Timely Comics Inc. · 10¢ · 52 Pages · On Sale April 13, 1948
A scarce Golden Age Timely #1 issue — adapting the epic romance of Antony and Cleopatra in oversized 52-page format. Published during the transitional Timely-to-Atlas era, this is an early Marvel-family historical/romance experiment.
• Issue #1 – Debut of the Ideal series
• Published by Timely Comics (pre-Marvel branding)
• 52-page Golden Age format
• Lead feature: “All for the Love of a Woman!” — historical account of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony
• Includes period Timely house ads and vintage Tootsie Roll ad comic
An unusual and lesser-seen Timely title blending historical drama, romance, and adventure — far removed from the superhero boom but firmly rooted in late-’40s publishing trends.
The main 38-page feature dramatizes the tragic romance of Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius, likely drawing influence from Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra and other classical retellings.
Also includes:
• “The Observant Killer” (2-page detective text story)
• Captain Tootsie comic-form advertisement
• Period promo material and house ads
A true Golden Age time capsule.
• General wear consistent with grade
• Edge wear, creasing, and handling
• Aging typical of late-1940s paper stock
• Complete with readable interior
Solid lower-grade copy of a tough early Timely #1 issue.
Timely Comics Inc. · 10¢ · 52 Pages · On Sale April 13, 1948
A scarce Golden Age Timely #1 issue — adapting the epic romance of Antony and Cleopatra in oversized 52-page format. Published during the transitional Timely-to-Atlas era, this is an early Marvel-family historical/romance experiment.
• Issue #1 – Debut of the Ideal series
• Published by Timely Comics (pre-Marvel branding)
• 52-page Golden Age format
• Lead feature: “All for the Love of a Woman!” — historical account of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony
• Includes period Timely house ads and vintage Tootsie Roll ad comic
An unusual and lesser-seen Timely title blending historical drama, romance, and adventure — far removed from the superhero boom but firmly rooted in late-’40s publishing trends.
The main 38-page feature dramatizes the tragic romance of Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius, likely drawing influence from Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra and other classical retellings.
Also includes:
• “The Observant Killer” (2-page detective text story)
• Captain Tootsie comic-form advertisement
• Period promo material and house ads
A true Golden Age time capsule.
• General wear consistent with grade
• Edge wear, creasing, and handling
• Aging typical of late-1940s paper stock
• Complete with readable interior
Solid lower-grade copy of a tough early Timely #1 issue.
