THE HERITAGE AUCTIONS SPECIALIST ON THE THRIVING PULP MARKET AND THE GROUNDBREAKING TITLES THAT SHOULD BE ON EVERY PULP COLLECTOR’S WISH LIST
By Rhonda Reinhart • Portraits by Josh David Jordan
When Certified Guaranty Company announced in February that it would start authenticating pulp magazines, the grading service sent a message to the collecting world that people like Rick Akers already knew: The pulp marketplace was primed for a transformation. “The entry of CGC into pulp magazine grading has solidified the market for new collectors, in a good way,” says Akers, Vice President of Comics at Heritage Auctions. “Interest and activity have surged, especially from Golden Age comic book collectors who are now diving into pulps. Collectors can still find exceptional pulp magazines for a fraction of the cost of their comic counterparts, and with the entry of CGC they can feel confident with their purchases.”
Ten years ago, Akers was one of those longtime comics collectors who found himself drawn to the influential fiction magazines that reached the height of their popularity in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. Named for the inexpensive wood pulp paper on which they were printed, pulps enthralled generations of readers with their eye-catching artwork; scintillating stories by literary masters such as Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft; and the first appearances of major fictional characters, including Tarzan, Zorro, Buck Rogers, The Shadow, Doc Savage, the Green Lama and even Peter Pan. A century later, pulps are still attracting collectors for the same reasons.
Akers is a former dealer of vintage comic books and a longtime collector of comics and pulp magazines.
“For a few years, I indulged in collecting a wide variety of pulps, amassing treasures such as the October 1912 issue of All-Story, the first issue of Weird Tales and nearly all the issues in the Spicy titles,” Akers says. “However, in the last couple of years, my primary focus has shifted to assembling the best possible run of Planet Stories.”
Like a lot of pulp collectors, Akers was lured by the sci-fi series’ classic cover images from the 1940s and early ’50s, many of them created by artists such as Norman Saunders, Allen Anderson, Frank Kelly Freas and Hannes Bok. His goal: to compile a complete run of Planet Stories issues in CGC 7.0 or higher. The Ohio native, who joined the Dallas-based Heritage team in 2019, has his work cut out for him. Although CGC has graded more than 4,500 pulps since launching the service earlier this year, only 0.6 percent of those copies have received a grade of 9.0 or higher. For most pulps, a grade of 7.0 is considered high grade, and for many older and rarer pulps, a CGC 5.0 could be the highest grade in the census. “The pulp market is definitely expanding with new buyers, and there’s a big emphasis on finding those high-grade copies,” he says. “CGC’s involvement has highlighted just how important and artistic these pulp magazines are, recognizing the value of their iconic covers and stories.”
In celebration of the collecting category’s growing momentum, we asked Akers to share his Top 5 pulp magazines based on historical significance. Below are his picks, along with a couple of more-than-deserving honorable mentions.
In a January 2024 Heritage auction, this October 1912 issue of ‘The All-Story’ smashed the record for the highest price paid for a pulp magazine at $264,000.
The All-Story, October 1912
I can’t overstate the historical importance of the October 1912 issue of All-Story magazine, probably the most important and certainly the most valuable pulp. This pulp magazine marks the first appearance of Tarzan, one of the most iconic and enduring characters in literature and pop culture. Holding this issue feels like touching a piece of history – it’s where Edgar Rice Burroughs introduced Tarzan to the world. Since then, Tarzan has inspired more than 24 novels, countless comic books and more than 50 movies. The first book I ever owned was a copy of Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle that my grandparents bought me, and I remember watching Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan movies as a kid on Saturday mornings. This issue is a treasure that connects us to the golden age of pulp fiction and the birth of a legendary hero who continues to captivate audiences more than a century later.
This debut issue of ‘Weird Tales,’ the longest-running and most influential pulp horror title, realized $36,000 in a May 2021 Heritage auction.
