Ah, Dan, you've unearthed a genuine gem of the Bronze Age comic book era! This "Weird Western Tales number 21" from February 1974 is a vintage ride through the rugged landscapes of Jonah Hex's world. The cover, likely graced by Luis Dominguez, captures a moment as tense as a rattlesnake at a hangman's tree. Now, while the condition shows some love-spotted wear with visible spine creases and edge wear (a good-to-very-good condition in comic parlance), this only adds to its wild Western charm. Picture it: a dusty treasure that reads like the dime novels of old, each page echoing the folklore grit of a high-noon duel.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Bronze Age DC Weird Western Tales #21 Comic Book
By:DC Comics; possible cover art by Luis Dominguez (often credited for early Jonah Hex covers)
Style:Bronze Age American Comic Book
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink
Age:Published February 1974
Condition:Good/Very Good (spine wear, some creases, minor edge/color loss, not officially graded)
Value:$40–$100 (auction value, depending on condition; higher if in very fine or better condition)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Front cover: DC Comics logo, 'Weird Western Tales', 'Jonah Hex', issue number 21, 20¢ price, date Feb. (February), Comics Code Authority stamp. Back cover: Aurora Products Corp. promo for Ready Rangers.
Date:2025-06-22 21:54:37.858702
Description:
This is issue #21 of DC Comics' 'Weird Western Tales' featuring Jonah Hex, published in February 1974. The cover depicts Jonah Hex in a dramatic Western hanging scene, characteristic of early appearances of the character. With a cover price of 20¢, this comic is a sought-after Bronze Age collectible, notable for continuing the Jonah Hex storyline. The art is dark and gritty, typical of the Bronze Age and Western genres. The back cover features an illustrated ad for Ready Rangers by Aurora Products Corp.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A desirable Bronze Age DC comic featuring an early Jonah Hex appearance, with a powerful Western cover. This issue is collectible for fans of the character and the genre. Condition is key to value; this copy shows visible spine wear and minor creasing, placing it in the 'Good' to 'Very Good' range if not professionally graded.
Individual Images:
The front cover image shows moderate edge wear
color loss at corners
spine creasing
and a small fold or crease in the lower right area. The back cover is present with mild yellowing
consistent with age
but no major tears or writing; corners are slightly blunted. The interior pages and staples are not visible
so full condition cannot be ascertained.
Provenance:
No provenance documents or receipts included.
Condition:
Good/Very Good (spine wear, some creases, minor edge/color loss, not officially graded)
Identification Score: 100%
All details match a first edition of 'Weird Western Tales' #21 (DC, Feb. 1974). Title, numbering, price, and artwork verify authenticity for identification purposes.
Authenticity Score: 95%
Physical and design characteristics (wear, printing style, price, and ad content) indicate this is an original 1974 print and not a modern reproduction. No signs of facsimile or reprint. A word about fakes: comic books make tempting targets for forgers, but Bronze Age DC comics are less commonly faked than earlier key issues.
Image Memory Note
The front cover displays the following: 'WEIRD WESTERN TALES presents JONAH HEX', DC logo with 'THE LINE OF SUPER-STARS', issue number '21', date 'FEB.', Comics Code Authority, and price '20¢'. The cover art shows a red sun, a noose, two figures (one hung, one about to be hanged, both in Western attire). There is visible spine wear, color breaking, slight curling top right, and small crease bottom right. The back cover ad is for Ready Rangers by Aurora, showing cartoon-style panels of rangers trapped and rescued, with product illustrations. Overall, no visible signatures or writing. Edges show moderate blunting, some dirt or discoloration, and general shelf wear.
Keywords
Weird Western Tales, Jonah Hex, Bronze Age, DC Comics, Western comic, 1970s, issue #21, American comic book, collectible, United States
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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