Item Report
Weird Western Tales #21 Comic Book (Jonah Hex, DC, February 1974)
By: Published by DC Comics; cover and interior art likely by Tony DeZuniga (unconfirmed); written by Michael Fleisher.
Style: Bronze Age American Comic Book
Origin: United States
Materials: Paper, ink (standard comic book stock from the 1970s)
Age: Published February 1974 (Bronze Age comic, 50 years old as of 2024)
Condition: Very Good (VG, visible spine wear, light creasing, back cover soiling; appears to be raw copy, not officially graded)
Value: $18 - $50 (raw copy, depending on condition; higher for certified grades)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Front cover printing: 'DC', 'Weird Western Tales', 'Jonah Hex', 'Feb. No. 21', '20¢'. Comics Code Authority stamp. Back cover: Aurora Products Corp. copyright text lower right.
Date: 2025-06-27 13:19:12.999464
Description:
This is an original comic book: Weird Western Tales #21, featuring 'Jonah Hex,' published by DC Comics in February 1974. The issue is part of the early Jonah Hex series within the Weird Western Tales anthology, notable for its dark Western storytelling. The cover art is dramatic and memorable, depicting Jonah Hex with a noose and a hanging backdrop. The cover price is 20 cents, and the issue displays the Comics Code Authority stamp, DC’s ‘Line of Super-Stars’ branding, and advertising for the Ready Rangers toy on the back. This issue is sought after by collectors for both its Western/horror crossover appeal and featuring one of Jonah Hex’s earliest solo cover appearances.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a genuine, mid-grade example of Weird Western Tales #21, an early and important issue in the Jonah Hex saga. The book retains both front and back covers and appears complete with typical handling and surface wear for its age. This issue is collectible for both its content and cover; higher marketability if professionally graded in higher condition. A word about fakes.. Authentic unrestored 1970s comics are easier to verify than older collectibles, and this item bears all printing and advertising characteristics of a genuine 1970s Bronze Age comic; however, always check for restoration or page replacement in such books.
Individual Images:
- Back cover shows typical shelf wear
- light soiling
- and minor corner blunting
- consistent with a VG comic. Ad content is period appropriate
- and spine shows moderate stress lines and handling—indicating a well-read but not abused example. No evidence of restoration or major damage such as tears or missing pieces
- but there is visible handling wear.
Provenance:
No supporting documents or provenance provided. Physical details are consistent with original period publication.
Condition:
Very Good (VG, visible spine wear, light creasing, back cover soiling; appears to be raw copy, not officially graded)
Identification Score: 99%
This book is easily identified by the distinctive Weird Western Tales #21 cover and visible Jonah Hex branding, publication information (DC Comics, price, publication date), and Comics Code Authority stamp. High confidence due to many distinguishing features as well as clear back cover indicative of the period.
Authenticity Score: 95%
High authenticity due to appropriate aging, proper cover and interior paper stock, ink absorption patterns, period-specific advertising (Aurora, Ready Rangers), and no visible evidence of being a reproduction. Minor risk remains for amateur restoration, but no visible markers of fakery in these images.
Image Memory Note
Front: Comic book titled 'Weird Western Tales presents Jonah Hex', issue #21, cover price 20¢, dated February (FEB.) 1974, published by DC Comics with Comics Code Authority stamp. Dramatic cover art depicts two figures in a hanging scene with a noose prominent, dark red background, and a bright red/orange sun. There is a visible signature 'TD' (artist Tony DeZuniga) at lower right. Minor spine wear visible (creases, some color break lines), corners slightly blunted, overall good gloss for age. Back: Full ad page for Aurora’s Ready Rangers, yellowing and light soiling indicative of age, some corner and edge wear, light surface abrasions but not torn or missing. No written dedications, markings, or stamps. Staple placement, paper color, and ad content consistent with early 1970s DC comics. No major tears or visible restoration.
Keywords
Weird Western Tales, Jonah Hex, Bronze Age comic, DC Comics, 1970s, American collectible, Western, horror, comic book, United States
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