The Complete EC Library: Tales From The Crypt (5 Volume Boxed Set)

Slight shelf wear.

5 Volume Slipcased set. Published originally by William M. Gaines. The Crypt Keeper's first two appearances were in the closing issues of Crime Patrol (#15 & 16). Issue #17 needed a brand new title to usher in EC's New Trend. It got one with The Crypt Of Terror. After complaints from the establishment, issue #21 witnessed a further change with Tales From The Crypt.

After MAD, this is the name most commonly associated with Entertaining Comics (EC), giving rise to movies & a successful HBO TV series & related products. After early cover by several prominent EC artists, the chores were taken over by Jack Davis, who made The Crypt Keeper his own. He drew all the covers from the thirteenth issue (#29) until the end. As with EC's other horror titles, the three Ghoulunatics (the Old Witch, The Crypt Keeper & The Vault Keeper) would host the various stories with increasing relish & macabre humour the series went on. They remained in full force from 1952 until the end. Lower Berth witnessed the origin of the Crypt Keeper (#33).

There are also adaptations of short stories by one of America's finest writers, Ray Bradbury. The artist line-up varied over the years, with notable early stories from Harvey Kurtzman, Al Feldstein, Wally Wood & Johnny Craig.

Al Williamson supplied a min-period story, with latterday issues enlivened by the likes of Berni Krigstein & Reed Crandall. EC had intended starting a fourth title by resurrecting the moribund Crypt Of Terror. With the Code crackdown upon them, it was hastily changed & released as t he final Tales From The Crypt (#46). Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading.

Authors: Edited by Al Feldstein, written by Al Feldstein, William M. Gaines & others
Publisher: Russ Cochran, 1979
Format: Hard Cover in Slipcase; Part Colour illustrations
Size: 9" x 13" (240mm x 330mm)
Book Condition: F - Fine
Dust wrapper Condition: F - Fine
Code: CECLCRYPTBOXSW