The Complete EC Library: New Direction Part 2 (3 Volume Boxed Set)

Hard Cover. Russ Cochran 1985. 3 Volume Slipcased set comprising The Complete EC Library: Impact, M.D, Valor. Book condition: VG - Very Good. Black & White illustrations. Dust Jacket condition: VG - Very Good. Published originally by William M. Gaines. After the introduction of the Comic Code Authority, all publishers were required to have their Comics approved or risk them remaining undistributed throughout America. EC held out for a while with their existing titles but in early 1955 launched six brand new titles, Aces High, Extra, Impact, M.D, Psychoanalysis & Valor. They also converted Weird Science Fantasy into Incredible Science Fiction, with the extant Piracy & Panic. the concluding part of Cochran's Complete New Direction was formed by Impact, M.D and Valor (fifteen issues in total). Impact was EC's attempt to continue the shock or mystery style stories with high interest covers & stories by Jack Davis, Reed Crandall, Graham Ingels, Joe Orlando & George Evans. The first issue is famous for Krigstein's haunting & disturbing Master Race, wherein a holocaust survivor meets his former captor on a New York subway train. Publisher Gaines permitted the artist to extend the story to eight pages& it is regarded rightly as a defining classic. M.D was the second foray into the medical genre, with stylish covers by Craig & interior stories by EC's regular artists. Valor is another highlight of EC's New-Direction series. The covers were illustrated by Wally Wood & Al Williamson, with interiors by them, plus Graham Ingels, Krigstein, Reed Crandall & others. Despite their high concept & striking art, none of the New-Direction titles survived more than five issues under a restrictive Code & anti-Comics mood of 1950s America. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. VG/FN. Size: 10" x 13" (250mm x 330mm). (4.5).…