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A 15% BUYER'S PREMIUM WILL BE ADDED TO THIS ITEM AT CONCLUSION OF THE AUCTION
crm/ow pages
rare; classic Schomburg Human Torch cvr
Ruben Blades Copy


Marvel Mystery Comics #5 remains one of the top Golden Age collectibles at any grade, with only 45 copies listed on the CGC Census (as of Aug. '24). The book makes an immediate impact with a typically brilliant cover by Alex Schomburg, featuring his usual gorgeous rendering of wild ideas (in this case, with a female held captive in a giant test tube). That's in service of what's only the second cover appearance by the Human Torch. It's also Schomburg's first time illustrating the superhero who'd inspire his most acclaimed work.

The interior pages are just as classic. Carl Burgos handles art for the Human Torch tale, while Bill Everett helms a story with the Sub-Mariner taking on the crime-ridden NYC subway. The Angel foils bank robbers (and overturns cars) in a story with art by Paul Gustavson, who decides to draw the hero bare-legged for only one issue. The serial with former pulp hero Ka-Zar also comes to a surprisingly vicious end. Early comics from Timely are the mainstays of comics collecting, with this beloved classic remaining a tough find and a great catch.

This Marvel Mystery Comics #5 is a typically rare Golden Age find from the Ruben Blades Collection. The book presents exceptionally well for the grade, with the focal point of Alex Schomburg's cover retaining vivid colors after 84 years!

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