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More Fun Comics
More Fun Comics #52 (Feb. 1940), debut of the Spectre; cover art by Bernard Baily.
Publication information
PublisherNational Allied Publications
ScheduleMonthly:
#1–4, #7–90, #108–126
Bi-monthly:
#5–6, #91–107, #127
FormatOngoing series
Publication dateFebruary 1935 – November/December 1947
No. of issues127
Main character(s)Doctor Occult, Spectre, Doctor Fate, Johnny Quick, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Superboy, "Jimminy and the Magic Book"

More Fun Comics, originally titled New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine,[1] is a 1935–1947 American comic book anthology that introduced several major superhero characters and was the first American comic book series to feature solely original material rather than reprints of newspaper comic strips.[2] It was also the first publication of National Allied Publications, the company that would become DC Comics.

Publication history

[edit]
Cover of the first issue of New Fun (Feb. 1935)

Having seen the emergence of Famous Funnies and other oversize magazines reprinting comic strips, Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson founded National Allied Publications and published New Fun #1 on January 11, 1935[3] (cover-dated February 1935). A tabloid-sized, 10-inch by 15-inch, 36-page magazine with a cardstock, non-glossy cover, it was an anthology of humor features, such as the talking animal comic "Pelion and Ossa" and the college-set "Jigger and Ginger", mixed with dramatic fare as the Western strip "Jack Woods" and the "yellow peril" adventure "Barry O'Neill", featuring a Fu Manchu-styled villain, Fang Gow.[1] The first issue also featured humor strip "Caveman Capers", an adaptation of the 1819 novel Ivanhoe, spy drama "Sandra of the Secret Service", and a strip based on early Walt Disney creation Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.[2] Most of the stories were presented as serials.

Most significantly, however, whereas some of the existing publications included a small amount of original material, generally as filler, New Fun #1 was the first comic book containing all-original material. Additionally, it carried advertising,[4] whereas previous comic books were ad-free and sponsored by corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Kinney Shoes, and Canada Dry.[5][6]

The first four issues were edited by future Funnies, Inc. founder Lloyd Jacquet,[1][7] the next, after a three-month hiatus, by Wheeler-Nicholson himself.[8] Issue #6 (Oct. 1935) saw the comic book debuts of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the future creators of Superman, who began their careers with the musketeer swashbuckler "Henri Duval" (doing the first two installments before turning it over to others) and, under the pseudonyms "Leger and Reuths", the supernatural adventurer Doctor Occult.[9] Siegel and Shuster remained on the latter title through issue #32 (June 1938), following the magazine's retitling as More Fun (issues #7–8, Jan.-Feb. 1936),[10] and More Fun Comics (#9-on).[11]

In issue #101 (Feb. 1945), Siegel and Shuster introduced Superboy, a young version of Superman.[12]

With issue #108 (March 1946), all the superhero features were moved from More Fun into Adventure Comics. More Fun became a humor title that spotlighted the children's fantasy feature "Jimminy and the Magic Book".[13] The series was canceled with issue #127 (Dec 1947).

Features include

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See also

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References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

More Fun Comics

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More Fun Comics was an American series published by National Allied Publications (later known as DC Comics) from January 1936 to November 1947, spanning 121 issues numbered 7 through 127. It succeeded the pioneering New Fun Comics, which had launched in February 1935 as the first to feature entirely original content rather than reprints of strips, and was founded by Major . The series began in a large tabloid format but transitioned to the standard size with issue #9 (March 1936), and its cover title changed to More Fun starting with issue #7 (January 1936) and to More Fun Comics with issue #9 (March 1936), while the indicia updated to More Fun Comics with issue #20 (October 1936). Initially focused on humor strips, adventure tales, and activity pages contributed by early creators like and before their fame, the title evolved during the of Comics to emphasize stories amid the rising popularity of the genre. Notable debuts included occult detective in New Fun Comics #6 (October 1935), the supernatural avenger the Spectre (created by and Bernard Baily) in issue #52 (February 1940), sorcerer in issue #55 (May–June 1940), and (by and ) and (by and Paul Norris) in issue #73 (November 1941). These characters, along with features like and the Three Aces, helped establish More Fun Comics as a cornerstone of DC's early lineup, often sharing space with licensed properties such as . As influenced storytelling, the series incorporated patriotic themes and horror elements, with the Spectre's ghostly vengeance tales becoming particularly iconic until his feature ended in issue #101 (January–February 1945). By the late 1940s, shifting reader interests led to its cancellation with issue #127 (November–December 1947), after which and moved to . The title's legacy endures as a key artifact of history, showcasing the medium's transition from novelty to narrative powerhouse and launching enduring DC icons.

