil. Years later, as an adult, she returns to the world and finds love, but her haunted past continues to haunt her.
Out of all the covers he produced throughout his prolific career, the Witchcraft #5 cover stands out as a unique piece within his comic work. A copy of Witchcraft #5 (Avon, 1953) CGC FN- 5.5 Off-white pages is currently available for auction at the 2023 July 13 – 14 Pre-Code Horror & Crime Comics Showcase Auction #40227 at Heritage Auctions.
Affiliates of Bleeding Cool buy from and/or consign to Heritage Auctions.
Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Maria Malik is your guide to the immersive world of Virtual Reality (VR). With a passion for VR technology, she explores the latest VR headsets, applications, and experiences, providing readers with in-depth reviews, industry insights, and a glimpse into the future of virtual experiences.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
