THE FLAME #2 — CGC 5.0 (VG/FN)
Ajax-Farrell Publications · March 1955 · Off-White to White Pages
CGC Certification #1451977017

Scarce Atomic Age Ajax-Farrell with a terrific alien invasion cover, in a CGC Universal (blue label) holder. No restoration and no defects noted on the label.

Alien invasion cover

A genuine standout. The Flame — red bodysuit, blue gauntlets, flame-crested cowl — strides straight at the reader through a swarming horde of bug-eyed green amphibian aliens, while behind him a landed saucer disgorges more of them down a ramp and a ray blast flares. His word balloon is pure 1955:

"DON'T GET US WRONG! IN THIS COUNTRY WE OFFER FRIENDSHIP, BUT WE'RE ALWAYS READY TO FIGHT IF NECESSARY!"

Banner reads "AMAZING ADVENTURES!" with the FLAME logo rendered as tall red flames, and a second story teased: "WHERE THERE'S SMOKE THERE'S SUSPICION!" Ten cents.

Invasion and flying saucer covers are their own collecting category, and they draw science fiction collectors who never touch superhero books. This is a clean, uncluttered example with the saucer, the ray blast, and a full alien army all in one image.

Why Ajax-Farrell is hard to find

Ajax-Farrell was a small operation that folded in 1956. Print runs were modest, distribution was spotty, and survival rates on their books are low — Ajax-Farrell titles simply do not show up in quantity, in any grade. The Flame was their short-lived 1950s revival of the Golden Age Fox Feature hero, and the run is only a few issues deep.

Paper is a real plus here. CGC graded the pages Off-White to White and noted no defects at all on the label — no tape, no detached cover, no writing.

Back cover bonus

Full-page "The FUNman" premium ad out of Chicago — "PRIZES GIVEN — MAKE MONEY TOO!" Sell 24 Religious Wall Mottos at 35¢ each and choose from a Roy Rogers Flash Camera, Roy Rogers binoculars, a Gabby Hayes Fishing Kit, a radium dial pocket watch, a Red Ryder Carbine, a Roy Rogers or Dale Evans lamp, an electronic two-way walkie-talkie, a ukulele with Arthur Godfrey player, a pressure cooker, or a sewing machine. "SEND NO MONEY — We Trust You!" A wonderful mid-fifties licensing time capsule.

Condition notes

• CGC 5.0 (VG/FN) with Off-White to White page quality
• No restoration; no defect notations on the CGC label
• Colors are strong — the red logo and red costume both pop against the teal sky
• Wear consistent with the grade: spine wear, edge and corner wear, light creasing, and mild tanning to the back cover edges
• Please review photos closely; they show the actual book being sold

Shipping

Ships fully protected: slab bagged, corner-protected, and boxed with rigid backing in a double-walled carton. Insured with tracking. Questions welcome.