Overview

Publication Details

More Fun Comics continued the numbering from its predecessor New Fun Comics, starting with issue #7 (cover-dated January 1936, on-sale November 1935), published by National Allied Publications—the precursor to . New Fun Comics #1 had a cover date of February 1935 and an on-sale date of January 11, 1935. The More Fun Comics title ran for 121 issues, from issue #7 to the final issue #127 cover-dated November/December 1947. The title underwent changes early in its run: it was New Fun Comics for issues #1–6 (February–October 1935), More Fun for issues #7–8 (November–December 1935, though listed under January–February 1936 in some indices), and More Fun Comics starting with issue #9 (January 1936 onward). The publication schedule varied over time, appearing monthly for issues #1–4 and #7–90 as well as #108–126, while issues #5–6, #91–107, and #127 were released bi-monthly. The series began in a tabloid format measuring 10 by 15 inches, typically comprising 36 pages with cardstock covers, for issues #1–19. It transitioned to the standard size of approximately 6.625 by 10.25 inches starting with issue #20 (October 1936). Editorial oversight began with Lloyd Jacquet handling issues #1–4, after which took over as editor starting with issue #5. Later in the series, following issue #107, the content shifted toward a greater emphasis on humor features.

Historical Significance

More Fun Comics, continuing from New Fun Comics launched in February 1935, marked a pivotal milestone in history as the first U.S. series to feature entirely original material, setting it apart from earlier publications like Famous Funnies that relied on newspaper strip reprints. This innovation by publisher National Allied Publications (later DC Comics) avoided reprint licensing costs and established a model for creator-driven content in the medium. The series pioneered the anthology format for ongoing monthly comic books, blending diverse genres such as adventure, humor, and mystery in a single issue, which influenced the structure of many titles by providing a flexible framework for serialized storytelling. Published amid the , More Fun Comics offered affordable escapism at a standard cover price of 10 cents per issue, making it accessible to a broad audience during economic hardship. It also launched the careers of future industry pioneers, including and , whose early contributions like the supernatural detective Dr. Occult in New Fun Comics #6 (October 1935) honed the skills that would later birth . The series' evolution from adventure and humor strips to superhero stories in the mirrored the broader boom in costumed heroes amid , exemplified by key introductions like The Spectre. However, the post-war shift back to humor in 1946, as superheroes were phased out, underscored the declining popularity of the genre in peacetime, with readers favoring lighter fare amid cultural changes.

Publication History

Origins and Early Years (1935–1939)

