Classics Illustrated Special Issue

Begun in 1955, Classics Illustrated Special Issues began appearing almost semiannually until 1962. Issue numbers were based on whichever of Gilberton’s Classic Illustrated books were just released (out of 169 total) with the letter A after it. Thus, the first issue, “The Story of Jesus”, began with issue 129A. This practice was common with the company, as also seen in their Classics Illustrated Junior series.

The contents were as inviting as the adaptations of the classical works done in the mainstream title. Each book would take a central theme and present a series of short stories around it. Subjects ranged from the “Prehistoric World”, “The Ten Commandments”, and the “War Between the States” all the way through “Adventures in Science”, “The Atomic Age”, and “To the Stars”.

Many were reprinted a few times, however individual identification can be determined through not only through the print dates, but by the ever popular reorder list on the back of the books where those in the know tend to check the HRN- highest reorder number.

Jump to issue:

#132 Variation A - 2nd printing

Cover: $14.99

A: Lou Cameron, Lin Streeter, Pete Costanza, Tom Hickey

Published by Jake Lake Productions; ca. 2007

1 copy for $94.99
#135 Variation A

Dec 1956

Cover: $0.35

W: Lorenz Graham · A: Norman Nodel

The Ten Commandments

1 copy for $21.98
#138 Variation A

Painted Cover A

Jun 1957

Cover: $0.35

A: Pete Costanza

Adventures in Science; Reprint from Picture Parade Vol. 1 #1 (Sep 1953)

1 copy for $10.00
#147 Variation A

Dec 1958

Cover: $0.35

Crossing the Rockies

1 copy for $4.00
#159 Variation A

Dec 1960

Cover: $0.35

Rockets, Jets and Missiles

1 copy for $8.50