The Complete EC Library: New Direction Part 1 (4 Volume Boxed Set)

4 Volume Slipcased set

FROM THE LIBRARY OF COMIC LEGEND DAVE GIBBONS!

FOUR Volumes comprising The Complete EC Library: Aces High, Extra, Piracy & Psychoanalysis.

Published originally by William M. Gaines. After the introduction of the Comic Code Authority, all publishers were required to have their Comics approved or risk them remaining undistributed throughout America.

EC held out for a while with their existing titles but in early 1955 launched six brand new titles, Aces High, Extra, Impact, M.D, Psychoanalysis & Valor. They also converted Weird Science Fantasy into Incredible Science Fiction, alongside the extant Piracy & Panic. Aces High, Extra, Piracy & Psychoanalysis form the first part of Cochran's Complete New Direction (21 issues in total).

Of these, Piracy is the most widely regarded, featuring art by Reed Crandall, Al Williamson, Wally Wood & Berni Krigstein. Aces High gave highly realistic & beautifully drawn renditions of the World War I flying aces (1914-18). These featured the stable line-up of George Evans, Krigstein, Wood & Jack Davis.

M.D & Psychoanalysis were forays into the medical arena, of which the latter is represented here. Illustrated throughout by Jack Kamen, it was also unusual in that it told the progressing stories of four different patients, with conclusions in the fourth & final issue.

Extra was edited & illustrated by Johnny Craig, assisted by John Severin & Reed Crandall. These stories portrayed in bold style the exploits of news reporters as they journeyed around the globe. Despite their high concept & striking art, none of EC's New-Direction titles survived more than five issues under a restrictive Code & prevalent anti-Comics mood of mid-1950s America.

This comes from the personal collection of legendary comic artist Dave Gibbons and features a certificate of authenticity!

Authors: Written & edited by Al Feldstein & Johnny Craig
Publisher: Russ Cochran, 1985 (Out of Print)
Format: Hard Cover in Slipcase; Black & White illustrations
Size: 10" x 13" (250mm x 330mm)
Book Condition: VF - Very Fine
Code: DG23501