More Fun Comics originated from the vision of Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, a former military officer and pulp magazine writer who founded National Allied Publications in 1934 to produce original comic books as an alternative to the reprints dominating the market. Launched as New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine in February 1935, the oversized tabloid aimed to feature all-new material, including humor, adventure, and educational strips, marking it as one of the earliest attempts at original comic book content. Financial difficulties quickly arose due to high production costs and distribution challenges, prompting Wheeler-Nicholson to partner with printer and distributor Harry Donenfeld, who provided loans but gained increasing control over the operation. The debut issue, New Fun Comics #1 (cover-dated February 1935 but published January 11), showcased a diverse of short stories and strips, emphasizing variety to appeal to a broad audience. Key features included the adventure serial "Jack Woods" by Alex Blum, where the hero is captured by bandit Don Nogales; the espionage tale "Sandra of the Secret Service" (script by , art by Charles Flanders); the prehistoric humor "Caveman Capers" by Dick Loederer; and an adaptation of the historical novel (script by , art by Charles Flanders). Other contents comprised "Barry O'Neill" (script by , art by Lawrence Lariar), "Jigger and Ginger" as a comedic kids' strip, "Pelion and Ossa" for lighthearted antics, and reprints of Walt Disney's "" to bolster familiarity. This mix reflected the experimental nature of the early format, blending genres without a dominant theme. The series transitioned from oversized tabloid format to standard size with issue #20 (October 1936), reducing production costs. Early issues introduced recurring features that defined the pre-superhero anthology style, with notable debuts in New Fun Comics #6 (October 1935). and , using the pseudonyms Legar and Reuths (partial anagrams of their names), launched "Doctor Occult, the Ghost Detective," a sleuth solving mysteries alongside assistant Rose . The same issue premiered "Henri Duval," a swashbuckling French swordsman in historical adventures, also by and , who fought villains amid 18th-century intrigue. These strips highlighted the creators' early experimentation with heroic archetypes before their landmark work. The series' content during this period centered on an eclectic blend of humor, adventure, and historical narratives, eschewing superheroes in favor of grounded tales. Humor segments featured whimsical strips like "Jigger and Ginger," depicting mischievous children in everyday scrapes, and "Skip Barker," a bumbling parodying pulp tropes. Adventure stories dominated with serialized exploits such as "Brad Hardy," a shirtless explorer battling exotic threats in a style reminiscent of , and "Don Dixon," a young inventor facing sci-fi perils on distant planets. Historical elements appeared in adaptations like and original tales such as "Tom Blake," chronicling frontier scouts in colonial America. Ongoing financial pressures culminated in Wheeler-Nicholson's ouster by late 1937 amid mounting debts to Donenfeld, with full control transferring to Donenfeld and partner Jack Liebowitz; proceedings finalized in September 1938, transferring full ownership to Donenfeld and Liebowitz under the newly formed , Inc. Amid these shifts, the title evolved: issue #7 (January 1936) shortened to More Fun, and #9 (March-April 1936) adopted the full More Fun branding while expanding most strips to two pages for deeper storytelling. Briefly in 1936, select issues increased to 52 pages to accommodate growing reader interest in the anthology format.

Superhero Era (1940–1945)

The superhero era of More Fun Comics began in 1940 with the debut of The Spectre in issue #52 (February 1940), created by writer and artist Bernard Baily, marking a shift toward supernatural and heroic anthology content amid the rising popularity of the genre. This was swiftly followed by the introduction of in issue #55 (May–June 1940), co-created by writer and artist Howard Sherman, who brought mystical elements to the title's lineup. These additions helped transform the book from its earlier variety format into a dedicated anthology, aligning with DC Comics' expanding roster of costumed adventurers. By 1941, the series expanded further with new heroes, including Johnny Quick in issue #71 (September 1941), scripted by with art by Chad Grothkopf, a speedster whose mathematical formula granted superhuman velocity. Issues #73 (November 1941) introduced both and , both co-created by Weisinger and artist , with as an archer vigilante and as an aquatic prince. The feature, originally from and written by Fox with various artists, appeared in issue #72 (October 1941), contributing to the growing ensemble of backups. During , stories increasingly incorporated patriotic themes, such as heroes combating Axis-inspired villains, which boosted circulation as readers sought escapist yet morale-lifting tales; the title shifted to a bi-monthly schedule in 1942 due to wartime paper shortages affecting the industry. At its peak from issues #80 to #100, More Fun Comics typically featured multiple superhero segments per issue, reflecting the genre's wartime dominance and editorial emphasis on ensemble action. Sheldon Mayer served as a key editor during the 1940s, overseeing the integration of these features and maintaining the anthology's dynamic structure. A notable late addition came with the debut of in issue #101 (January/February 1945), created by and artist , portraying a teenage in adventures, though this occurred as public interest in superheroes began to wane toward the war's end.

Post-War Transition and Cancellation (1946–1947)

