This is an original 1961 issue of Shock Mystery Tales Magazine, Vol. 2 No. 1 (December). A classic mid-century pulp digest known for its dramatic painted covers, bold horror-thriller content, and sensational interior advertisements of the era. Stories include Curse of the Serpent Goddess by Bill Ryder, I Am the Monster by Art Crockett, The Damned of Terror Island by Jim Arthur, and more.

Condition
This vintage pulp magazine shows expected age-related wear but remains a strong and complete example from 1961.

• Covers — Front cover displays vibrant color and classic pulp artwork with light rubbing, mild edgewear, and some small corner softening. Back cover shows light discoloration, small handling marks, and a few faint stains near the upper area.
• Spine — Spine is intact with readable text. Exhibits rubbing, several small areas of color loss, and a noticeable scuff/peel near the “December, 1961” text. Light spine stress but fully attached.
• Interior Pages — Pages are complete and firmly attached. Even toning throughout consistent with early 1960s pulp paper. Interior ads and illustrations are crisp and legible. No writing or major tears noted.
• Page Edges — Outer page edges show natural aging, medium toning, and minor darkening.
• Printing Characteristics — Some mild irregularities typical of vintage pulp printing may be present, such as ink variation or small overprint specks.
• Binding — Spine is slightly detached from the contents. See slides 14 and 15. Actually pages are tight for a digest of this age; pages turn cleanly with no looseness detected.

A solid and well-preserved example for collectors of vintage horror, mid-century thrillers, and pulp digest illustration.

Please note: Magazine is stored wrapped in acid-free archival paper.

Good luck from Laurence & Sally of Baggage Battles and Storage Wars; currently roundthebend.tv