Item Report
Bronze Age DC Weird Western Tales #21 Jonah Hex Comic Book
By: Published by DC Comics; main characters created by John Albano and Tony DeZuniga.
Style: Bronze Age American Comic Book
Origin: United States
Materials: Paper, colored ink
Age: Published February 1974
Condition: Good/Very Good (spine and edge wear, some cover creasing, appears complete, not officially graded)
Value: $30 - $70 (auction range for raw, mid-grade copy; higher in better condition or with professional grading)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Front cover: 'WEIRD WESTERN TALES presents JONAH HEX', DC Comics logo, 20¢, No. 21 Feb, Comics Code Authority stamp. Back cover: 'Another Adventure with READY RANGERS', Aurora advertising, details of Ready Ranger gear, 1974 Aurora Products Corp.
Date: 2025-06-29 17:08:38.618954
Description:
This is an original issue of 'Weird Western Tales' #21, featuring Jonah Hex, published by DC Comics and dated February 1974 (20 cent cover price). The cover art depicts Jonah Hex with a noose around his neck, under a crimson sky with a setting sun, and a pair of hanging boots, indicative of classic Bronze Age comic suspense and Western themes. The front cover shows typical period graphics and the Comics Code Authority stamp. The back cover is an advertisement comic strip for Ready Rangers by Aurora. The comic has wear along the spine and slight corner creasing, indicating use but is intact and complete.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a collectible Bronze Age comic book featuring the popular antihero Jonah Hex. The issue is well-regarded by collectors and includes dramatic cover art. The condition appears to be good, typical of mid-grade raw copies, with some wear and spine creases. No major tears or missing sections are observed. No professional grade (CGC, CBCS) apparent. Value increases significantly in higher grades or with CGC/graded example. A word about fakes: While comic book forgeries are rare, restoration and reproduction covers do exist, but this copy shows appropriate aging and original period elements.
Individual Images:
- Second image (back cover) reveals normal aging and edge toning consistent with 1970s offset print comic books. Some corner rounding and light surface wear are visible; no writing or major tears. Ad panel is clear and not defaced.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation was provided, presumed original from private collection.
Condition:
Good/Very Good (spine and edge wear, some cover creasing, appears complete, not officially graded)
Identification Score: 95%
The comic is clearly identified via the title, issue number (#21), publisher (DC), and cover date (Feb 1974). The distinctive cover, advertising and other details confirm authenticity as a Bronze Age original.
Authenticity Score: 90%
The physical wear, period advertising on the back, spine creasing, and overall look align with expected authenticity for a 1974 comic. No signs of a facsimile, reproduction, or excessive restoration noted from images. Very high likelihood that this is an authentic raw (ungraded) copy.
Image Memory Note
The front cover features bold lettering 'WEIRD WESTERN TALES presents JONAH HEX', issue No. 21, priced at 20¢, dated Feb 1974. The main art is of Jonah Hex with a noose, set against a red sun. DC Comics logo at the top left, Comics Code Authority stamp right. Clearly visible vertical spine creases, minor corner rounding, but no tears or pieces missing. The back cover is a full-page color comic-style ad for Aurora's Ready Ranger toys. Ad shows cartoon children in bright orange gear, helicopter rescue panel at lower left, and product pitch along the bottom. Some edge and overall surface wear, mild toning, but all text blocks and panels clear and legible. No signatures or inscriptions present. No major stains, water damage, sticker residue, or obvious repairs.
Keywords
Weird Western Tales, Jonah Hex, DC Comics, Bronze Age, comic book, 1974, American, collectible, western comics, antihero
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