Following the conclusion of , More Fun Comics experienced a sharp pivot away from its superhero format, reflecting broader industry trends toward lighter content amid declining interest in caped crusaders. With issue #108 (March–April 1946), the remaining superhero features—including , , , and Johnny Quick—were transferred to starting with its #103 (April 1946), leaving the title without any ongoing heroic leads. This shift marked the series' retooling as a dedicated humor , emphasizing comedic strips to appeal to younger readers in a market saturated with returning G.I.s and emerging family entertainments. To fill the void, More Fun Comics introduced and elevated several humor-centric features, starting with the relocation of Genius Jones—a boy genius who dispensed wisdom for a penny—from Adventure Comics, debuting in the revamped title with issue #110 (May 1946) under writer Alvin Schwartz. Dover and Clover, the bumbling twin detectives created by Henry Boltinoff, continued their slapstick antics prominently from issue #108 onward, with a notable story in #112 (July 1946) highlighting their chaotic detective work. Later, in issue #121 (May 1947), Jimminy and the Magic Book debuted as the lead feature, written by Jack Mendelsohn and illustrated by Howie Post; this children's fantasy strip followed young Jimminy Crockett's imaginative adventures summoned from a magical tome and occupied significant space through the final issues. These elements represented brief experiments in teen and whimsical humor, but none reversed the title's trajectory. By 1946, More Fun Comics fell fully under the control of , the consolidated entity led by Harry Donenfeld and Jack Liebowitz following the merger of prior imprints like National Allied Publications and . However, post-war superhero fatigue, coupled with competition from popular radio serials like The Adventures of and the nascent rise of television programming, eroded sales across the industry. The series concluded without immediate revival attempts, ending with issue #127 (November/December 1947, on sale September 1947), its last pages devoted to Jimminy's ongoing tales.

Features and Characters

Early Anthology Features

The early issues of More Fun Comics, originally launched as New Fun Comics in February 1935, showcased a diverse array of features that blended humor, adventure, and light fantasy, marking DC's initial foray into original content rather than reprints. By issue #6 (October-November 1935), the title had fully transitioned to original material, emphasizing short serials and standalone tales that appealed to a broad audience with everyday escapades, exotic thrills, and whimsical elements. Creators like Leo O'Mealia provided dynamic artwork for several adventure strips, while emerging talents such as contributed under pseudonyms, honing skills that would later define the genre. Humor strips formed a core of the anthology's lighthearted appeal during these formative years. "Jigger and Ginger," a college-set comedy about teen dating dilemmas and rival suitors, debuted in New Fun Comics #1 and ran through early issues, capturing the era's youthful romance tropes with a New Yorker-style wit. "Woozy Watts," created by Russell Cole (under the pseudonym Alger), followed in More Fun Comics #9 (March-April 1936) and continued to #29 (February 1938), following the bumbling everyman Woozy's misadventures after being marooned on the Gooli Islands, blending slapstick survival humor with absurd island encounters. Other comedic entries, such as the funny animal antics of "Pelion and Ossa," added animal kingdom parody to the mix, highlighting the anthology's emphasis on accessible, family-friendly laughs. Adventure serials provided pulse-pounding drama amid the humor, often serialized across multiple issues to build suspense. "Barry O'Neill," a spy thriller pitting detective Barry against the Fu Manchu-inspired villain Fang Gow, launched in New Fun Comics #1 and spanned #1-31 (February 1935 to August 1937), scripted by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson with art by Leo O'Mealia, and later continued in Adventure Comics. Jungle explorer "Jack Woods" debuted alongside it in #1, chronicling the Texas Ranger's exploits against bandits and tyrants in serialized arcs through More Fun Comics #35 (September 1938), with writing by Wheeler-Nicholson and artwork by W.C. Brigham and Bill Ely. "The Three Aces," an aviation adventure featuring World War I veteran pilots Fog Fortune, Whistler Will, and Gunner Mackay on mercenary missions, debuted after transferring from Action Comics #18 and ran from More Fun Comics #49 (August 1939) to #94 (November 1944), written by Gardner F. Fox with art by various artists including Chad Grothkopf. These tales emphasized high-stakes action in exotic locales, from Chinese underworlds to Western frontiers, fostering reader loyalty through cliffhanger continuations. Historical and fantasy elements added educational and imaginative flair to the lineup. The "Ivanhoe" adaptation, drawn from Sir Walter Scott's 1819 novel, appeared in New Fun Comics #1-5 (February-July 1935) and resumed in More Fun Comics #7-27 (January 1936-December 1937), adapted by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson with art by Raymond Perry and others, condensing medieval knightly quests and tournaments into episodic comic form. "Sandra of the Secret Service," featuring agent Sandra McLane thwarting international spies, ran from #1 to #35 (1935-1938), scripted by Wheeler-Nicholson and illustrated by W.C. Brigham, showcasing a proactive female lead in espionage intrigue across Europe and beyond. "Caveman Capers," a humorous prehistoric romp by Dick Loederer, began in #1 with caveboy Ur discovering fire and facing tribal perils, infusing light fantasy with stone-age comedy in short, episodic adventures. Jerry Siegel's early contributions, including the occult detective "Doctor Occult" (under the pseudonym Leger and Reuths, with Joe Shuster art, #6-14, 1935-1936) and the police procedural "Radio Squad" (#14 onward), introduced speculative themes of mystery and the supernatural, blending everyday heroism with fantastical undertones. Overall, these features reflected a shift toward original storytelling by 1936, prioritizing inventive narratives over reprints while laying groundwork for more ambitious genres in later years.

