Posted in: Comics, Heritage Sponsored, Vintage Paper | Tagged: Ace Magazines, Challenge of the Unknown
In 1950, Ace Magazines released a captivating one-shot horror book with an incredibly appealing cover, and now you have the opportunity to own it through Heritage Auctions.
Ace Magazines published a unique issue called Challenge of the Unknown #6 in 1950, surprisingly marking it as a one-shot. This issue continued the numbering from the series Love Experiences which began in 1949. Despite its controversial nature due to the depiction of decapitated heads on the cover, the story itself explores a concept that feels familiar even in modern times—a brilliant atomic scientist’s brain transferred into the body of a mindless, powerful hulking killer. Although many of the stories in this book have been reprinted, this particular issue stands out with its exceptionally cool and distinct horror cover. You can currently find a copy of Challenge of the Unknown #6 (Ace Magazines Inc., 1950) Condition: VG up for auction in the 2023 July 13 – 14 Pre-Code Horror & Crime Comics Showcase Auction #40227 at Heritage Auctions.
Challenge of the Unknown #6 made an appearance in the 1951 Report of the New York State Joint Legislative Committee to Study the Publication of Comics. This report categorized the panels and pages of various comics into three groups:
- Brutality, violence, and crime.
- Drawings depicting bodily injury, plans for criminal activities, and unlawful actions.
- Sexually suggestive cartoons and, in some cases, semi-hidden pornography.
Under the category of “brutality, violence, and crime,” the report showcased the splash page from the story Villa of the Vampire with artwork by the talented Lin Streeter.
The Ace Magazines Pre-Code Horror Era Reaches New Heights
“Challenge of the Unknown #6 (Ace Magazines Inc., 1950) Condition: VG. This issue features a decapitation cover and the story “Villa of the Vampire” that was referenced in the New York Joint Legislative Committee Publication. Illustrated by Mike Sekowsky. The top staple is detached from the back cover, and some water damage is present. According to Overstreet 2022, the value of this issue in Very Good (VG) condition is $116. The splash panel of “Villa of the Vampire” can be found on page #48 of the “Report of the New York State Joint Legislative Committee to Study the Publication of Comics” published in March 1951. Other stories included in the issue are: “High Priestess of the Snake People” reprinted in Hand of Fate (1951 Ace) #19 and Snake Tales: The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics HC (2016 IDW) #1-1ST; “True Tales of the Supernatural #1” reprinted with Comic Code Authority alterations as “True Tales of Unexplained Mystery #55” in Web of Mystery (1951) #29; “The Ghost in the Portrait” reprinted in Baffling Mysteries (1952) #18; “True Tales of the Supernatural #2”; “Villa of the Vampire” art by Lin Streeter, reprinted in Web of Mystery (1951) #19; and “No Grave to Hold Him” art by Mike Sekowsky, reprinted in Web of Mystery (1951) #21. The text story “Unburied Dead” was reprinted in Hand of Fate (1951 Ace) #8. The indicia states “CHALLENGE OF THE UNKNOWN (Formerly Love Experiences)”. The issue consists of 36 pages and is in full color. The cover price is $0.10.
You can bid on a copy of Challenge of the Unknown #6 (Ace Magazines Inc., 1950) Condition: VG in the upcoming 2023 July 13 – 14 Pre-Code Horror & Crime Comics Showcase Auction #40227 at Heritage Auctions.
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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.
