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Peter Cottontail #1 - Stanley Morse/Key Publications, 1954
Peter Cottontail #1 - Stanley Morse/Key Publications, 1954
Low stock: 1 left
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$75.00 USD
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Peter Cottontail #1 - Stanley Morse/Key Publications, 1954
Hop into a rare Golden Age oddity with Peter Cottontail #1, published by Stanley Morse/Key Publications in 1954! This 36-page, 3-D one-shot brings the mischievous rabbit Peter Cottontail to life in a whimsical anthology of anthropomorphic adventures. Scripted by Bruce Hamilton and illustrated by Ben Brown, this issue includes tales like “Peter Cottontail in Out of This World” and “Peter Cottontail and His Magic Carrot,” originally presented with 3-D effects (glasses included in the original release). With a quirky cast of funny animals and a vibrant cover, this comic blends 1950s novelty with classic cartoon charm—an obscure gem from the pre-Comics Code era!
Value Highlights:
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3-D Gimmick Rarity: Released during the brief 1950s 3-D comics craze, Peter Cottontail #1 stands out as a one-shot from Stanley Morse, a lesser-known publisher. Its experimental format and surviving copies with glasses intact are prized by niche collectors.
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Pre-Code Curiosity: Published just before the Comics Code Authority clamped down in 1954, this issue reflects the freewheeling creativity of the era, adding historical appeal for Golden Age enthusiasts.
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Ben Brown Art: Brown’s playful pencils bring a lighthearted energy, appealing to fans of funny animal comics—a genre that thrived in the 1950s alongside Disney and Looney Tunes titles.
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Low Print Run: Stanley Morse titles typically had smaller distributions than giants like Dell or Atlas, making #1 a scarce find, especially in mid-to-high grades.
Market Trends:
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Golden Age Niche Surge: Obscure 1950s comics are gaining traction as collectors expand beyond mainstream superhero books. Titles like Peter Cottontail benefit from this trend, with values ticking up for unique, offbeat issues.
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Affordable Rarity: Mid-grade copies like this VG 4.0 typically range from $50-$100 on platforms like eBay, offering an accessible entry into pre-Code collecting with upside potential. Comparable 3-D one-shots (e.g., Captain 3-D) show similar pricing, with high-grade rarities hitting $200+ at auction.
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3-D Collectible Bump: The 3-D gimmick adds a premium, especially if glasses are present (though absent here). Interest in this fad—peaking in 1953-1954—has resurged with nostalgia for vintage tech.
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Funny Animal Revival: With renewed appreciation for Golden Age cartoon comics (e.g., Bugs Bunny, Donald Duck), lesser-known characters like Peter Cottontail are finding new fans, though they lag behind Disney-tier icons in value.
Don’t let this bunny hop away! Whether you’re a Golden Age completist, a 3-D comics aficionado, or a fan of funny animal antics, Peter Cottontail #1 offers a rare slice of 1954 quirkiness and promising value at a carrot-crunching price.