Superhero Introductions

The Spectre debuted in More Fun Comics #52 in February 1940 as a supernatural spirit of vengeance. Created by writer and artist Bernard Baily, the character originated from murdered police detective , who was resurrected by a divine entity known as the Voice to enact retribution against the wicked. The feature emphasized Corrigan's ghostly powers, including intangibility and superhuman strength, in tales of cosmic justice. The Spectre's run continued through issue #101, during which he became a founding member of the . Doctor Fate first appeared in More Fun Comics #55 in May 1940, introducing Kent Nelson as an archaeologist empowered by the ancient Helmet of Nabu. Co-created by writer and artist Howard Sherman, the character's origin involved Nelson discovering the helmet of the Lord of Order Nabu, granting him vast mystical abilities such as flight, energy projection, and spell-casting to battle threats like the sorcerer Wotan. The stories focused on 's adventures in the occult realm, often involving Inza Cramer, Nelson's eventual wife and ally. This mystical hero ran in the series until issue #98. Johnny Quick made his debut in More Fun Comics #71 in September 1941, portraying journalist Johnny Chambers as a speedster . Developed by Don Cameron and editor , the character's powers stemmed from a mathematical formula—"919 + 35 = 64"—recited to achieve and enhanced reflexes. The feature highlighted Quick's crime-fighting exploits in a fast-paced, wartime context, with occasional assistance from his girlfriend and later , "Tubby" Watts. Johnny Quick's stories appeared through issue #107. In the same issue, More Fun Comics #73 from November 1941, Green Arrow and Aquaman both premiered as part of the anthology's shift toward superhero content. Green Arrow, billionaire Oliver Queen, was created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp; stranded on a desert island, Queen mastered archery to survive and later patrolled Star City as an emerald-clad archer combating urban crime with trick arrows. His sidekick Speedy (Roy Harper), an orphaned ward trained in archery, joined in issue #89. The duo's feature extended to issue #107. Aquaman, real name Arthur Curry, was also co-created by Weisinger and Papp as the half-human son of Tom Curry and Atlantean queen Atlanna, exiled from underwater realms but wielding command over and aquatic super-strength in tales of oceanic peril and surface-world threats. His adventures ran concurrently with Green Arrow's until issue #107. entered the series in More Fun Comics #101 in January-February 1945, depicting the teenage years of Kent in . Created by and , the character explored the orphaned Kryptonian's early life after his arrival on , showcasing budding powers like super-strength and invulnerability while balancing and youthful heroism. Superboy's run lasted through issue #107.

Final Humor Features

In the final phase of More Fun Comics, following the migration of superhero features to other titles after issue #107, the series emphasized humor strips designed for youthful audiences, featuring whimsical gags and light fantasy without any superhero elements. These stories provided through simple, entertaining narratives centered on clever children, bumbling characters, and magical mishaps, reflecting a broader industry trend toward gag-based content amid declining interest in caped crusaders. "Jimminy and the Magic " served as the lead feature from issue #121 (May 1947) through the series' conclusion in #127 (November/December 1947), occupying multiple pages per issue to anchor the . Created by writer Jack Mendelsohn and artist Howie Post, the strip followed a young boy named Jimminy who discovered a magical capable of granting wishes, leading to fantastical yet humorous escapades such as summoning historical figures or altering reality in unexpected ways. This light fantasy humor, with its emphasis on wonder and comedic consequences, exemplified the title's shift to child-oriented whimsy. "Genius Jones" ran as a regular backup from issue #108 (March/April 1946) to #126 (September/October 1947), appearing on eight covers during this period. Illustrated by Stan Kaye, the feature starred a precocious boy genius who dispensed sage advice and solved problems for a penny, often through absurdly clever or ironic twists that highlighted everyday absurdities. The strip's gag format, with 19 stories in total, contributed to the anthology's playful tone before the character transitioned to Adventure Comics following the cancellation. "Dover and Clover," created by Henry Boltinoff, provided ongoing comic relief as bumbling twin brothers prone to mishaps and foolish schemes, debuting in issue #93 (September 1943) and appearing consistently in the final issues from #112 (November/December 1946) onward. Boltinoff's cartoonish art and simple dialogue-driven gags, such as botched inventions or rivalries, underscored themes of harmless folly and brotherly antics, running alongside the lead features to fill out the humor-focused lineup. Additional backups included short-lived novelty strips like "Merryman," a clown-themed solving mysteries through comedic blunders, and teen-oriented humor pieces evoking laid-back adolescent life, all reinforcing the series' dedication to kid-friendly, gag-driven entertainment free from the intensity of earlier adventure tales.