Weird Tales, March 1923
Weird Tales, which debuted with this March 1923 issue, is significant in pulp magazine history because it introduced readers to some of the greatest horror, fantasy and science fiction stories of the early 20th century. It became a platform for legendary authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, whose works have had a lasting impact on these genres. The magazine also featured stunning cover art by renowned artists such as Margaret Brundage and Virgil Finlay, whose vivid, eerie illustrations helped define the aesthetic of pulp fiction. Weird Tales sparked imaginations and set the stage for future genres, making it a prized and fascinating artifact for any collector.
This copy of ‘All-Story Weekly,’ featuring the first appearance of Zorro, sold for $3,120 in a November 2019 Heritage auction.
All-Story Weekly; August 9, 1919
This pulp magazine deserves a spot on the list because it features the first appearance of Zorro. Created by Johnston McCulley, Zorro is a masked vigilante who defends the oppressed, combining swashbuckling adventure with social justice. The issue is a cornerstone of pop culture, inspiring countless adaptations in television shows, films and comics. From the classic 1950s TV series starring Guy Williams to Antonio Banderas’ dynamic portrayal in films, Zorro’s legacy endures, shaping the archetype of the heroic outlaw and leaving an indelible mark on modern storytelling.
This difficult-to-find first issue of ‘The Shadow’ realized $156,000 in a May 2021 Heritage auction.
The Shadow, April 1931
The debut issue of The Shadow holds immense historical significance. Published by Street & Smith, it introduced The Shadow, a character who became a cornerstone of the pulp hero genre. The Shadow’s mysterious persona, complex narratives and iconic catchphrase – “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows” – captivated readers and laid the groundwork for future superheroes like Batman. This magazine not only shaped the pulp fiction landscape but also influenced comic books, radio shows and movies, making it a prized collectible for any enthusiast of early 20th-century popular culture.
This copy of Doc Savage’s first appearance sold for $39,600 in a June 2024 Heritage auction.
Doc Savage No. 1, March 1933
Created by Lester Dent, this issue introduced Clark Savage, a brilliant scientist and adventurer who paved the way for modern superheroes. Street & Smith’s Doc Savage combined intellect, physical prowess and a strong moral code, inspiring characters like Superman and Batman. You can see his influence in superheroes’ dual identities, elaborate gadgets and unwavering commitment to justice. Having this pulp is like holding the blueprint of the superhero archetype, a fascinating glimpse into the origins of many beloved comic characters we know today.
Available in Heritage’s September 12-15 Comics & Comic Art Signature® Auction, this CGC 9.8 copy of the August 1928 issue of ‘Amazing Stories’ is currently the highest-graded pulp magazine in the CGC census.
Amazing Stories, August 1928 (Honorable Mention)
Published by Ziff-Davis, this landmark in science fiction history features the first serialized appearance of E.E. “Doc” Smith’s The Skylark of Space and the debut of Buck Rogers. Buck Rogers quickly became an iconic character, leading to adaptations in movies, TV and radio, and significantly influencing the development of superheroes, including Superman. Buck Rogers’ futuristic gadgets and heroics set the template for superhero narratives, paving the way for the genre’s evolution. This pulp magazine is a vital piece of sci-fi and comic book history.
Featuring cover art by the renowned illustrator J. Allen St. John, this 1932 issue of ‘Weird Tales’ realized $18,000 in a December 2023 Heritage auction.
Weird Tales, December 1932 (Honorable Mention)
This issue of Weird Tales is a true gem in the world of classic fantasy. It marks the first appearance of Conan the Cimmerian, created by Robert E. Howard. Conan would go on to become a cultural icon, and his thrilling adventures would influence countless comics, novels and movies. The character’s impact is undeniable, leading to the iconic Conan movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and a successful run in comic books. This issue isn’t just a collectible; it’s the birth of a legend that has shaped and defined fantasy storytelling.
Heritage’s next Pulps Showcase Auction takes place September 19-20. For inquiries, contact Rick Akers at 214.409.1665 or RickA@HA.com.
RHONDA REINHART is editor of Intelligent Collector.