Legacy

Impact on DC Comics

More Fun Comics played a pivotal role in shaping DC Comics' shared universe by introducing characters that became foundational to team-up narratives and continuity. The Spectre, debuting in issue #52 (February 1940), and , debuting in issue #55 (May 1940), were integrated as founding members of the in All-Star Comics #3 (December 1940), establishing early precedents for ensemble storytelling in DC's lore. Similarly, and , both debuting in issue #73 (November 1941), along with in issue #101 (January-February 1945), served as precursors to later teams like the and , with joining the Justice League as a core member in The #28 (February–March 1960), while joined in Justice League of America #4 (April–May 1960), and 's youthful exploits influenced young hero archetypes in subsequent DC titles. The series contributed to DC's universe building through early crossovers that wove supernatural and aquatic elements into the broader mythology. For instance, Spectre and shared anthology space in More Fun Comics issues from the early 1940s, including interactions in stories around issues #59-62 (1940-1941), foreshadowing their joint Justice Society adventures and embedding magical themes central to DC's lore. Aquaman's underwater adventures in the title similarly introduced aquatic motifs that persisted in DC's shared continuity, influencing later narratives involving and sea-based heroes. Editorially, More Fun Comics tested anthology formats that informed DC's lineup strategies, with Mort Weisinger's contributions proving instrumental. Weisinger co-created and in issue #73, honing skills in character development that later expanded the family during his tenure as editor from the 1940s to 1970s, introducing elements like lore and supporting casts that enriched the mythos. Following its cancellation with issue #127 (November-December 1947), More Fun Comics' superhero features migrated to starting with issue #109 (April 1946), preserving characters like , , , and Johnny Quick through the post-war era. This transition sustained their presence, enabling Silver Age revivals such as Aquaman's updated adventures in #260 (May 1959), which revitalized the character for modern audiences. In the long term, Superboy's debut in More Fun Comics #101 directly linked to the Superman mythos, providing a youthful origin that influenced tropes of adolescent heroism and inspired adaptations like the television series (2001-2011), which explored Clark Kent's early years in a serialized format echoing the comic's foundational stories.

Collectibility and Reprints

Early issues of More Fun Comics, particularly numbers 1 through 20 (originally titled New Fun Comics), are highly sought after by collectors due to their scarcity and historical significance as precursors to the anthology format. A CGC-graded Very Good 4.0 copy of issue #1 sold for $5,525 at in June 2024, reflecting steady appreciation, though higher grades remain exceedingly rare with limited census populations. Condition grading is especially critical for these tabloid-sized books, as their oversized format and newsprint construction make them prone to fragility and wear. Key collectible issues include #52, featuring the debut of the Spectre; #73, introducing and ; and #101, marking the of . A CGC 8.5 copy of #52 achieved a record $264,000 at in December 2022. For #73, mid-grade examples like a CGC Fine+ 6.5 are valued at approximately $31,500 according to the 2022 Overstreet Price Guide, with a CGC 7.5 selling for $111,000 in April 2021. Issue #101 in high grade commands $10,000 to $50,000, with a record sale of $55,200 reported for a top-condition copy. Reprints have made select stories from More Fun Comics more accessible to modern readers through DC's archival collections. The Superboy: The Classic Collection Volume 1 (2010) reprints issues #101–107, preserving the early adventures of the character. Golden Age Spectre stories, including those from #52, appear in the Golden Age Spectre Archives Volume 1 (2003) and the Justice Society of America Omnibus Volume 1 (2010s editions), which incorporate Spectre and tales. The full run of More Fun Comics is available digitally via as of 2023, allowing subscribers to access the complete 101-issue series. Additionally, DC released a facsimile hardcover edition of New Fun Comics #1 in 2020 to commemorate its 85th anniversary, reproducing the original tabloid format with historical essays, and a facsimile edition of More Fun Comics #73 in April 2025, reproducing the debuts of and . Market trends for More Fun Comics have shown increased demand since the 2010s, driven by DC's cinematic universe adaptations that spotlight characters like Aquaman and Green Arrow. The 2018 Aquaman film contributed to a surge in values for issue #73, with sales of mid-to-high grade copies rising sharply post-release, including a CGC 7.5 fetching $111,000 in 2021. Overall, key issues have appreciated due to broader interest in Golden Age debuts, though the market remains sensitive to economic factors and grading authenticity. Preservation challenges for More Fun Comics stem from the acidic newsprint used in Golden Age production, which leads to gradual degradation, yellowing, and brittleness over time. Professional grading societies like CGC recommend storing originals in a controlled environment of 50°F and 50% relative humidity to minimize further damage, using Mylar sleeves with acid-free backing boards to prevent chemical off-gassing. Avoid direct sunlight, fluorescent lighting, and stacking in non-archival boxes, as these accelerate deterioration; for high-value issues, professional encapsulation provides additional protection.

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  44. https://www.comics.org/issue/173/
  45. https://www.comics.org/issue/240/
  46. https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Three_Aces_(Earth-Two)
  47. https://www.comics.org/issue/97/
  48. https://majormalcolmwheelernicholson.com/2022/04/11/sandra-sondra-of-the-secret-service-whats-in-a-name/
  49. https://www.comics.org/issue/218/
  50. https://www.comics.org/issue/647/
  51. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/spectre/4005-2361/
  52. https://www.comics.org/issue/771/
  53. https://comicsarcheology.com/index.php/2024/01/07/more-fun-comics-55/
  54. https://www.comics.org/feature/5914/
  55. https://www.comics.org/issue/1751/
  56. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/green-arrow/4005-5936/
  57. https://www.comics.org/issue/4115/
  58. https://www.dc.com/characters/superboy
  59. https://majorspoilers.com/2025/01/05/more-fun-comics-127-november-december-1947/
  60. https://boards.cgccomics.com/topic/437835-more-fun-comics-appreciation-thread/page/23/
  61. https://www.toonopedia.com/geniusj.htm
  62. https://www.toonopedia.com/doverclo.htm
  63. https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/More_Fun_Comics_Vol_1
  64. https://www.comics.org/issue/1205/
  65. https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/more-fun-comics-1936-73/81eed052-703f-46d5-971a-6584a85444d0
  66. https://ahcwyo.org/2024/08/19/mort-weisinger-the-man-behind-superman-in-comics-silver-age/
  67. https://www.cbr.com/superboy-more-fun-comic-adventure-comics-swap/
  68. https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/11120/more-fun-comics-captain-america-spectre/
  69. https://bleedingcool.com/comics/first-green-arrow-aquaman-hits-record-111000-at-heritage-auctions/
  70. https://www.sellmycomicbooks.com/superboy-comic-books.html
  71. http://goldenagecomics.org/wordpress/2010/08/14/superboy-the-early-adventures/comment-page-1/
  72. http://davescomicheroes.blogspot.com/2015/10/guide-to-golden-age-spectre-reprints.html
  73. https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/series/more-fun-comics-1936-1947/59f2054d-3ac9-4f22-96f0-edffca2d13bd
  74. https://dccomicsnews.com/2020/04/19/review-famous-first-edition-new-fun-comics-1-c-63/
  75. https://www.dc.com/comics/more-fun-comics-2025-73
  76. https://bleedingcool.com/comics/early-green-arrow-and-aquaman-more-fun-comics-up-for-auction/
  77. https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbookcollecting/comments/15axiu9/old_comics_in_regards_to_paper_quality_and/
  78. https://boards.cgccomics.com/topic/287117-proper-preservationstorage-of-golden-age/
  79. https://boards.cgccomics.com/topic/536205-storage-and-preservation-practices/
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